Nintendo DS Hacker

IRC on the Nintendo DS

2009-06-10T08:42:00.000-07:00

I've been using DSOrganize's inbuilt IRC client to check my favorite channels while away from home. Unfortunately, the channels I normally visit are on two different servers and DSOrganize doesn't support multiple connections.

This prompted me to test the alternatives available. Unfortunately two of the progam didn't connect leaving ClIRC as my only hope. Fortunately ClIRC connected without any issues and supports multiple simultaneous servers.

Of the IRC software available, ClIRC supports the mosts feature and has earned a place on my R4DS. If you'd like to check out one of the other clients, here's a complete list:

ClIRC v0.05 - scan for WiFi connection, connect to up to 3 servers, run commands on connect, input history
DSOrganize 3.2 - scan for WiFi connection, connect to 1 server only, has slightly larger on-screen keyboard than ClIRC
SylphDS / SlyphIRC 0.05 - didn't connect
IRCDS 0.3d - didn't connect

Inferno Operating System for Nintendo DS

2009-05-22T07:10:00.000-07:00

Has anyone managed to successfully install the latest version of Inferno-DS, the Inferno kernel for the Nintendo DS (rev 175)? I've managed to get an older revision running, but r175 just panics, spews out lots of hex and asks me to reboot.

A general purpose multi-tasking windowed operating system would be extremely welcome for the DS and Inferno comes closest to fitting the bill.

DS Twitter: How to Tweet From the Nintendo DS

2009-04-27T15:37:00.000-07:00

For some strange reason, DS Twitter stopped working while I was on holiday. Unfortunately I didn't have chance to investigate until I got back so I spend a week without twitter.

Twitter is a micro-blogging platform where users keep in touch by posting short status updates. By following your friends, their updates are included in your timeline which you can view using DS Twitter.

There's a new version available for download, version 1.5 at Acdartux. After installing the update everything works fine again, thank goodness!

There doesn't appear to be any new features added in version 1.5. Hopefully a future version will include the ability to send direct messages and add new friends :-)

Two Player DS Games

2009-04-13T01:47:00.000-07:00

I'd like to invest in a few more DS games with a great two player, single card setting. Currently I can recommend the following:

Bomberman
Super Mario Bros
Big Brain Academy

Which 2 player DS game would you recommend?

DS Twitter: how to tweet from your Nintendo DS

2009-03-30T22:12:00.000-07:00

DSTwitter is a twitter client for the Nintendo DS. If you haven't come across twitter before, it's a micro-blog where you keep in touch by entering short responses to the question 'What are you doing?'. By following people you know, you'll be kept up to date with their twitter posts, also known as tweets.

To download DSTwitter, you need to register at SceneBeta. The sign-up page is in Spanish, but shouldn't prove too difficult.

After downloading and transfering to your flash card, add your twitter id and password to the data file. Currently the Wi-Fi connection needs to be set up by another program, e.g. DSOrganise.

DSTwitter receives your friends latest tweets, and allows you to send your own tweet via the on-screen keyboard.

It's possible to post tweets via text message from your mobile phone, but if you don't have free text messages, DSTwitter is a must have application to keep in touch on the move.

DS Gauntlet: Canceled

2009-02-20T00:52:00.000-08:00

I've been waiting with anticipation for DS Gauntlet to be released since I first purchase my DS. Originally it was scheduled to be published in October. Then it changed to December, then February. Now there's a rumor circulating it's been canceled. There's no official confirmation as yet.

A petition has been started asking Eidos to release DS Gauntlet now. If you'd like to see Gauntlet on the DS, please consider adding your name.

The Use of an Unlawful Device with you Nintendo DS...

2009-01-03T03:32:00.000-08:00

Some of the latest titles for the Nintendo DS come with a warning on the reverse:

IMPORTANT: The use of an unlawful device with your Nintendo DS system may render this game unplayable.

What exactly is the unlawful device? Surely flash-carts such as the R4 are not unlawful, but only the way in which a minority of users make use of them.

Currently I use my R4 to run Bunjalloo web browser, DSOrganise, view a few photos and play homebrew games. Am I acting unlawfully?

Christmas: Looking for Another Copy of Professor Layton

2008-12-13T12:31:00.000-08:00

I've been looking for a copy of Professor Layton and the Curious Village for a Christmas present without much luck. I haven't seen a copy in the shops for weeks, everywhere has sold out.

As a last resort I decided to look on Ebay. Imagine how shocked I was to discover Professor Layton selling for more than double the list price. One auction ended yesterday at £97.83; compared to about £28 in the shops (if you're lucky!)

Everywhere in town seems to have sold out of the DS too, they're only being sold in bundles, DS, accessory pack and an old game.

Professor Layton and the Curious Village

2008-11-08T13:09:00.000-08:00

I've been looking forward to the release of Professor Layton and the Curious Village for a few weeks, so I headed into town this morning to pick up a copy. Despite only being released yesterday, everywhere in town has sold out! There are 8 shops which sell games for the Nintendo DS. :-(

Setting up the R4DS

2008-08-21T23:15:00.000-07:00

My R4DS arrived today. The package contains the R4DS card, a 2GB MicroSD card, a USB MicroSD card reader and a case for the R4. The package does not include a setup CD or instruction manual!

Unfortunately the website listed on the packaging no longer works, so a little more effort is required to set up the card.

The firmware should be downloaded first, unzipped and copied over to the MicroSD card. Download the firmware from http://www.r4ds-forums.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=1136 or

http://www.r4ds.cn. 7zip is required to unzip the files, http://www.7-zip.org/download.html.

Then simply insert the MicroSD card into the R4, then the R4 into your DS and you're ready to go.

Bought: R4DS

2008-08-16T08:52:00.000-07:00

I've finally taken the plunge and decided to buy a R4DS. It should arrive on Tuesday. The price from ConsoleUP including a 2GB Micro SD card and postage is £40.22. Let me know if you've seen them cheaper elsewhere. :-)

Nintendo DS Homebrew Cards

2008-08-13T11:47:00.001-07:00

After wading through the options, I've narrowed the choice of homebrew card down to the CycloDS Evolution and the R4DS. Both are slot 1 devices which use a Micro SD card for storage. The R4DS is limited to a 2GB memory card, while the CycloDS accepts up to 8GB.

I haven't had much luck finding either of these on Ebay. I think Ebay have banned these devices as they can also be used for software piracy. However, I've manage to win a couple of auctions for games. Hotel Dusk: Room 215 and The Settlers should keep me entertained for a little while :-)

Privacy Policy

2008-08-12T23:59:00.000-07:00

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DS Hacker

2008-08-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

DS Hacker is a blog dedicated to homebrew software for the Nintendo DS Lite.

A few days ago I received a Nintendo DS for my birthday and I'm planning to investigate the homebrew software scene. I'd love to have Corewar and Firefox available on my DS.

To run homebrew on the DS, a special game card is required, which can be written from the PC. There are several available with a confusing variety of options. Which would you recommend?