Tag Archives: How Tos

DIY, Games, Homebrew, Jailbreaks, News, Nintendo, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Homebrew, Tutorial & Guides

SimpleModDownloader for Switch Now Available

We’ll get right into what SimpleModDownloader for Switch is in a moment, what it does, and how to install and use it. But first I want to thank PoloNX for their contribution to the Switch modding scene. The link to his original post will be at the end and you can go thank him personally yourself if you’d like!

What is SimpleModDownloader?

  • App to download game mods and hacks from gamebanana.com directly on your switch
  • App also can install the downloaded mods directly from your switch with SimpleModManager

How to Install SimpleModDownloader.

  1. Download latest SimpleModDownloader from here.
  2. Plug in microSD card into your computer.
  3. Put the downloaded SimpleModDownloader.nro file at SDCard:/switch/
  4. Safely eject your microSD card and return it to your Switch.
  5. Turn your Switch on and then enable your wifi.
  6. Now return to the Switch home menu.
  7. Load homebrew by holding the R trigger and choosing the photo app.
  8. SimpleModDownloader will be in your list of homebrew. Highlight it and then press A to launch it.

How to Use SimpleModDownloader.

Watch the demonstration video below to show you how to use SimpleModDownloader. It shows how to search games, the mods for each game, and how to download and install. Very simple!

https://gbatemp.net/data/video/377/377869-026ea68f522b76ef608b969d52f9f2c9.mp4?_=1

Original Post by PoloNX

Android, DIY, Games, GameStick, Homebrew, Tutorial & Guides

How To: Get Online & Download Games on Ouya

The instructions for doing what you’re about to do should last infinitely. There is a person maintaining the replacement server so as long as they maintain it, we will all have a store to download games from. Having said that, if you’re on the fence, you should do this sooner rather than later. Who knows when the server will go down?

What You Need:

  • Ouya
  • Ouya Controller (or supported controller)
  • MicroUSB cord
  • Computer

Instructions:

  1. Power on your Ouya.
  2. Register your Ouya for offline use. To do this, choose “Existing Account” and enter in any ol’ username you want for the Ouya. After that, choose to skip the payment method. (Skip this step if you already have a login and can see the screen that gives you the top option of “Play”)
  3. Now that you see the main screen (Play, Make, Manage, etc) plug your microUSB cable into the back of the Ouya while the system remains powered on. Plug the other end into your PC.
  4. Your Ouya will show up like an external USB storage device.
  5. Download this and save it to the root of your Ouya, it shows the Ouya the new server.
  6. Now connect your Ouya to the internet if you haven’t already.
  7. Once you’re connected to the “net” you will have a “Discover” option on the main home screen.
  8. Go in and enjoy yourself!

SOURCE (it has other fun add ons and interesting stuff for the Ouya on the page too)

3DS Homebrew, DIY, Games, Homebrew, Jailbreaks, News, Nintendo, Tutorial & Guides

HowTo: Install ‘hShop’ the ‘FreeShop’ Alternative for 3DS.

For those who have been in the 3DS scene for a while, you may have been aware of the homebrew application called FreeShop. It’s for those with a modded 3DS who need to download games from the eShop. There are several legal reasons why someone would want to do this, but Nintendo doesn’t see it that way. And if you’ve been around long enough, you’ll know it has come and gone several times before being officially shut down. Heck, now Nintendo has even shut down their own eShop. So the need to have this ability again is stronger than ever. Let’s get into it. 

What is hShop?

According to the creator(s) of the application, “We are the ultimate 3DS content preservation service.” The app you’ll be installing is, “…a brand new application developed from the ground up and designed to allow installing content from hShop on your 3DS directly, omitting the need to use FBI every time.” Adding “3hs is free and open source software so if you have privacy or security concerns, you can check the source code yourself to make sure. 3hs is and will be free. Forever.”

Features:

  • Theming support – Click here for more information.
  • Music support – Click here for more information.
  • User-friendly and simple menus like the site
  • Ability to sort content everywhere using L/R trigger buttons
  • Ability to install content while the lid is closed (and on O2DS systems, when the sleep switch is active)
  • Ability to automatically extract files inside “installer” applications (for example: theme installers), so that multiple can be installed at once
  • Ability to automatically or manually manage locale emulation
  • Ability to scan for and install missing updates and DLC for installed titles
  • Ability to resume downloads affected by network interruptions or poor signal strength
  • Ability to delete unused tickets
  • Queue system to install multiple titles
  • Automatic importing of seeds for titles that require them
  • Multiple languages. 3hs supports:
    English, Dutch (Nederlands), German (Deutsch), Spanish (Español), French (Français, France), French (Français, Canada), Romanian (Română), Italian (Italiano), Portuguese (Português, Brazil), Portuguese (Português, Portugal), Korean (한국어), Greek (Ελληνικά), Polish (Polski), Hungarian (Magyar), Japanese (日本語, Japan), Japanese (大阪弁, Osaka), Ryukyuan (琉球諸語, Okinawa), Russian (Русский), Spearglish (Shakespearean English), Latvian (Latviešu), Moldovan (Молдовеняскэ),T. Chinese (繁體中文), S. Chinese (简体中文), Italian (Napuletan, Naples), Macedonian (Mакедонски), Tagalog (Tagalog), Welsh (Cymraeg)

Instructions:

  1. Grab your modded 3DS with FBI installed on it.
  2. Get on your computer and download this to get the 3HS.cia file, save it to where you will remember it.
  3. Make sure your 3DS is turned off and remove the microSD card.
  4. Insert your microSD card into your PC.
  5. Go to where you downloaded 3HS.cia file. Copy or cut it from that location.
  6. Navigate to the root of the microSD card.
  7. If you have a “cias” folder on your 3DS already, it is smartest to go into that and paste your 3HS.cia file there.
  8. If you do not have that folder, make one now and paste your 3HS.cia file inside of it.
  9. Once it has finished transferring, safely eject the microSD card from your computer.
  10. Insert your microSD card back into your 3DS and power it on.
  11. Navigate to your FBI app and start it up.
  12. Once inside, you’ll have a list of stuff. The very first one called “SD” is what you’ll press A on.
  13. Now navigate down to the “cias” folder, and press A to go into it.
  14. On this screen, press down to highlight your 3HS.cia and press A on it.
  15. It will then show you several options, simply choose “Install and delete CIA” and press A.
  16. It will ask you  to confirm, press A to do so. And a loading bar will appear during installation.
  17. Press A once it’s done to tell it “Okay” and then press home to leave to the 3DS home menu.
  18. If it’s not already, make sure you turn on your 3DS’ wifi and then connect to your wifi of choice.
  19. Now you can select the new software to open it up and see your 3HS homebrew to load.
  20. Once inside, you’ll see all kinds of topics you can download. Go explore!

DIY, Games, Homebrew, Jailbreaks, News, Retro gaming, Tutorial & Guides

HowTo: Set Up EverSD

We’ve already covered the EverSD in our recent review and what a treat it is! But now that you know that it exists, wouldn’t you love a beginning-to-end tutorial that has everything in one place? Sure you would. So charge up your Evercade (or plug in your VS. console), because the tutorial starts now!

 

1–Prep Work:

First, as of now, the newest version for the original Evercade and VS. console is 2.02 and 2.11 respectively. The current EverSD version supports that. If you’re reading this in the future, I can’t confirm that whatever firmware you may be on that is higher than 2.02/2.11 is compatible. So these instructions will tell you how to update to 2.02/2.11 if you are not already there. If you are, skip this.

  1. First off, if you’re running Windows 8-11, download and install this. Then restart once you have. (If you’re running Mac, I can only give you a link to the official page. Linux is further down the road.)
  2. Now download this and extract it to a place of you’re choosing.
  3. If this is your first time updating, then you need to press the “Re-Install Drivers”. It will run stuff in the background.
  4. Once it is done, it will now have an additional button for “Start Update” it may say “Restart Update”. Either way, this will be what you press in step 6.
  5. Grab your Evercade and make sure the power is off. Plug it into your PC via a microUSB cable.
  6. Now press the “Start Update” button. It’s going to give you the instructions of pressing and holding the menu button while you power on the device. Do so now.
  7. If it has been done correctly, you’ll be shown some character animation on the PC program and a progress bar.
  8. Remain patient for a few minutes! Once it has finished it will automatically restart. I repeat, this will take several minutes, and look like you’ve bricked your device. You haven’t.
  9. Once it has fully restarted, the 2.02 update on handeld is a vast difference from the 1.x.x updates. It truly improved and made the system so much better than before. But enough about that, you’ve updated it. Power off the Evercade and let’s move on to the EverSD.

 

2–Preparing the SD Card for EverSD:

This will need to happen before you can add any apps or ROMs to the device.

  1. Download EverFixer from here.
  2. Extract it onto your PC wherever you’d like.
  3. Insert a microSD card of your choice into the PC. This can be any size larger than 1GB, honestly, just make sure you have nothing of importance on it.
  4. Run Everfixer.exe
  5. Windows protector may have a popup warning you about it. Just press the words “More Info” that you see after the warning sentence.
  6. You now have a “Run Anyway” button, press this now. (This protection may happen on all of these Ever programs, so do the same for any that give you this issue.)
  7. The first thing you need to do in this program is select your microSD card.
  8. Now simply press the large “FIX” button. Depending on the size of microSD card, this may take several minutes. There is a progress bar though.
  9. It will tell you once it’s done. This program has not only formatted the card for use in the EverSD, but it has also put necessary files onto the microSD card.

 

3–Flashing the Evercade for EverSD:

I promise, this part is easy and not at all daunting. We’re talking 30 seconds worth of work. If it doesn’t work, just repeat section 1.

  1. Start by downloading EverPatcher. If you’re running the Evercade Handheld, download this version of EverPatcher. If you’re running the VS. console download this version of EverPatcher.
  2. Turn your Evercade off.
  3. Grab your Evercade and make sure the power is off. Plug it into your PC via a microUSB cable.
  4. It’s time to do the same action you did before. Hold down the menu button and continue holding the menu button while you power on the device.
  5. Press the large “Patch” button in the EverPatcher.
  6. It will show a progress bar and once it reaches halfway, you can let go of the menu button.
  7. It will reboot once it’s done to your updated EverSD operating system! Power it back off, we’re done for now.

4–Setting Up RetroArch:

Once you set this up, you’ll have RetroArch running ROMs from your collection. If you don’t want to use RetroArch, there is a way to instead install individual games that simply appear on the EverSD OS like an official Evercade multicart. You can learn about that in Section 5. There is a downside to that though which is that multiplayer games with a USB splitter won’t be an option. If you need multiplayer support, stick with Retroarch.

  1. Download RetroArch for 2.0x from here.
  2. You’ll also need to download the config files for RetroArch from here. This is a precaution so that if you mess a setting up, you can revert back. You don’t need this unless you screw the pooch but don’t want to start all of the way back over.
  3. Extract the contents of the RetroArch package.
  4. Now copy and paste them to the microSD card. If it asks you to overwrite any files, simply tell it to do so.
  5. Once that is done, go into the “retroarch” folder on the microSD card. Then make a “roms” folder.
  6. Inside of that, you can make subfolders to help you remember which game is where. So, for example, I have folders titles, “nes” “snes” “gen” “gba” “gbc” and “fami”. And then I just put the respective ROMs in their respective console folders. Make folders however you want.
  7. Now copy the ROMs to the folders that you just created.
  8. Eject the microSD card from the computer, insert it into the EverSD, insert the EverSD into the Evercade, and power on the Evercade.
  9. Once it’s fully loaded into the EverSD operating system, you should be staring at the Retroarch logo. Press A to load it and then press A again on the “PLAY” button.
  10. When it’s loaded, press left once to get into the list of sections. Choose the “Settings” section and then choose the very last option of “Directory”.
  11. Scroll to the sixth option entitled “File Browser” and press A.
  12. Now you’ll see a list of 4 options. Choose the bottom one which is just the “/” forward slash icon.
  13. Next, you’re given another long list of locations. The options are alphabetized, so scroll to the “S” section of the list. You’ll find “sdcard”, go ahead and choose it.
  14. Now you’re shown a much shorter list, choose “retroarch” and then find the “roms” folder you made before. Select the option at the top to “Use This Directory” and then once you do it will take you back out. Now press B until you’re back at the main area of Retroarch. Now go back up to “Main Menu”.
  15. Congratulations! That’s it! You’re done! You can now simply go to “Load Content” and tap “Start Directory” see your subfolders containing ROMs!
  16. BONUS. If you want the support of multiplayer using the official USB splitter from EverSD found here, then download EverController.
  17. Load the program and then do the same song and dance on the Evercade to patch it. Plug it in with MicroUSB to the PC, then press the “Menu” button while powering on the device.
  18. Now click the “PATCH” button on Evercontroller. Once it’s done loading, the Evercade will restart. You don’t need to do anything else, it will now work with the splitter.

 

5–Adding ROMs to EverSD as Individual Games:

If you don’t want to use Retroarch, you can make individual games show up instead. This is cool and all but if you have more than like 3 dozen games, it’s going to get annoying and cumbersome really fast. Especially if you have issues with the fourth step below. But if you’re just someone who has a solid handful of games that they play over and over again, this is likely the better option.

  1. First up, download EverLoader (from here or here) to a place on your PC.
  2. Now start EverLoader from step 1. If it tells you that you need to install .NET core, it didn’t work for me to tell it yes and have it install. I just went to this site and chose my version. You may have to do the same.
  3. Once it is loaded, the left panel is entirely empty. Below that panel, you can press “Add New ROMs” to do just that. Press it and choose which ROMs that you would like to put onto your microSD card.
  4. From that point it will say that it is scraping games for covers as it loads. This will take time. I also found that the more games that you add to the EverLoader, the longer it seems to take to do this step. It may be better to do this one console romset at a time. If you find that it doesn’t scrape the games automatically, simply checkmark the games in question. Then right click and choose to “Auto-scrape selected game(s)”. If it gives you an error with the last line reading “montly limit: 0 remaining” and then it gives a reset date, that’s because you only get so many for free in a month. If this bothers you, you will have to wait for the reset date and continue. And no, you cannot simply put the date forward on your computer…I tried.
  5. Now is the tedious task of checkmarking every single ROM that you want your EverSD to play. So if you had a full ROM set but you didn’t want sports titles or gambling games, but you want everything else, then you’d checkmark everything else for flashing.
  6. Once you have all of your games loaded and checkmarked and are ready to flash them to the USB, press the “Select MicroSD Drive” button at the middle of the bottom area.
  7. It will give you a drop down of all USB drives connected to your PC. Make sure you choose the correct one otherwise you will waste a lot of time sending it to the wrong microSD.
  8. Finally, in the lower right, is the “Synchronize Selected ROMs with MicroSD”. Press this and let it run.

 

If you need anything else related to the Evercade, click here.

If you need anything else related to the EverSD, click here.

3DS Homebrew, DIY, GameBoy, Games, Homebrew, Jailbreaks, News, Nintendo, Tutorial & Guides

Holiday Gifts for TWiLight Users

2022 has been officially rang in and the scene has brought it’s own share of surprises. From the PS4 with plenty to do on a 9.0.0 jailbreak (like seriously, you can do them right now) to a new release from RocketRobz. If you own a Nintendo handheld that has two screens, you’ll be happy to know that TWiLight has a new release! Wild, right?? Let’s check it out together.

 

TWiLight’s History

Now, to be fair, TWiLight hasn’t stopped making releases. This isn’t like it just came out of the blue for the first time in years. However, we thought you should all be aware that TWiLight hasn’t stopped being supported. And since they dropped a large Holiday update and then a large New Year’s update, we want to go ahead and cover some of the larger highlights over the last 90 days. Because you may be interested.

 

So, what is TWiLight?

Aptly titled TWiLight Menu ++, this app is more than just a one-trick pony. As per RocketRobz’ GitHub, the program is described as:

‘…an open-source DSi Menu upgrade/replacement for the Nintendo DSi, the Nintendo 3DS, and Nintendo DS flashcards. It can launch Nintendo DS(i), SNES, NES, GameBoy (Color), GameBoy Advance, Sega GameGear/Master System/SG-1000 & Mega Drive/Genesis, Atari 2600/5200/7800/XEGS, Intellivision, Neo Geo Pocket, Sord M5, PC Engine/TurboGrafx-16, WonderSwan, and ColecoVision ROMs, as well as DSTWO plugins (if you use a DSTWO).’

ALright, what is new in TWiLight?

As previously mentioned, we’re going to cover everything we feel you should know that came up over the holidays. We’re going to skip hotfixes and (most) bug fixes. If you want to know all of the finer points, check the source at the bottom. The list will only include new features that have been added. If you install the most recent update, you will have all of these. If you’re reading this in the future, you’re very likely to have these and much more!

  • 5 consoles have been added to TWLMenu++ Virtual Console!
  • (@lifehackerhansol) Added Wood R4igold.cc Upgrade autoboot.
  • SWI Halt Hook is now defaulted to Off.
  • Slot-1 can now be launched, when running TWLMenu++ from a Slot-2 flashcard!
  • Added B4DS mode enable/disable. Only use for testing.
  • DSi-based themes: Added an optional feature to display an ESRB rating screen for USA DS games via nds-bootstrap.
    • It is turned off by default, due to occasional lockups when creating the esrb.bin file on the console’s SD card.
  • Added Use ROM Region setting to replace the Game option of the Game Region setting, in order for region-free ROMs to use your selected region.
  • (@lifehackerhansol) Added autoboot file for R4iTT 3DS based clones.
  • (@lifehackerhansol) The autoboot file for R4IIISDHC is found to work on R4iTT v1.6 as well.
  • TWiLight Menu++’s logo has a new look, and now looks more like the Nintendo DSi logo!
    • The splash screen is also cut short, and icon movement is smoother.
  • TWLMenu++ Splash Screen: Presents are now open on Christmas Day!
  • Added Nintendo DS splash screen for DS/DS Lite consoles.
  • Updated DSi splash birthday jingle.
  • (@lifehackerhansol) A faster DLDI driver for M3 DS Real is now used.
  • (@Epicpkmn11 and various) Updated translations.
  • Re-added DSiWare Booter option.
  • DSi-based themes: The battery charge icon is now shown on DS lite consoles, when charging.
  • (@R-YaTian) Updated AP-fix and widescreen codes for Chinese translation (Rev 4) of Pokémon B2W2.
  • (@Epicpkmn11 and various) Updated translations.
  • TWLMenu++ is no longer limited to DS mode options when launching from flashcard with the SCFG unlock setting.
  • The hotkey option is now shown on flashcards in DS mode.
  • The DSiWare titles listed in the above nds-bootstrap release page (along with Nintendo DSi + Internet, supported starting with v0.50.2) can now be launched on DS mode flashcards (and as a result, DS/DS lite)!
  • (@Epicpkmn11) Some options are now only shown in the per-game settings menu.
    • ARM9 Clock Speed
    • VRAM Mode
    • Run in
    • Card Read DMA
    • Async Card Read
    • SWI Halt Hook
  • (@Epicpkmn11) Blacklisted settings from per-game settings are now hidden.
  • Slot-1 per-game settings are now read from sd:/_nds/TWiLightMenu/gamesettings/slot1.
    • Files must be named as the game’s TID (ex. ASME.ini). The TID is shown on the bottom of the card sticker, and is in between NTR/TWL and the 3-letter region code.
  • (@lifehackerhansol) Added N5 autoboot.
  • Updated Pokémon Black & White Versions 1 & 2 (USA/Europe (English), Japan) widescreen codes for DSi mode!
  • TWL clock speed now being read when launching games in widescreen.
  • (@lifehackerhansol) As specific DSONE SDHCs are incompatible with the original DLDI, both SDHC and Non-SDHC versions of the DSONE autoboot file are now available!
  • InfraRed features should now work in Slot-1 card games.
  • Unlaunch fastboot flag is now set for faster booting!
  • Donor ROMs are now only settable when.
    • Running from a flashcard in DS mode, in order to run the few B4DS-supported DSi-Exclusives.
    • Running from the console’s SD card while in DSiWarehax, in order to run DSi-Enhanced titles in DSi mode, as well as a few certain DSiWare titles.
  • When you get a message saying to set a Donor ROM, you can now press Right on the D-Pad to see how to set a Donor ROM.
  • In per-game settings, a title’s SDK sub-version is now displayed!
  • In per-game settings, when setting DSi mode for a DSi-Enhanced title, VRAM mode is now shown as Auto, as depending on the title, it may or may not use it.
  • The used DSiWare exploit on DSi consoles is now automatically detected.
  • The latest version of S8DS is now included!
  • The settings description text is slightly smaller.
  • Some more DSiWare ROMs can now be set as a Donor ROM (ex. DSi Sound, DSi Browser, DS WiFi Settings, Bejeweled Twist, etc.).
  • Changed DSi mode to Auto, and changed DSi mode (Forced) to DSi mode, both to avoid some confusion.
  • No more lockups during reading/writing of either the console’s SD card or the CycloDS iEvolution.
  • IPC Sync is now used instead of FIFO.
  • CycloDS iEvolution’s DLDI code now runs from ARM7 (in DSi mode).
  • Limited Mode has been added to TWLMenu++ Settings, and allows TWiLight Menu++ to run in a DSiWarehax environment without the need for an exploited DSiWare/System app!
    • Recommended for testing purposes.
    • General setting replicates the usual DSiWare exploits, and Memory Pit setting replicates, well, the DSi Camera exploit (but has lower DSiWare compatibility).
  • If a DS(i) game’s save size is lower than expected, it’ll now be expanded to the expected size to prevent eventual data loss.
  • New, working autoboot files for Ace3DS+, R4iLS, and Gateway Blue. Original R4 autoboot file has been re-added.
  • DSi binaries are now checked before showing Set as Donor ROM for DSi-Enhanced games. (Does not affect DS mode flashcard users.)
  • (@Epicpkmn11) Unlaunch’s launcher patches are now defaulted to on.
  • Replaced CycloDSi check with an arm7 MBK check, should there be any more future DSi mode flashcards.
  • (@spellboundtriangle) Changed MPEG4/MP4 references to FastVideo/FV.
  • (@MechanicalDragon0687) LEGO Batman: The Videogame has been blacklisted from using TWL clock speed.
  • No more black screen when exiting from nds-bootstrap.

 

How do I install/update TWiLight Menu ++?

  1. To update, go to step 7. To install for the first time, continue to step 2.
  2. Go to the “Releases” page by clicking here.
  3. Find the newest release. It will always be the one closest to the top of the page.
  4. That release should have an “Assets” section.
  5. If you’re going to use it via flashcard, click the asset download ending in the word”Flashcard”. If you’re going to install it on DSi, click the one ending in “DSi”. And if you’re going to install it on 3DS, choose the one ending in “3DS”.
  6. The rest of the instructions for installation I will link to the official steps.
    1. Flashcard Installation
    2. DSi Installation
    3. 3DS Installation
  7. If you need to update TWiLight, click the corresponding link below. It will take you to the official steps.
    1. Flashcard Installation
    2. DSi Installation
    3. 3DS Installation

SOURCE

 

3D Printing, DIY, Games, News, Nintendo, Reviews, Tutorial & Guides

Review/Instructions: NES TopLoader No-Cut LED Kit from Fragoltech

Why does the front loader NES get to have all of the fun?! It has a cute little LED light in it to let you know there is power flowing to the machine. So why can’t the top loader NES get the same benefit?? Well, if you’ll allow, in this article, I’m going to cover quite a few things. I’ll show you with step-by-step instructions how to easily install the no-cut LED kit. For those who want a video, that will be below the written instructions. Then, I want to discuss my overall thoughts about the item. Finally, I’ll wrap it up with some mention of other products Fragoltech offers. Let’s go!

What You Need:

  1. Soldering iron kit.
  2. 4.5mm security/game bit.
  3. Phillips screwdriver.
  4. No-cut LED kit.
  5. …top loader NES, obviously.

Installation Steps:

  1. Turn over NES, remove the four 4.5mm security screws.
  2. Turn the NES back upright.
  3. Remove the top half of the shell.
  4. Remove the 5 Phillips screws (3 on the shielding, 2 on the cartridge reader).
  5. Take the shielding off.
  6. Pull the motherboard out of the bottom half of the NES shell.
  7. Turn it upside down onto a static proof surface.
  8. There are 6 points in a cluster on the lower right side underneath the power switch.
  9. The PCB of the LED kit will sit perfectly on the 6 points.
  10. Place some hot solder into the 6 holes of the PCB. I recommend starting with the outside 4 holes to anchor it.
  11. Now place the motherboard back into the lower half of the shell.
  12. Return the shielding to the top of the motherboard.
  13. Screw in the 5 Phillips screws from before.
  14. Now, take the other end of the LED kit and place the square, red hole around the underside of the square, red power slider. (Note: It will fit perfectly in only one direction.)
  15. That’s it, now you can return the top half of the shell into place. Mind the cord of the LED kit, don’t let it set between the 2 halves.
  16. Return the four 4.5mm security screws in place.
  17. Now you’re entirely done, enjoy!

(NOTE TO ANYONE WHO BOUGHT ONE THROUGH THE FIRST WEEK OF JUNE 2021: You may notice that it is a little hard to turn the power switch on and on. Fragoltech recommends sanding 1mm off of the 3D printed bracket so it doesn’t rub. I also found that you could use gear grease and it will slide just fine. Or you could simply loosen the 4.5mm security screw at the bottom corner under the power slider a rotation and it will work as well. Some people may do all three, you could get away with just doing one. It’s probably likely that if you already purchased one in the past, you already have a resolution anyway. I’m just offering further insight.)

Install Video:

Installing a 'No-Cut LED Kit' from Fragoltech Into a Top Loader NES

Overall Thoughts:

First off, this is the fastest and easiest mod I’ve ever done in my entire life. Hands down. This hardware mod has been easier than some softmods. And it was certainly faster than every single hardmod I’ve ever done. It’s low profile, it doesn’t use diddly-squat for power. I would say the best attribute about it is that it is reversible. If you want to go back to stock, you simply follow the exact same instructions. The only difference is you remove some solder to take the LED kit’s PCB off and slide the square, red bracket off. So if you’re selling your top loader off and you want it to be 100% authentic, that’s how you do it. Even if your top loader shot crap and now it’s time for a new one, you can swap the PCB.

I also think the price is right for this product at $15. It probably covers just the parts and the labor of Fragoltech putting it together for you. They do a great job and the length of cord in the product is perfect. It’s not too long, where you have to do a lot of tucking or taping. It’s not too short where it puts strain on the product and runs the risk of coming apart. Kudos to Fragoltech for this simple, effective, inexpensive, and well-thought-out product!

Other Products/Services:

  1. If you desire a LED kit for SNES Jr., it also exists.
  2. Maybe you already have the 3D printer and cord for making your own No-cut LED mod, you just need the Fragoltech PCB, they’ve got you covered. (Need more info on the 3D print model, etc? Click here.)
  3. There is a mod that requires some cutting of the top plastic and allows for the light (color of your choosing) to be seen by the player, versus simply shining through the plastic. You can find that here.
  4. Need a drilling guide for an AV mod, or maybe just a bracket to hold the mod in place? Peep this.
  5. Fragol tech also supplies what they call “AV Multiout PCB/Prototype Board”. It’s for making your system have an AV out and it’s compatible with their multiout boards. Check it out!
  6. Sometimes they have premodded systems for sale. If they do, you’ll find them here.
  7. The biggest takeaway I found on the site is that they’ll do refurbs and repairs on your consoles. Specifically: NES, SNES, Genesis/Megadrive, Game Gear, all models of Game Boy, Dreamcast, Saturn, N64, and all models of the 3DO. You can head here and choose the console you want to send in.
  8. The last point I want to bring up is that they also do installs of mods! They do: N64 Digital, NESRGB, SNES RGB Bypass, Sega Triple Bypass, N64RGB, DCDigital, 3Do RGB, and IPS Screen for all Game Boy models. Any of those sound good? Click here to get your mod rolling!

Upcoming Ideas/Products from Fragoltech:

  1. Create No-Cut LED solutions for SNES Jr.
  2. Create No-Cut LED solution PCE/Turbo Grafx
  3. Create easier companion/breakout boards for beginners.
  4. Design 3D printed solutions for A/V interfaces (for consoles without solutions).

LED Kit Purchase Link:

No-Cut Mod

Cut Mod

Fragoltech Stickers (why not?)

Fragoltech Site:

https://fragol.tech/

Fragol’s Twitter:

@FragolRoc

 

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DIY, Games, Homebrew, Jailbreaks, News, Playstation, Retro gaming, Tutorial & Guides

How To: Install Tonyhax for PS1

It’s been a long time coming for this. It’s primarily because we knew there would be more updates and improvements. We wanted to wait for the “it’s as good as it’s going to be”, but the creator of Tonyhax just kept working. And then, out of left field, came FreePSXBoot. So then Tonyhax got updated to support that! It’s crazy stuff and it means there are simply too many variables to consider. So we’ve done our best to make sense of them from both the site hosting Tonyhax and also FreePSXBoot. When in doubt, feel free to visit the original websites or my video at the bottom of the page. The video only roughly shows what it should look like once the files are in place, but ideally, the text instructions should cut the mustard. Let’s do it!

Tonyhax Instructions (using PS1 disc to load it)

Step 0. Have a modded PS2.
Step 1. Own just one PS1 memory card.  It can be for both Tonyhax and other game save files.
Step 2. Download Tonyhax from here.
Step 3. Format a 1GB or larger USB thumb drive as Fat32.
Step 4. Open Tonyhax download, go to the loader folder and copy BESLEM-99999TONYHAX to the USB thumb drive.
Step 5. Go back into Tonyhax download, go to the entrypoints folder and find the save file for the game you want to use (must be compatible with your PS1, use table below)
Step 6. Copy that file to the USB thumb drive.
Step 7. Put the PS1 memory card goes in your PS2’s second slot.
Step 8. Put the USB drive in your PS2 as well.
Step 9. Boot into your PS2 mod and go into the uLaunchElf program.
Step 10. When in there, navigate to your USB and copy the file that you got from the entrypoints folder and BESLEM-99999TONYHAX.
Step 11. Now, navigate to your PS1 memory card in slot two (mc1) and paste the files. May take 30 seconds to a minute.
Step 12. When it’s done, power off the PS2. That memory card is now ready for its big debut!
Step 13. Go to your PS1, place that memory card in slot one so it automates the process a bit.
Step 14. Put in whichever game disc is your entry point.
Step 15. Wait for the game to autoload the save and then activate the exploit (Click here to see how your exploit is triggered).
Step 16. Tonyhax will then appear and will tell you when you can put a burned disc in to play!

Click to enlarge

Tonyhax Instructions(using FreePSXBoot to load it)

Step 0. Mod your PS2 if you haven’t already.
Step 1. Own two PS1 memory cards. One will be for Tonyhax and one will be for save files
Step 2. Download MC Annihilator v2 from here.
Step 3. Download Tonyhax from here.
Step 4. Format a 1GB or larger USB thumb drive as Fat32.
Step 5. Open Tonyhax download, go to the FreePSXBoot folder and find the version compatible with your PS1 (table below).
Step 6. Put the .elf file from your MC Annihilator download and the .mcd file for Tonyhax/FreePSXBoot on to the USB.
Step 7. One of the two PS1 memory cards goes in your PS2’s second slot.
Step 8. Put the USB drive in your PS2 as well.
Step 9. Boot into your PS2 mod and go into the uLaunchElf program.
Step 10. When in there, navigate to your USB and load the MC Annihilator .elf file.
Step 11. Once it’s loaded, choose the “Restore MC image” option.
Step 12. Press L2 to have it show you all file types. Once you see the .mcd file on your USB show up, choose it.
Step 13. It’ll ask you to choose and confirm your memory card of choice, choose the one in slot 2.
Step 14. Let it do its thing. When it’s done, power off the PS2. That PS1 memory card is only used to launch Tonyhax from now on.
Step 15. Go to your PS1, place the formatted memory card in slot one, put your other memory card for game saves in slot 2.
Step 16. Boot PS1 with disc lid open, wait for Tonyhax to load. It will tell you when you can put a burned disc in to play!

Marco’s Acknowledgements (these people deserve some fanfare)

DIY, News, Retro gaming, Tutorial & Guides

How To: Install Magic Screen kit into Game Gear

Recently, we had reviewed the Magic Screen kit from retroKAIstore, click here if you want to read it. The model we had was a model 1 board and they no longer sell it. The review remains valid still because their model 1.2 fixes every issue I had complaints on and way more. So I thought it was a good idea to give anyone who just ordered a 1.2 Magic Screen kit to have instructions on the ready. This is us just collecting the best set of instructions and putting them straight in your veins. SO LISTEN UP!

First Thing’s First. Your Game Gear Must Be A Compatible Model.

You need either a VA0 or VA1.

For VA1, you can tell from the outside. Look at the sticker on the back. If it says Game Gear Model 2110, you have a VA1

VA0 is a European model. You will have to open it and check what you have inside. Click this to find out: Game Gear Schematics = VA0

You Have A Compatible Model, Now Order Your Kit.

Click here to order from the retroKAIstore. They are based in France, but they ship fast and affordably worldwide. They package stuff very well too, so no worries of the screen cracking.

The Order Has Arrived, Time to Install It!

There are some text-based instructions here with supplementary pictures. If you’re looking for video instructions, keep scrolling.

Click here if you have a VA0 model Game Gear.

Click here if you have a VA1 model of Game Gear.

 

Video Installation Instructions!

Magic Screen v1.2 LCD replacement installation tutorial for Sega Game Gear

 

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Android, DIY, Homebrew, Jailbreaks, News, Nintendo, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Homebrew, Tutorial & Guides

Flash News: Android 10 for Nintendo Switch Released

Android has existed on the Nintendo Switch for quite some time now. It’s definitely had its issues and even with hotfixes, it always sort of left something to be desired. Today is the day that most of that changes. Let’s you and I talk about some of the biggest news that has hit the Nintendo Switch in quite some time. Yes, it’s time for the newest Android release for Nintendo Switch, Android 10 (Android Q)!

Introduction:

A new, updated version of Android for the Nintendo Switch. Now based off of Android 10 (LineageOS 17.1 with Shield TV trees) it’s faster, more responsive and has many new features over the previous release, including deep sleep and an Android TV build.

What’s New in Android 10 for Nintendo Switch:

  • Android 10 based on Lineage 17.1
  • OTA updates.
  • Full Joy-Con and Pro Controller support with analog sticks and rails.
  • Hori Joy-Con support.
  • Deep sleep that can last for weeks.
  • An Android TV based build.
  • Reworked fan profiles for quieter operation.
  • Optimised dock support with resolution scaling.
  • A rewritten charger driver supporting USB-PD and third party docks.
  • Optimised touch screen driver.
  • Easier install via hekate partition tool.
  • Reworked, simpler, power profiles.
  • Much improved WiFi driver with less dropouts.
  • Shield TV remote app support for easy docked control.
  • Reboot to payload support.
  • Improved Bluetooth accessory support.
  • Auto rotation support.

Small Amount of Bugs to Look Out for:

  • Shield games are broken, DO NOT BUY THEM.
  • Sleep may not work on a small proportion of devices, you can flash the alarm disable zip to try and mitigate this.
  • BT audio might stutter on some headphones.
  • You might need to reboot for Bluetooth to work on a small proportion of devices.
  • Default keyboard can’t be used with a controller.
  • Some apps don’t like the Joy-Con D-Pad.

Credits to the Team:

  • Ave – Handling hosting of OTAs and the switchroot website. Check out her patreon!
  • CTCaer – Fixing a lot of things in the kernel – charging, dock, touch etc – and adding Android install support for nyx. Donate to his patreon here!
  • Langerhans – Figuring out the majority of stuff for deep sleep and helping massively with initial bringup.
  • Steel01 – Maintaining the Shield TV Lineage trees which ours are heavily based on.

Ready to Install?

We recommend that you visit the official XDA page for the files and installation instructions. You can ask all of the questions you need to there!

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Games, Homebrew, Jailbreaks, News, Nintendo, Retro gaming, Tutorial & Guides

How To: Update your GCLoader

This is a quick tutorial on how to update your GCLoader. The article is not going to cover how to install the hardware or how to set up your SD Card for use in the GCLoader. We already have an article discussing installation here. And we have another one instructing you on how to initially set up your SD Card for the GCLoader here. This article instead assumes you’ve already gotten those done and you’re ready to make sure your GCLoader is on the newest firmware. Let’s do it, shall we?

What You’ll Need:

  1. A Gamecube with a GCLoader installed (doesn’t matter which model).
  2. An SD card of any size (yes, a microSD card inside of an SD card adapter will also work).
  3. A Computer.

Instructions:

  1. On your computer, download the newest version of the GC Loader updater from here.
  2. You should now have the file downloaded and the extension on it should it should be .dol.
  3. Plug in your SD Card of choice into your PC (it should already be Fat32).
  4. Drag and drop your updater file that you downloaded to the root of the SD Card.
  5. Once you have dragged and dropped it to the root of the SD Card, you’re done with the computer side of things.
  6. Safely eject your SD Card.
  7. Insert the SD Card into your GCLoader slot in your Gamecube.
  8. Power on the Gamecube and it should boot directly into Swiss.
  9. Now from the list you see on your screen of games and such, locate the .dol file you placed on the root.
  10. Launch the updater and it will do the rest. Once it’s done, you’re up to date. Enjoy!
Games, Homebrew, Jailbreaks, Nintendo, Retro gaming, Tutorial & Guides

How To: Set Up SD Card for GCLoader

This article is a follow up to the one that we recently dropped. If you bought a PNP GCLoader and need to have some help installing the device, check out that article here. If you’ve already gotten it installed and you’re looking for help setting up your SD Card, you’ve come to the correct place. This article will cover how to set up that SD Card and also what to do with your legally obtained ISO files for your game backups. If you have games and you need to dump them, we’ll even hook you up with the proper program! Let’s get into it.

What You’ll Need:

  1. A Gamecube with a GCLoader installed (doesn’t matter which model).
  2. An SD card of any size (yes, a microSD card inside of an SD card adapter will also work).
  3. A computer.
  4. The newest version of Swiss from here.

Instructions:

  1. Plug in your SD Card of choice into your PC.
  2. Format the SD Card into Fat32. (Note, if your SD Card is a large capacity, you may have to use SD Card Formatter for Win/MacOS.)
  3. Extract the Swiss package that you downloaded. This can be extracted anywhere on your computer.
  4. Once it’s extracted, open up the Swiss folder you just extracted. Then open the ISO folder.
  5. Choose which of the three files is for your region. Now, IF you have imported another region’s Gamecube, make sure you chose the correct region.
  6. There should be nothing on your SD Card currently if you’ve formatted it correctly. Drag and drop the correct region of Swiss to your SD Card’s root.
  7. Once it’s on the SD Card, rename it to be boot.iso.
  8. Now you can load your backups onto the SD Card in the same fashion. Again, to reiterate, these games must be legal backups made yourself. If you have a game you want to dump to play on the GCLoader, use this program to do so (I won’t be providing instructions on that just yet).
  9. Once you have dragged and dropped your games onto the root of the SD Card, you’re done with the computer side of things.
  10. Safely eject your SD Card.
  11. Insert the SD Card into your GCLoader slot in your Gamecube.
  12. Power on the Gamecube and it should boot directly into Swiss.
  13. You now have a list of games to choose from and load, ENJOY!
Games, Homebrew, Jailbreaks, News, Nintendo, Retro gaming, Tutorial & Guides

How To: Install PNP GCLoader and SD2SP2 Into Gamecube

Today we’ve got a video that covers opening up the Gamecube and installing a GCLoader PNP inside. The video also briefly talks about how to pop in an SD2SP2. It’s a long form video where-in I just kick back and show how simple it is to do these tasks even if you have never done so before! There are links for purchasing these items too further down.

What is a GCLoader PNP?

‘GameCube DVD drive replacement that allows you boot homebrew and your existing library of games on DOL-001 and DOL-101 models.  No longer do you need to worry about when your laser will burn out on your DVD drive.  The GC Loader is a full replacement and acts exactly* like an original DVD drive but uses memory cards for its media. *Some titles will load noticeably faster compared to the original DVD drive.  GC Loader also has full audio streaming support.’

GCLoader PNP Features:

  • ‘Easily launch homebrew and your existing library of games.
  • Installation is fast and simple, direct plug and play.
  • Full Audio Streaming Support.
  • Swiss is supported
  • Faster loading times compared to original DVD drive.
  • Firmware is updatable and a simple procedure.’

‘Write support to the GCLoader is not 100% working.  This means to use features in Swiss, such as force resolution a separate SD card device is needed, such as an SDGecko or SD2SP2 to store these settings. Write support will be added very soon to the GCLoader so these extra devices will not be needed in the future.  

What is a SD2SP2?

‘This PCB allows a MicroSD card to adapted into the serial port2 of the Gamecube’

SD2SP2 Features:

Allows for homebrew to run on a Gamecube from a MicroSD card in the second serial port.

Video:

Installing a GCLoader PNP and SD2SP2

Purchase Links:

GCLoader PNP

SD2SP2