How to Homebrew DSi + Play Downloaded DS Games! (2023 Guide)

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of homebrewing your Nintendo DSi and playing downloaded DS games for free. By following these steps, you will set up custom firmware on your DSi, allowing you to access a variety of games without needing to use physical cartridges.

Chapter 1: Getting Started

• Ensure you have the following items:
  • A Nintendo DSi
  • An SD card (preferably FAT32 formatted, any size is acceptable)
  • An SD to USB adapter for transferring files to your SD card
• Familiarize yourself with the process by watching the video first, which will help you avoid common mistakes.

Chapter 2: What You Need

• SD card options:
  • 16 GB micro SD card with an adapter.
  • 4 GB SD card.
• Download files to your SD card using the SD to USB adapter.

Chapter 3: Format SD Card

• Remove the SD card from your DSi and connect it to your PC.
• Check if the SD card is formatted as FAT32:
  • Right-click on the SD card and select 'Properties' to verify the format.
• If not FAT32, format it:
  • Right-click on the SD card > Format > Select FAT32.
  • Caution: This will erase all data on the card. Back up any important files.
• For SD cards larger than 32 GB, use the tool from Ridge Court to format to FAT32.

Chapter 4: SD Setup

• Download the required files:
  • Navigate to the DSi guide website and download "Twilight Menu++" and "Dump Tool".
• Extract and set up your SD card:
  • Drag the NDS folder to the root of your SD card.
  • Drag boot.nds and dumptool.nds to the root of your SD card as well.

Chapter 5: Exploit Setup

• Choose an exploit:
  • Use the "Memory Pit" exploit.
• Check your DSi camera version:
  • Insert the SD card into the DSi and open the camera app.
  • Click on the album button to check for the Facebook icon, which will guide later steps.
• Create necessary files on the SD card:
  • If you see the Facebook icon, proceed to the next step. If not, return to the camera app and click on SD card to create required files.

Chapter 6: Running the Exploit

• Return to your PC to download the next file.
• Download the pit.bin file according to your Facebook icon status:
  • Rename the existing pit.bin file to tip and drag the new pit.bin into the appropriate folder on your SD card.
• Backup any important DCIM folder if necessary, then delete it.

Chapter 7: Running the Exploit on DSi

• Go back to the DSi:
  • Access the camera app and select the SD card.
  • If you see a magenta flash, the exploit is successful, and you will enter the Twilight Menu.
• Select your language and region to proceed.

Chapter 8: Backup Nand

• Run the Dump Tool in the Twilight Menu:
  • Select the option to start the NAND dump.
  • Ensure you have at least 250 MB free on your SD card.
• Once completed, safely eject the SD card and back up the NAND folder to your PC.

Chapter 9: Getting Unlaunch

• Download and install Unlaunch:
  • Follow the instructions on the guide to download the latest version of Unlaunch.
  • Drag unlaunch.dsi to the root of your SD card.
• Repeat the exploit process to enter Twilight Menu and launch Unlaunch.

Chapter 10: Unlaunch Settings

• Access Unlaunch settings:
  • Change background images and select the option to install.
• After installation, reboot your DSi.

Chapter 11: Setting Autoboot

• Configure the DSi to boot into Twilight Menu without holding buttons:
  • Navigate to options and select "Twilight Menu" to set it as the default boot.
• Save and exit, then reboot your DSi to verify the settings.

Chapter 12: Clean Up SD Card

• Remove unnecessary files from your SD card to free up space.
• Rename tip.bin back to pit and delete any unnecessary files.

Chapter 13: Play DS Games

• Create a folder structure for your games:
  • Create a folder named ROMs and inside it, create another named NDS.
• Transfer your NDS game files into this folder.
• Eject the SD card and reinsert it into your DSi.
• Navigate to the ROMs folder in Twilight Menu to access and play your games.

Conclusion

You have successfully homebrewed your DSi and set it up to play DS games. Keep your NAND backup safe for future use, and enjoy the flexibility of playing games without the need for physical cartridges. If you have any questions or run into issues, check the FAQ linked in the video description or comment for assistance. Happy gaming!