Nintendo DS Modding Index

BIOS/Firmware Dumping

Some emulators, such as melonDS, require the DS-mode or DSi-mode BIOS and firmware, which are available by extracting from your console. There are two distinct ways to achieve this, using:

  • a DSi with Unlaunch, OR
  • a DS/DS Lite/3DS or a DSi without Unlaunch, along with a flashcard compatible with the console

The DSi method will extract both the DS-mode and DSi-mode BIOS and firmware files. The flashcard method will only extract the DS-mode files.

This page assumes you are running a modern CFW environment from dsi.cfw.guide.

Part 1: Getting the required files #

  1. Download dsibiosdumper
  2. Copy dsibiosdumper.nds from the dsibiosdumper .7z file to the root of your SD card
  3. Reinsert your SD card into your device

Part 2: dsibiosdumper #

  1. With your device still powered off, hold the following buttons: A + B, and while holding these buttons together, power on your device
  2. Your device should have booted into the Unlaunch menu
  3. Launch dsibiosdumper from the list of applications
  4. Press A to dump everything
  5. Wait for the process to complete
    • This can take a while
  6. After the process is complete, press SELECT to exit dsibiosdumper
  7. Power off your device
  8. Insert your SD card into your computer

All the necessary files will be in the dsidump folder on the root of your SD card.

Part 1: Getting the required files #

  1. Download dsbf_dump (the .nds file)
  2. Copy dsbf_dump.nds to the root of your SD card
  3. Reinsert your SD card into your flashcard

Part 2: dsbf_dump #

  1. Power on your device
  2. Launch your flashcard
  3. Navigate to the root of your SD card, and launch dsbf_dump
  4. Wait for the process to complete
  5. After the process is complete, press START to power off your device
    • On 3DS-family systems, it will instead show “Software closed”. Power off your device from this screen
  6. Insert your SD card into your computer

All the necessary files will be in a folder specified on the top screen of your device.