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[Neptune]

I keep seeing the same questions being asked over and over so I am writing this and hopefully it will get stickied.

Q. How can I boot to GBA mode?
A. You could always boot GBA games in DS mode but now they are 100% without graphical glitches so you can boot them directly in DS mode, if you want to boot to GBA mode (only reason would be to change the screen the GBA game shows up on) hold select while booting the system up

Q. How do I upgrade to the new SC Firmware? (1.60 as of current)
A. You now upgrade by booting in DS mode, if you are using an older version of the firmware boot into DS mode and then upgrade. (Please Note: Some users are having issues when putting the binary upgrade in the root of the SD/CF, please make a folder in the root and place it in there

[zektor]

If this is to be stickied, we might as well lay out every frequently asked question regarding Flashme, Passme, Passme2, and so forth. I see dozens of the same questions quite constantly.

[Dudu.exe]

oh yeah.. my pm box is allways full with theses questions!

[karurosu]

Ok, here is a flashme FAQ:

1.- What is flashme?
Flashme is a modified firmware for the NDS that let's you play homebrew and backups from the GBA slot. It also adds a failsafe feature and enables the use of unencrypted wireless binaries.

2.- Will it void my warranty?
Yes, technically, using a passme also voids your warranty.

3.- Is there a way to tell if my NDS has been flashed?
Yes, first, if you didn't use the stealth version, the Health screen won't appear. Newer version also shows the flashme version. Last, the sticker at the back of the NDS battery cover will be moved.

4.- What is the fail-safe feature?
It's a bare-bones booter that will load anything into the GBA slot, this allows to recover in case of malware or a flashme bug. (like the WFC bug)

5.- Will my NDS get bricked using flashme?
In case you are attacked by malware or experience a bug, your NDS will be bricked, but you will still be able to recover via software.

6.- Which version should I use?
V5 or v6, if your NDS is not flashed then put v6, same goes if you have a version prior to v5, if your NDS is v5, you can choose to update or not, the current V6 release contains nothing useful for SC users.

7.- Is it difficult to flash?
No, it's a little delicate, because you have to short SL1, but if done correctly, and taken some simple precautions, you can make a succesful flashing.

8.- What are those precautions?
-Make sure you have the NDS connected.
-If you want, put some tape so the battery won't move.
-Make sure your fingers don't press any button by mistake.

A way to do it is to hold the NDS vertical, position yourself to view the rear, short SL1, and use a mirro, or some other person to tell you when it has stopped.

9.- How long do I need to short SL1?
Maybe 20 or 30 seconds

10.- What happens if I end the short before it finishes?
Nothing, the flashing will pause, short again to continue until it's done. Once the counter is beyond 0% NEVER turn off the power until it has reached 100% and says it's complete.

11.- What happens if I turn the power off while flashing?
The NDS will be bricked (firmware damaged), if you are lucky, the failsafe feature may be working, otherwise, you'll have to use PPflash.

12.- I upgraded from v5 to v6, and I didn't need to short SL1 is that correct?
Yes, upgrading from those version doesn't need to short SL1, upgrading from prior to v5 needs to short SL1.

13.- Do I need to patch the flashme.nds file using SC patcher?
No, just make sure it's *.nds

14.- Does Flashme affects Wireless or original games?
IF you are playing against unflashed NDS some times you will experience problems, otherwise, it shouldn't affect anything.

15.- Are all games compatible with flashme?
With the latest SC firmware, every game is compatible.

If I miss some question, or something is wrong, please tell me

[m2pt5]

12.- I upgraded from v5 to v6, and I didn't need to short SL1 is that correct?
Yes, upgrading from those version doesn't need to short SL1, upgrading from prior to v5 needs to short SL1.

If your firmware was originally NDSv2, then you don't need to short; if it was NDSv3 you do. (At least this is what everyone's reports have said.) I don't know about NDSv1 or NDSv4.

[zektor]

Well, I guess I will continue on this:

Q: What is FlashME? And how to I install it?

A: FlashME is a firmware replacement for the Nintendo DS. By replacing the existing Nintendo DS firmware, it enables you to run NDS code (games, apps..etc) from the GBA slot in front of the unit. Normally (with the firmware that comes with the NDS) you cannot do this. Once you have Flashme installed, you can use your NDS files on a select few GBA flash cart/card adapter devices (Such as the Supercard)

Of course the FlashME firmware itself is a NDS file, so you will need another way to run it on your DS in the first place. One way is to use something called Wifime. This would be a method of sending the file to your DS via wifi, but this will only work on older DS units. Another way would be to use a device called a passme. The original passme works on older DS units and plugs into the DS card slot on the unit. It contains the information that is sent to the DS to allow DS code to be run from the GBA slot. But the original passme (or Superpass if you will) will again only work on older DS models. The Passme2 (or Superpass2) is a newer version that works with all DS models new and old, but must be programmed initially for one game that you own. Mine is programmed for the Metroid demo, and only works with that game inserted. Keep in mind you only need the passme/passme2 only to install flashme. Once you have it installed, you no longer need these devices.


I know some of this information may be vague, but perhaps folks can keep adding to this thread...as I need some sleep! Here are some important links as well:

Flashme Firmware:

http://ds.gcdev.com/dsfirmware/


Lynx's tutorial to get Flashme installed using the Supercard:

http://www.ndshb.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=60&mode=&order=0&thold=0


Natrium42 (where I purchased my passme2):

http://www.natrium42.com/


Jandaman (where I purchased all of my Supercards):

http://www.jandaman.com

[blueoakleyz]

I've asked this a couple times (Sorry) but for this faq,

Can game backups/roms be played online just like the original game?

[MAD2X]

Q. How do I upgrade to the new SC Firmware? (1.60 as of current)
A. You now upgrade by booting in DS mode, if you are using an older version of the firmware boot into DS mode and then upgrade.

I thought .bin had to be done in GBA mode? How come it doesnt matter all of a sudden? On http://nintendo-ds.dcemu.co.uk/ It says to do it in GBA mode.......

[Victoria Raverna]

Q. How do I upgrade to the new SC Firmware? (1.60 as of current)
A. You now upgrade by booting in DS mode, if you are using an older version of the firmware boot into DS mode and then upgrade.

I thought .bin had to be done in GBA mode? How come it doesnt matter all of a sudden? On http://nintendo-ds.dcemu.co.uk/ It says to do it in GBA mode.......

You're right, it is unlikely that they make it to require DS mode to upgrade since Supercard isn't just for DS, it is also for normal GBA, GBA SP and GBA Micro.

I think Neptune was wrong about this part. It maybe work in DS mode, but it is not a requirement.

[blueoakleyz]

Here's another one
Do GBA games need to be patched too?

[zektor]

Here's another one
Do GBA games need to be patched too?

Yes, you need to patch your GBA roms using the Supercard patching software in order for them to work.

[zektor]

I've asked this a couple times (Sorry) but for this faq,

Can game backups/roms be played online just like the original game?

Yes. I can personally vouch for this as I play the Mario Kart DS rom online all of the time!

[Mithos]

12.- I upgraded from v5 to v6, and I didn't need to short SL1 is that correct?
Yes, upgrading from those version doesn't need to short SL1, upgrading from prior to v5 needs to short SL1.

Like m2pt5 said, on v3 DS:es you need to short SL1 again (I had to).

14.- Does Flashme affects Wireless or original games?
IF you are playing against unflashed NDS some times you will experience problems, otherwise, it shouldn't affect anything.

I "think" this depends on if you use Original games or ROMS.

[cosmos241]

i have a black Ds , probably new Fw < V4>
i intend to buy Scard , and superpass 2
my question is : can i Flash my Ds using Flashme method <shot SL1> and after that can and run games fine w/o superpass2 ?
<coz i have a friend , and he keeps on saying that Flashing the old DS and the new Ds is diferrent ,and if i do the same mine will get bricked , but i find nothing diferrent other than "reprogram superpass2 with paticular DS card"........... he really made me confused so plz help me out >
sorry 4 noobish question and thanks

[zektor]

i have a black Ds , probably new Fw < V4>
i intend to buy Scard , and superpass 2
my question is : can i Flash my Ds using Flashme method <shot SL1> and after that can and run games fine w/o superpass2 ?
<coz i have a friend , and he keeps on saying that Flashing the old DS and the new Ds is diferrent ,and if i do the same mine will get bricked , but i find nothing diferrent other than "reprogram superpass2 with paticular DS card"........... he really made me confused so plz help me out >
sorry 4 noobish question and thanks

Yes, once you flash the DS you will be able to run all of your games without the Superpass2. You only need the Superpass2 initially to do the flash.