How to set up M3i Zero card for Nintendo DSi

M3i Zero is compatible with both the DSi and the DSi XL.

The M3i Zero is a flash cart used to run apps, user-created games and multimedia on the Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi. Using a MicroSD card as large as 16GB, you transfer this content from your computer to the M3i. Before using the flash cart with your DSi, you update the firmware and core, bringing your M3i up-to-date. Once set up, you're ready to start transferring files to the MicroSD card and using them on the DSi.

Things You'll Need

• M3i Zero Card package
• PC
• Micro sd card
• M3i zero software
• Usb reader

Instructions

Preparing the Memory Card

1. Insert your MicroSD card into the appropriate end of your MicroSD-to-USB card reader and plug the other end into an open USB port on your computer. Press your taskbar's "Start" orb and click "Computer," on the right side of the menu.

2. Locate and right-click the drive letter representing your MicroSD card. This is often labeled "Removable Drive," but the wording may differ by card.

3. Click "Format" from the drop-down menu. Change the "File System" field to "FAT32," if that isn't the default system.

4. Click the "Start" button near the bottom of the window. Wait until the progress bar completes and the format is finished. Leave the MicroSD card plugged into the computer for now.

Card Set Up

1. Launch a Web browser. Navigate to "handheldsources.net/M3DS/Download_M3DSR.html" and right-click the "download it" link next to "Core for M3i Zero Only." Select "Save As" or "Save Link As," depending on your Web browser.

2. Highlight the file path in the text bar at the top of the new save window and type "desktop," hitting "Enter." Save the file to your desktop.

3. Scroll down in your Web browser and right-click the "download it" link next to the "System for M3i Zero & M3DS Real." Choose the "Europe/USA/Asia" one instead of the one exclusively for Japanese players. Save this file to your desktop, as well.

4. Go to your desktop, right-click the new "F-Core" folder and select "Extract All," then "Extract" in the new window.

5. Right-click the other new zipped folder on your desktop, "G6&M3DS." Choose "Extract All," then "Extract." Click "Start," "Computer" and open the "Removable Storage" or similarly named drive. Drag both the contents of the "F-Core" folder and the "G6&M3DS" folder onto the MicroSD card.

6. Remove the MicroSD-to-USB adapter from your USB slot and remove the card from the reader. Insert the MicroSD card into your M3i Zero.

7. Plug the M3i Zero cable into the M3i Zero cartridge and the USB port on your computer. Wait until the LED light on the M3i Zero cartridge stops blinking. Unplug the cable from both the cartridge and your computer.

8. Insert the M3i Zero cartridge into your Nintendo DSi's game slot. Turn on the DSi to begin using your M3i Zero.

Tips & Warnings

• Add content to your M3i Zero card by removing the MicroSD card, plugging it into the MicroSD-to-USB adapter and plugging the adapter back into your computer. Put the files you want on your M3i Zero onto the MicroSD card by either dragging them to the card or copying and pasting them. This is the same method you used to transfer the firmware to the MicroSD card.

• DO NOT REMOVE MICRO SD CARD WHILE FORMATTING

• DO NO REMOVE M3i ZERO CARD WHILE FLSHING LIGHT IS ON.

References

• Nintendo DS Cards: M3i Zero Setup Instructions
• Handheld Sources: M3i Zero Guide-- Upgrade Process of M3i Zero
• Handheld Sources: Download M3 DS Software

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish