ntrboot: major rework (dspico)

lilyuwuu · lilyuwuu · commit c9782bc02b03 · 2026-07-14T15:08:05.000-07:00
diff --git a/docs/installing-boot9strap-(ntrboot).md b/docs/installing-boot9strap-(ntrboot).md
@@ -12,6 +12,12 @@ To use the [magnet](https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnet_URI_scheme) links on this
 * The latest release of [boot9strap](https://github.com/SciresM/boot9strap/releases/download/1.4/boot9strap-1.4.zip) (direct download)
 * The latest release of [Luma3DS](https://github.com/LumaTeam/Luma3DS/releases/latest) (the Luma3DS `.zip` file)
 
+::: warning
+
+If you are using a **DSpico** or an **Ace3DS X**, ensure that you have a blank microSD card inserted into its microSD card slot. You do not need to put any files onto this microSD card; these cartridges require a microSD card to be inserted in order to trigger ntrboot.
+
+:::
+
 ## Instructions
 
 ### Section I - Prep Work
@@ -39,7 +45,7 @@ To use the [magnet](https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnet_URI_scheme) links on this
     + This step is not needed on the old 2DS (which has a sleep mode switch)
 1. Power off your console
 1. Insert your flashcart into your console
-1. Place the magnet on your console to trigger the sleep sensor
+1. Place the magnet near the (A)(B)(X)(Y) buttons on your console to trigger the sleep sensor
     + On old 2DS, you should instead enable the sleep mode switch
 1. Hold (Start) + (Select) + (X) + (Power) for several seconds, then release the buttons
     + It may take a few attempts to get this to work because the positioning is awkward
@@ -78,13 +84,22 @@ Continue to [Finalizing Setup](finalizing-setup)
 
 ___
 
+
 The following is an optional section that will allow you to restore your flashcart to its original state (to allow it to be used for its standard functions).
 
+::: warning
+
+**DSpico users** do not need to follow this section, as the hybrid firmware works for both ntrboot and normal flashcart use.
+
+**Ace3DS X users** can flip the switch on the cartridge the other way to return to normal flashcart mode.
+
+:::
+
 Note that the Acekard 2i retains its ability to launch `.nds` files while having the ntrboot exploit installed. This only applies when the Acekard 2i is in an NDS or custom firmware 3DS! While the ntrboot exploit is installed to the Acekard 2i, it will be unable to launch `.nds` files on DSi or stock 3DS systems.
 
 Do not follow this section until you have completed the rest of the instructions on this page.
 
-### Section V - Removing ntrboot
+### Section V (optional) - Removing ntrboot
 
 #### What You Need
 
diff --git a/docs/ntrboot.md b/docs/ntrboot.md
@@ -1,27 +1,59 @@
 # ntrboot
 
+## Required Reading
+
+ntrboot refers to the ability for all 3DS family consoles to boot into a special, recovery-mode cartridge to perform actions before any other part of the operating system loads. It is commonly used for data recovery and unbricking, but can also be used to install boot9strap, a custom firmware loader.
+
+To use ntrboot, a compatible cartridge (normally a 'flashcart') is required. Many flashcarts from the NDS or DSi era can be repurposed for ntrboot, while new ones can be purchased for roughly $20 USD.
+
+No matter how you run ntrboot, you will need a small **magnet** that is strong enough to to put the console into sleep mode (except on the Old 2DS, which uses a sleep switch). To test if a magnet will work, hold it on or around the (A)(B)(X)(Y) buttons while the console is powered on to see if it triggers sleep mode. If it does, both displays will go black as long as the magnet is held in that spot.
+
+## Recommended for new purchases
+
+If you don't already have a flashcart, or if your flashcart is incompatible with ntrboot, it is recommended to purchase one of these.
+
+Cartridges may be available for a cheaper price through a local distributor or on AliExpress. For more information, see the [NTRBoot Quick Start Guide](https://www.flashcarts.net/ntrboot-ds-carts?tab=flashable#flashcarts) (in English only).
+
+| Flashcart | Price | Notes |
+|-|-:|-|
+| [**DSpico**](https://www.nds-card.com/ProShow.asp?ProID=658) | $25.99 | **Must be flashed using a computer** (using a microUSB or USB-C cable, depending on the cartridge). This cart needs a microSD card inserted to function for both ntrboot and regular NDS firmware. |
+| [**Ace3DS X**](https://www.nds-card.com/ProShow.asp?ProID=575) | $24.99 | **Comes pre-flashed with ntrboot** (external switch to switch between ntrboot ("3DS") and NDS modes); do not manually flash with ntrboot. This cart needs a microSD card inserted to function for both ntrboot and regular NDS firmware. |
+
 ::: tip
 
-If your flashcart comes pre-flashed with ntrboot (or you have already flashed ntrboot to your flashcart), you can skip to [Installing boot9strap (ntrboot)](installing-boot9strap-(ntrboot)) for instructions on how to use it.
+If you have a DSpico, you will need to flash it with an ntrboot-compatible firmware. To do so:
 
+* Download [DSpico_Hybrid_B9S-1.3_GCD.uf2](https://github.com/coderkei/dspico-hybrid-fw/releases/download/1.4/DSpico_Hybrid_B9S-1.3_GCD.uf2)
+* Remove the microSD card from your DSpico
+* Connect the DSpico to your computer using a microUSB or USB-C cable (depending on the cartridge)
+    * A `RPI-RP2` drive should appear on your computer
+* Copy `DSpico_Hybrid_B9S-1.3_GCD.uf2` to the root of the `RPI-RP2` drive (not inside any folder)
+    * The drive should automatically disconnect itself after a few seconds
+* **After the drive has disconnected itself**, disconnect the DSpico from your computer and reinsert the microSD card
+    * The hybrid firmware has been successfully flashed
 :::
 
-## Required Reading
+::: tip
+
+Once your cartridge is flashed with ntrboot, you can continue to [Installing boot9strap (ntrboot)](installing-boot9strap-(ntrboot)). You can ignore the rest of this page.
+
+:::
+
+## Other Flashcarts
 
-Installing boot9strap with ntrboot requires a compatible NDS / DSi flashcart to flash ntrboot to. Note that some of these flashcarts are sold pre-flashed with ntrboot.
+If you already have a flashcart that *isn't* a DSpico or Ace3DS X, you can check this list to see if it can be flashed with ntrboot.
 
 While the ntrboot exploit works independently of the system version, the ntrboot flasher (which installs the exploit to the cart) is not. This means that, depending on the versions and consoles supported by your flashcart, only certain methods may be available to you.
 
 Note that carts with a "Time Bomb" will no longer be able to launch `.nds` files when they detect that the system clock has passed a date determined by the flashcart firmware. One method to bypass this is to set the system clock to an earlier date.
 
-| Flashcart Name | Current Price | "Time Bomb"? | 3DS Versions? | DSi Versions? | Other Notes |
+| Flashcart | Price | "Time Bomb"? | 3DS Versions? | DSi Versions? | Other Notes |
 |-|-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|-|
-| [**Ace3DS X**](https://www.nds-card.com/ProShow.asp?ProID=575) | $24.99 | No | ALL | ALL | **Comes pre-flashed with ntrboot** (external switch to switch between ntrboot ("3DS") and NDS modes); do not manually flash with ntrboot. This cart needs an SD card inserted to function for both ntrboot and regular NDS firmware. |
 | [**R4i-SDHC B9S** (r4i-sdhc.com)](https://www.nds-card.com/ProShow.asp?ProID=574) | Out of Stock | September 3, 2024 | ALL | ALL | **Comes pre-flashed with ntrboot**; can be flashed back to an NDS flashcart. |
 | [**DSTT** (ndstt.com)](https://www.nds-card.com/ProShow.asp?ProID=157) | $19.99 | No | None | None | Only models with [certain flash chips](https://gist.github.com/aspargas2/fa2a70aed3a7fe33f1f10bc264d9fab6) are compatible with ntrboot. |
 | [**R4i-SDHC 3DS RTS** (r4i-sdhc.com)](https://www.nds-card.com/ProShow.asp?ProID=146) | $20.99 | 1.85b: September 3, 2024 | ALL | ALL | |
 | [**R4iSDHC GOLD Pro 20XX** (r4isdhc.com)](https://www.nds-card.com/ProShow.asp?ProID=490) | $22.99 | 4.0b: September 3, 2024 | ALL | ALL | Only r4isdhc **.com** carts marked with a year of 2014 or later are compatible. |
-| **Ace3DS Plus** | | No | ALL | ALL | This cart needs an SD card inserted to function for both ntrboot and regular NDS firmware. |
+| **Ace3DS Plus** | | No | ALL | ALL | This cart needs a microSD card inserted to function for both ntrboot and regular NDS firmware. |
 | **Acekard 2i** | | No | <= 4.3.0 | <= 1.4.4 | |
 | **Gateway Blue** | | No | 4.1.0 - 4.5.0 | ALL | |
 | **Infinity 3 R4i** (r4infinity.com) | | No | ALL | ALL | |
@@ -41,16 +73,8 @@ Note that carts with a "Time Bomb" will no longer be able to launch `.nds` files
 
 Ensure your flashcart is able to launch `.nds` files on your console before beginning. Some flashcarts may require firmware or "kernel" files to be copied to the flashcart SD card. Consult your specific flashcart's instructions for more information.
 
-Note that specific methods may have additional compatibility information.
-
 The usage of this exploit, regardless of the flashing method, requires access to a small magnet if the target console is of a folding style (any 3DS family system that is not the old 2DS with a sleep switch). This is because the exploit requires your console to enter sleep mode while still having access to the buttons.
 
-::: info
-
-To test if a magnet will work, hold it on or around the (A)(B)(X)(Y) buttons while the console is powered on to see if it triggers sleep mode. If it does, both displays will go black as long as the magnet is held in that spot.
-
-:::
-
 Note that the flashcart will not be able to be used for its standard functions while the ntrboot exploit is installed on it (except for in the case of the Acekard 2i, which remains functional *on NDS and custom firmware 3DS systems only*). This means that, for most flashcarts, it will not even display on the HOME Menu. There are optional steps at the end of the ntrboot flashing instructions to remove it from your flashcart when you are done.
 
 ::: danger
@@ -59,12 +83,6 @@ Note that in some rare circumstances, it may be possible for the flashing proces
 
 :::
 
-___
-
-## Methods
-
-___
-
 ### Flashing ntrboot (3DS Single System)
 
 This method requires nothing more than your stock unhacked 3DS and a compatible flashcart. This method uses the flashcart to run the ntrboot flasher `.nds` file on your 3DS. This means that your flashcart must support launching `.nds` files on your 3DS's version. See the flashcart table above for more information.
