Nds-Bootstrap - Gamebrew

nds-bootstrap is an open-source application that allows Nintendo DS/DSi ROMs and homebrew to be natively utilised rather than using an emulator. nds-bootstrap works on Nintendo DSi/3DS SD cards through CFW and on Nintendo DS through flashcarts.

Note from developers:

A frontend isn't required to be used as nds-bootstrap uses an ini file to load its parameters. However, it is very much recommended. TWiLight Menu++ is a frontend for nds-bootstrap, developed by RocketRobz & co. It has 7 customizable launchers to choose from with the ability to launch emulators and other homebrew. It also includes a number of Anti-Piracy patches for the games and will automatically configure nds-bootstrap for you, with customizable per game settings.

To install nds-bootstrap, download the .7z file.

Extract the nds-bootstrap .nds files, to root:/_nds/.

For TWLMenu++ users, extract the .ver file to root:/_nds/TWiLightMenu/ (only when you are updating nds-bootstrap, as it comes bundled in TWiLight Menu++).

ROM Compatibility

nds-bootstrap supports most DS ROMs, with a few exceptions (see compatibility list).

• You can enhance your gaming experience with cheats and faster load times than general cartridges (for games that support those features).
• Game saving is supported too and will be saved in the .sav extention, and .pub or .prv for DSiWare.
• Anti-Piracy patches can be loaded via IPS files, but they are not included inside the software itself.
• nds-bootstrap also supports many homebrew applications, including games like DSCraft (please check the compatibility list above).

B4DS mode (a result of running nds-bootstrap on DS-mode flashcards with locked SCFG or DS Phat/lite):

• Supports some DS ROMs, you can increase compatibility by inserting a DS Memory Expansion Pak.
• Since v0.50.2 it is also possible to boot Nintendo DSi+Internet, see list of supported DSiWare titles.

Screenshots

To take screenshots directly from the hardware:

• Open the in-game menu, select Screenshots...
• Select the VRAM bank, in case if the screenshot looks incorrect (this feature cannot be used in B4DS mode).
• You can now step 1 frame, while in the in-game menu (by pressing R).
• Screenshots will be saved to screenshots.tar in sd:/_nds/nds-bootstrap/.
  • Due to hardware limitations, only screenshots of the main-set screen will be taken.
  • Limit is 50 screenshots. After reaching the limit, you cannot take any more, until you delete screenshots.tar in sd:/_nds/nds-bootstrap/, where it'll be re-created on next boot.

FAQ

Please see the FAQ page.