Booting & playing

Booting & playing

With the kernel installed and your files copied, actually booting into the flashcard is the easy part. Here is what happens and how to get going.

Inserting the card

Slide the microSD into the flashcard until it clicks, then insert the flashcard into slot-1 of your DS, label side up, until it seats flush. Because modern cards include NoPass, there is nothing else to plug in.

Starting the menu

Power on the DS. On the system menu you will see the flashcard listed as a cartridge, usually with the card's name. Tap it (or set the system to auto-start the cartridge) and the card's kernel loads.

Launching content

From the kernel menu, browse to the folder where you copied your .nds files and select one. Homebrew apps and game backups both launch the same way. The card handles saves automatically, writing them back to the microSD.

If nothing appears

• Reseat the flashcard and the microSD; a loose contact is the usual culprit.
• Confirm the kernel sits at the root of the card.
• Verify the microSD is genuine and formatted FAT32.