How to Play Videos and MP3s on the Nintendo DS: A Guide to MoonShell

This article originally appeared at Nine Over Ten 9/10. Click here for the original article.

MoonShell is a homebrew app used to play MP3 and video files on the Nintendo DS and is a much cheaper option compared to Nintendo's Play-Yan. But of course, you'll need a flash cart, and a handy guide like the one you are reading now. :)

Getting MoonShell to run on your Flash Cart (such as the M3 or the R4DS) is pretty easy. First, you'll need to download the latest version of Moonshell, which also comes with encoding tools for your video files (more on this later). The file can be found at http://mdxonline.dyndns.org/.

The Setup file will generate the Moonshell ROM file and its supporting subfolder and depending on where you instructed it to generate to, you might need to copy the ROM file and its supporting subfolder to your Flash Cart's memory card.

Part 1: Installing MoonShell

Here's a 5-step approach to using Moonshell's Setup screen.

1. First, select the Setup Target Drive. To keep things simple, select the C: Fixed-HDD option, like the one shown in the screenshot below.
   
   
   
2. Next, select the ROM image. This selection is based on the Flash Cart that you are using. Since I'm using an R4DS, I select the "R4TF R4(DS) - Revolution for DS".
   
   As for the rest of the options, just follow whatever I've selected here. Click on the Setup button to generate the ROM image and its accompanying support folder.
   
   
   
3. To copy over the ROM image and the support folder, head over to your C:\ drive (that was the destination drive I set earlier in Step 1). Copy the file and the folder (boxed in Red in the screenshot below) to your memory card.
   
   
   
4. Once you have copied over the file and folder to your Memory Card, it should look something like the following screenshot.
   
   
   
5. To take advantage of R4's main menu, which will load Moonshell by clicking on the middle icon, you'll need to rename the MoonShell_R4TF_M3Simply-R4DS(MicroSD Card).nds to _DS_MSHL.nds. Once this is done, you are all set to go.
   
   
   

Now, using MoonShell to play MP3s is pretty straightfoward. As you can see in some of the screen shots above, I've some MP3s in my flash cart (an R4DS). MoonShell will detect the files and then you can get it to play the files. There's really nothing to it.

In the case of video however, you'll need to convert the video first before you can view it using MoonShell on the Nintendo DS. As mentioned earlier, MoonShell comes with a set of tools used to convert your videos to better suite the limitations of the Nintendo DS.

Case in point, a Beast Wars episode (222 mb) was reduced to a 90+ mb package after using the conversion tool.

Part 2: Converting Video for use with MoonShell

1. The conversion tool is included with the MoonShell package that you've downloaded from http://mdxonline.dyndns.org/. Run the dpgenc.exe file.
   
   
   
2. Be sure to set the language option to English, otherwise you'll be stuck with rubbish fonts or Japanese.
   
   
   
3. From here onwards, it's all about the on-screen instructions. Pick a location where you want your converted video file to be stored at, and drag and drop a video file into the box to have the program convert it for you. Easy as pie.
   
   
   
4. Copy the converted video file into your Flash Cart's Memory Card. Do note that the converted video file has a .dpg file extension.
   

You can now play the video file in the same manner that you play MP3 files with MoonShell. But don't forget to first stick the Memory Card back into your flash cart after all that copying. Hehe.

For my other R4 related articles:

• R4DS - A Pictorial Guide
• R4DS Review
• Guide to Running Homebrew on R4DS

R4DS - A Pictorial Guide for n00bs

This article originally appeared at Nine Over Ten 9/10. Click here for the original article.

It has come to my attention that the R4DS isn’t exactly noob friendly when it comes to getting it up and running. I don’t have a problem with the manual in the website, but the following is a pictorial guide for anyone who is having trouble using it. Pictures are clickable to reveal larger versions.

Just some general requirements:

1. Make sure that the MicroSD card is connected to your PC/Laptop
2. This guideline utilises a blank SD card. So if you have one, format it. We are starting from scratch here.
3. Download the latest R4DS kernel from the R4DS website. Click here.

Part 1: Getting the R4DS up and running

1. First up, examine the contents of the R4DS kernel that you have just downloaded from the R4DS website. This is a compressed file so you might need software such as WinRAR or 7zip to open it.
   
   Uncompress it (I don’t think I need to write a guide about this, no?) to a folder on your desktop. Shown below is an example of the uncompressed contents:
   
   
   
2. Now, using your Windows Explorer, open the MicroSD card. It should be empty since you have just formatted it.
   
   
   
3. Now, copy over the _DS_MENU.DAT from the R4DS kernel folder shown in Step 1 to the MicroSD card. The result should look like this:
   
   
   
4. This is followed by copying the moonshl folder and _DS_MSHL.NDS (from the R4DS kernel folder in Step 1) to the MicroSD card. The result should look like this:
   
   
   
5. Now, the last step would be to copy the _system_ folder (from the R4DS kernel folder in Step 1) over to the MicroSD card. The final result should look like this:
   
   
   
6. Remove the MicroSD card from your PC/Laptop and place it inside your R4DS. Place the R4DS into your Nintendo DS Lite and switch the console on to see whether it works.
   

Part 2: Running ROMS

First, let’s get this out of the way. Both homebrew and pirated games for the Nintendo DS exist as ROMs. Running them requires the same method and there’s no distinction other than if you are running pirated games, you are basically stealing.

For the sake of this example, I’m using a ROM file for New Super Mario Bros. I have the game in its original cartridge, so I guess its ok. For those of you who don’t, find another ROM file to experiment it (some R4 users justify their use with the term "playing back-ups" when they are "backed-up" to a corner..so get an original game so you can play back-up with. lol)

Most of the time ROMs are available on the Internet as compressed files (.zip or .rar), you’ll need to uncompress them before you can use them. The following is an example on how a ROM file looks like.

How to identify a Nintendo DS ROM? Nintendo DS ROM files have the .NDS extension with them.

Copy this file over to your MicroSD card. The result should look like this:


Remove the MicroSD card from your PC/Laptop and insert it into your R4DS. Start the console, and under the Game category, select the ROM file and the game will start.

Alternatives to the R4DS

This article originally appeared at Nine Over Ten 9/10. Click here for the original article.

Look about the Internet and you would probably read reports/rumours that the R4DS is not readily available for sale. Now, the R4 has an unsavoury light in my books when it used to run pirated ROMs, but as a device that enables the use of homebrew on the DS, it's pretty top notch. And with the demise of the R4 forums, I probably need to go somewhere else for my homebrew fix.

All things considered, what are your alternatives for running homebrew on the DS? As far as Slot-1 solutions are concerned, there are plenty of choices.


First up you have the nearest cousin to the R4DS, the M3 DS Simply. According to one flashcart website, this is manufactured by the same factory as the R4DS and both are identical. However, do note that R4 firmware won't work on the M3 and vice versa.

Second would be the new kid on the block, the CycloDS Evolution Slot 1 Enhancer. A mouthful of a name with a feature set geared at pirated ROMs, it appears to be a good alternative to the R4 when it comes to homebrew. Amongst other things, it has support for SDHC (bigger storage space possible).

I remember reading in a forum that this particular Slot-1 solution doesn't boast a good built quality so caveat emptor.


Third up would be the G6 DS Real. This is probably for people who don't like using external media such as micro SD cards with their Slot-1 solutions. My R4 in particular is sometimes finicky and makes for an excellent SD card launcher. Talk about being as crazy as a spring. This on the other hand comes with 2 Gigabytes of internal flash memory, more than enough to store tonnes of homebrew and media files. Cool isn't it?


Last but not least in this feature is a Slot-1 solution from the very makers of Supercard themselves, the Supercard DS(One). This is probably one of the more common offerings at local game shops to "uninformed" buyers when it comes to "lowering the cost of ownership" for the Nintendo DS Lite since the R4DS is now hard to come by.

How to Cheat Using the R4DS - A Guide

This article originally appeared on Nine Over Ten 9/10, click here for the original article.

The latest R4DS kernel (v 1.10) comes with a built-in ability that allow users to cheat at games! Some call it Action Replay, others call it the golden finger. But no matter, here's a guide on how to cheat on your Nintendo DS with an R4!

First, the cheat data is located inside the _system_ folder in a file called CHEAT.dat. It is not necessary to use this as it is not constantly updated with cheats for the latest games. So remove this file and replace it with the USRcheat file which can be found constantly updated in this forum thread: http://forums.r4ds.net/showthread.php?t=2522. The file name is called usrcheat.dat and you'll just need to place it inside the _system_ folder.

*Note: Since the R4DS.net forum has conked out, you might need to search for the urscheat.dat file using Google. One forum I found that hosts a rather recent version of urscheat.dat is http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/6/505999

Once this is done, boot up your R4DS and select a game, for example New Super Mario Bros. The bottom screen will show the game details along with a button to cheat. If you see two cheat buttons, follow my first step described earlier. Click on the cheat button and you'll see on the top screen, a whole list of cheats and at the bottom screen, a whole bunch of buttons.

In order for you to be able to select and enable the cheats, do make sure that the bottom screen looks like the following screen shot before choosing the cheats you want to use.
Once done selecting your cheats, click on the Save & exit button and start the game!

Here are some of my observations and warnings:

• I started of my research using Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin. The cheats didn't work on the game, making me conclude that the cheat function was faulty on this game.
• Which led me to use a New Super Mario Bros ROM, and it works.
• The cheat UI sucks, the two check boxes must be checked, and the status shows as "Game DISABLE and "Cheat DISABLE". What gives, R4?
• Don't select too many cheats. I managed to corrupt a couple of save files doing so.
• Cheating apparently doesn't work on WiFi games (read it in the forum)

An Idiot's Guide To R4, or R4DS, or "I'm n00b, how j00 play ROM on NDS?"

This article originally appeared at Nine Over Ten 9/10, click here for the original article.

Now, I'm pretty sure that everyone and their grandmother, or grandfather, or any distant relation would be sick and tired of people going about asking: "What is R4?", especially in a hush-hush environment such as the Lowyat.Net Forums.

Don't get me wrong, I like the hush-hush environment, it's kind of like the US Military's "policy" on gays: "Don't ask, don't tell". Simple. It's only when people don't get the idea and start talking... that's where all the problems start.

So taking the bull by the horns, here's a dumb ass' guide to the R4:

• It's a Slot-1 solution for playing NDS ROMs, NDS homebrew and media files on the Nintendo DS. Since it's a Slot-1 solution, you stick it into the slot where you usually put in a NDS cartridge.
• No, it does not run GBA ROMS, neither do other Slot-1 solutions
• It works in conjuction with a MicroSD card, which slots into the R4 cartridge. The R4 package should come with a MicroSD card reader, which connects to the USB port of your PC/Laptop. Using the reader, you can drag and drop files into the MicroSD card.
  
• Please note that the MicroSD card is sold separately (not included in the original R4 package), unless bundled by the R4DS seller.

Now, for pwetty pictures, just in case you don't understand what the heck I'm talking about:

Clockwise from top, the contents of a R4 package: lanyard, MicroSD Card Reader, the R4 cartridge and CD.

Note: Do not ask me for ROMs, or sites to download ROMs as you are asking a fella who bought a R4 for fun, and for no particular reason... well... it used to be for homebrew, but come to think of it, it's like a white elephant now. So.. don't... ask

This post was brought to you by copious amounts of wine. Red wine.

R4DS Review

This article originally appeared at Nine Over Ten 9/10, click here for the original article

I noticed that one of the more popular entries in my blog is the guide to running homebrew on the Nintendo DS with a R4 Revolution for DS (original article here). Lets face it, talk about flash carts like the R4DS will generate interest from people looking for ROMs and on the other hand, cause some people to act like presumptous righteous religious zealots asking "OMG! Why have you gone over to the dark side?"

Before kicking off with this review, I would like to take the opportunity to remind my readers that games reviewed on this site are original titles owned by me and I will not provide information regarding where to obtain ROMs (some prefer the politically correct term of backup games, but I say they are in denial) nor host them in this blog of mine. However, please feel free to peruse this review and my article regarding running homebrew games using an R4.


The R4 is basically a Slot-1 storage solution for homebrew programs on the Nintendo DS. The previous generation of Slot-2 solutions utilized the GBA slot of the DS but at the same time required a booting tool such as a Flash Me in the Slot-1 to function. On the other hand, the R4 is a complete solution out of the box and users can run homebrew programs stored inside the R4's MicroSD card without the need for additional hardware or flashing the DS.

The R4 package represents an interesting case study in value-adding for such a niche product. The package consists of R4 unit itself, lanyard, installation/manual CD, and a MicroSD card reader (MicroSD sold separately).



The overall build quality is good and the MicroSD slot in the R4 unit is spring loaded; inserting and ejecting a MicroSD card from the R4 unit is similar to inserting and ejecting a cartridge from the DS' Slot 1.

Some tips for the first time users of the R4 should the unit fail to boot on the DS:

• Read the Manual
• Make sure that you have loaded the necessary files from the supplied CD to the R4's MicroSD card, alternatively you can get these files from the R4DS website (google it)
• Check whether the connectors in the DS Slot-1 are dust free. Try blowing the empty Slot-1 before inserting the R4. Personally, I would give the R4 unit as good shake as well. Somehow this tip is starting to sound very wrong. :P
  
• Read the Manual! I can't emphasize more on this and unlike the excellent build quality of the package, the manual is somewhat sketchy but should be no problem with some trial and error.
  

So what can you do with your R4? Personally, I run homebrew games on it while my friend uses it as a test bed for Japanese DS titles (don't ask, and all I can say is that it is good that you can try out things before deciding whether to buy). Some of the homebrew games that I have are:

• DSDoom - This is a port of id Software's genre-defining game, Doom
• Tower Defence - This is a port of one of Warcraft 3's multiplayer mode, and superbly addictive.
• QuakeDS - I've not loaded this up as I'm still figuring out some stuff, but this should rock, come on....it's QUAKE

It's a paltry amount but try looking up for the list of homebrew games supported on the R4 and you will definately be a homebrew happy camper. Modojo recently did an article on popular homebrew games and you would do no wrong checking it out (here). Don't forget though that some games do need patching to run on an R4 and the patching guide can be found on this blog (here).(AY!)