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

Unlaunch is a bootcode exploit which gets installed onto the DSi console itself, allowing full control of the console on boot, and as a result, allows homebrew applications full access to the hardware without restrictions from DSi system apps or DSiWare titles.

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 - Memory Pit

Memory Pit is an exploit utilizing the DSi Camera, compatible with all firmware versions.

If using the exploit without installing Unlaunch, compatibility with some homebrews could be limited. If you encounter issues with DSi homebrews, you can return to this guide and set up an alternate exploit instead.

TIP

Continue to Launching the Exploit