Get Started

We'll begin with downloading some homebrew tool(s), in preparation for the exploit steps.

Requirements

• A way to copy downloaded files to your SD card
• An application that can extract archives, such as 7-Zip (Windows), The Unarchiver (macOS), or ZArchiver (Chromebook)
  • We advise you to not use WinRAR, as it is known to break things
  • If you're using Windows 11, we also advise you to not use it's built-in extractor (Windows Explorer), as it'll cause an error saying that the filename is too long or not valid

Section I - Prep Work

WARNING

Ensure your SD card is formatted correctly.

1. Insert your SD card into your PC
2. Download the latest release of dumpTool as boot.nds
3. Copy the boot.nds file to the root of your SD card

TIP

Unsure what the SD "root" is? See this image

Section II - Checking if Unlaunch is already installed

Some DSi consoles that are sold as used/refurbished might already have Unlaunch installed.

To check, press the POWER button and immediately hold the A+B buttons.

• If you see a menu which shows Nocash Unlaunch.dsi on the top screen, this means Unlaunch is already installed, and you can continue with dumping the NAND.
• If the DSi starts normally with the DSi Menu appearing, proceed with Section III.

Section III - Selecting an exploit

From here you have three options, with a minor difference in what each entails.

Installing Unlaunch via Memory Pit

Memory Pit is an exploit utilizing the DSi Camera, compatible with all firmware versions. Optionally, this exploit can be used to install Unlaunch, a bootcode exploit that allows full control of the console on boot.

As Memory Pit is somewhat limited in homebrew compatibility, it is recommended to install Unlaunch, instead of using Memory Pit standalone. As this is the easiest method to install Unlaunch, this is the recommended path. However, there is a very minor risk of bricking your console when installing Unlaunch, so if this is a concern, see the alternate method below.

TIP

Continue to Launching the Exploit

stylehax

stylehax is an exploit utilizing the DSi Browser application, and can be used as an alternative to Memory Pit for installing Unlaunch (explained above) if your DSi has a broken camera.

For an Unlaunch-free experience, this exploit is recommended as using Memory Pit causes issues in some games and homebrew.

TIP

Continue to Launching the Exploit (stylehax)

Flipnote Lenny

Flipnote Lenny is an exploit utilizing the Flipnote Studio application.

If you have Flipnote Studio and do not plan on installing Unlaunch (explained above), this exploit is recommended for the same reason as stylehax.

You can always install Unlaunch later if you decide later on that you want it.

TIP

Continue to Launching the Exploit (Flipnote Lenny)

For a more detailed pros and cons comparision of the available exploits, please see the Which is the best exploit? FAQ.