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Nintendo DS Release Guide

Converting MIDI files into a playable music Nintendo DS (NDS) cartridge involves several steps, including preparing your MIDI files, converting them into a format compatible with the NDS’s audio system, developing a homebrew application to play the music, and running it on the NDS console. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

Step 1: Prepare Your MIDI File

1. Simplify the MIDI File

Recommended MIDI Editors:

Step 2: Install and Set Up devkitPro

1. Download devkitPro Installer

2. Install devkitPro with devkitARM

3. Install libnds Library

Step 3: Install Maxmod Audio Library

1. Download Maxmod

2. Set Up Maxmod

Step 4: Convert MIDI Files to a Format Compatible with Maxmod

1. Convert MIDI to XM or IT Module

Recommended Tracker Software:

2. Steps to Convert MIDI to XM/IT

Step 5: Prepare the Audio for Maxmod

1. Use mmutil to Convert Module

2. Run mmutil

Command to Convert Module:

mmutil your_song.xm -o soundbank.bin -m

3. Output Files

Step 6: Set Up Your NDS Project Structure

1. Create Project Directories

2. Place Audio Files

Step 7: Write the Homebrew Application

1. Create main.c in source Directory

#include <nds.h>
#include <maxmod9.h>

// Include the soundbank
#include "soundbank.h"
#include "soundbank_bin.h"

int main(void) {
    // Initialize the console (optional, for text output)
    consoleDemoInit();

    // Initialize Maxmod with the soundbank
    mmInitDefaultMem((mm_addr)soundbank_bin);

    // Load module
    mmLoad(MOD_YOUR_SONG);

    // Start playing module
    mmStart(MOD_YOUR_SONG, MM_PLAY_LOOP);

    iprintf("Playing music...\nPress START to exit.");

    while(1) {
        scanKeys();
        int keys = keysDown();

        if(keys & KEY_START) break;

        swiWaitForVBlank();
    }

    // Stop the music
    mmStop();
    return 0;
}

Step 8: Configure the Makefile

Sample Makefile:

#---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# Clear the implicit built-in rules
#---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
.SUFFIXES:

#---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# Set target name and build directories
#---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TARGET        := your_app_name
BUILD        := build
SOURCES        := source
DATA        := data
INCLUDES    := include

#---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# Set compiler and linker flags
#---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CFLAGS        := -g -O2 -Wall -Wno-switch -march=armv5te -mtune=arm946e-s
CXXFLAGS    := $(CFLAGS)
LDFLAGS    :=

#---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# Set libraries to link
#---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIBS        := -lnds9 -lmm9

#---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# Include the default rules for building
#---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
include $(DEVKITARM)/ds_rules

#---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# Set include paths
#---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CFLAGS    += $(INCLUDE) -I$(DEVKITPRO)/libnds/include -I$(BUILD)
CXXFLAGS    += $(INCLUDE) -I$(DEVKITPRO)/libnds/include -I$(BUILD)

#---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# Build targets
#---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$(BUILD)/$(TARGET).arm9.elf: $(BUILD) $(OBJS)
    @echo linking ... $(notdir $@)
    $(CC) $(LDFLAGS) -specs=ds_arm9.specs -o $@ $(OBJS) $(LIBS)

$(BUILD):
    @mkdir -p $@

Step 9: Build the Homebrew Application

1. Open a Terminal or Command Prompt

2. Run the Make Command

make

3. Troubleshooting

Step 10: Prepare the MicroSD Card

1. Copy Files to MicroSD Card

2. Insert the MicroSD Card into the Flash Cartridge

Step 11: Run the Homebrew Application on Your Nintendo DS

1. Insert the Flash Cartridge into the Nintendo DS

2. Turn On the Nintendo DS

3. Run the Application

4. Control the Application

Additional Tips

Summary

By following these steps, you can successfully convert MIDI files into a playable music Nintendo DS cartridge:

  1. Prepare and convert your MIDI file into a module format compatible with Maxmod.
  2. Install Nintendo DS development tools, including devkitPro and necessary libraries.
  3. Set up your project structure with appropriate directories and files.
  4. Write a homebrew application that plays your music on the NDS.
  5. Configure the Makefile to compile your application.
  6. Build your application to create a .nds file.
  7. Prepare the MicroSD card with the necessary files.
  8. Run the homebrew application on your Nintendo DS using a flash cartridge.

This process allows you to experience custom music on your NDS console and provides insight into homebrew development.

Disclaimer: Modifying your Nintendo DS console and running homebrew applications can void your warranty and may be illegal in some jurisdictions. Always ensure you are complying with local laws and do not engage in piracy or distribute copyrighted material without permission.