WHAT IS HOMEBREW?
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Homebrew is any software that was not made by Nintendo or published with Nintendo's approval. It is custom software made by end-users, and not 'true' developers, of the DS. This includes emulators for legacy systems (NES, SNES and others).
RUNNING UNSIGNED CODE
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Firstly, I'll explain getting unsigned code to run at all. DS and GBA cartridges have code that identify themselves as legitimate games. If a cartridge does not have this code at its start, then no code from the cartridge will be run. Running homebrew involves circumnavigating this protection.
You do not need to touch your DS' firmware or take your DS apart to get around this protection. Most people use Pass Carts, which simply insert into Slot 1 like a DS game. There are many Pass Carts in existence, but all they do is use signed code from the start of legitimate software to make the DS run any other code you want.
TYPES OF FLASH CARTRIDGE
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A flash cartridge holds the homebrew/backups/media you want to run on your DS. Two kinds of flash cartridges exist: Slot 1 solutions, and Slot 2 solutions.
Slot 1 solutions are inserted into Slot 1. They come with a Pass Cart built in, so they are almost one-piece solutions for flawlessly playing NDS games. However, because they have an inadequate file system and no built-in memory, they cannot play GBA games, and are often incompatible with Homebrew. The best Slot 1 carts are the R4DS and M3 Simply, which are exactly the same thing, and made by the same people, but with different labels.
Slot 2 solutions are inserted into Slot 2. You need a Pass Cart to run code from a Slot 2 device, so you will need to buy a separate Pass Cart, or use a Slot 1 device with a Pass Cart built in. Most Homebrew is designed for Slot 2 cartridges, and because they often have built-in memory, they can run GBA and NDS games. The best Slot 2 carts are the 'Perfect' series made by M3 Adapters.
WHERE SHOULD I BUY, AND WHAT SHOULD I BUY?
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Slot 2 devices are your best all-around bet for running NDS, GBA and Homebrew. However, if you only care about playing NDS games, a Slot 1 card is your best option.
Always look for a flash cartridge with removable media. Most carts for the DS Lite now use Micro SD cards, which can be had from AU$20 on eBay. Beware of Sandisk cards: they have freezing issues with certain games.
WHAT NEXT?
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The manufacturer's website for your flash cartridge has the latest firmware for your device. Download it, install it according to their instructions, and then Google up a Homebrew guide. Done.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
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The DS cannot run PSX, N64, Saturn, Neo-Geo or anything newer. The DS, even with the extra memory on a Slot 2 device, cannot emulate these systems.
Regarding emulation on a DS, it's presently very lacking. The DS has rigid memory constraints, and has difficulty emulating a console on top of running the DS itself. The only legacy systems that are highly playable (read: very few graphical or audio glitches and the abiity to save states) on the DS (as of 3/3/07) are NES, GBA, and possibly GB/GBC.
You *can* modify your DS to run unsigned code without a Pass Cart by Flashing your DS' firmware, but you still need a Pass Cart and Flash Cartridge to do this. Google the process; I can't tell you how, because I haven't done it.
There's usually no built-in slot in your PC for memory cards. You'll need a card reader, which will cost AU$20-40 from stores. Some manufacturers (Read: R4 with their R4DS and M3 Simply) even give you a free card reader with your Flash Cartridge.
I use Micro SD cards. The best I've found is ADATA. Tandy and Dick Smith's DSE-brand cards are actually ADATA, but they're selling them at exorbitant prices ($80 for 1gb). Best place to look is eBay, where I got a 1gb ADATA from Hong Kong for $21.
07/03/2007
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emulator
flash
homebrew
nes
snes
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