Difference between revisions of "DSi Prototypes"

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'''CPU-X4''', formally known as the '''Japanese Nintendo DSi Prototype''', is a prototype that was used for development of Nintendo DS or DSi software. This unit is completely different from a retail unit.
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==Overview==
  
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==Discovery==
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===<u>Shell Differences</u>===
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The prototype was first found on December 18th 2018 when a user by the name of Trash_Bandatcoot started a conversation with a user by the name of ProtonX on NintendoAge. Trash_Bandatcoot asked about any DSi development units he owns or may have owned. ProtonX replied that he had 2 Panda DSi's and at the moment a "weird looking DSi".
 
  
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{|style="margin: 0 auto;"
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*The shells have a glossy finish, similar to the back of the top screen of a Nintendo DSi XL, and similar to some Nintendo DSi non-working shelf units
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| [[File:DSidev front.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Image of the front, turned on.]]
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*The color is typically off-white
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| [[File:DSidev_back.jpg|200px|thumb|The back, with a yellow sticker translating to "For development only".]]
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*The button prints are darker than the ones on a white retail Nintendo DSi
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|}
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*There are no prints for '''POWER''', '''START''', '''SELECT''', or any of the icons for "on", "charging" or "wireless connections"
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A day later, Trash_Bandatcoot released all the information he collected to [https://gbatemp.net/threads/first-look-at-an-unseen-nintendo-dsi-development-console.526654/ GBAtemp].
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*There are no prints on the back, only the serial or occasionally a sticker marking the unit's purpose
  
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==Plastic Shell Differences==
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===<u>Prototype Firmware</u>===
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* The DSi shell has a glossy finish, similar to the back of the top screen of a Nintendo DSi XL, and similar to some Nintendo DSi non-working shelf units. Nintendo does this often on pre-production shells, but the overal look replicates a retail unit.
+
DSi prototypes usually have a very limited firmware. There is an autoboot only Launcher (no accessible menu), and a limited settings app which is often unavailable. There are firmware versions with a full home menu and set of apps, but most times the prototype firmware was compiled to be limited for uses like factory firmware where a menu is not needed.
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* The button prints are darker than the ones you can find on a white retail Nintendo DSi. They're black instead of grey.
 
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* There are no prints for '''POWER''', '''START''', '''SELECT''', or any of the icons for "on", "charging" or "wireless connections".
 
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* There are no prints on the back, only a yellow sticker that says "Only for development" (as seen on the image above).
 
  
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==Unit settings==
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====- MachineSettings====
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All of these settings can be found on a retail Nintendo DSi under System Settings.
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Each prototype comes with a copy of MachineSettings<ref>https://randommeaninglesscharacters.com/dsidev/machinesettings.html</ref>, the internal equivalent to the DSi System Settings app. The options in the app have been listed below, though each version will have settings added or removed depending on the purpose (eg. factory firmware MachineSettings has the bare mininum as it is only used for basic tests).
  
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*Language - Changes the language, despite there being only 1 language on the console.
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*'''LANGUAGE''' - Changes the language. Depending on the console's region, there are 8 different languages. This specific unit was set to Japanese.
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* Set Time & Date - Allows you to change the time & date of the unit.
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*'''DATE & TIME''' - Allows you to change the time & date of the unit.
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* Change User Data - Allows you to change user data with examples being name, birthday, personal message, ect.
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*'''USER INFORMATION''' - Allows you to change user data, like the unit name, birthday and personal message.
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* Calibrate Touchscreen - Allows you to calibrate the touch screen. However, it does not let you test it afterwards.
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*'''PARENTAL CONTROLS''' - Enables or disables Parental Controls, featuring a rating lock, target age, organization (CERO, PEGI or ESRB), set a password, a "Secret Question ID" and letting you change the secret question.
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* Wireless Connections - Allows you to turn on or off wireless connections, like Nintendo WFC or Download Play.
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*'''COUNTRY SELECT''' - Lets you change the country you live in. You can select every single country availible across all final system versions.
 +
*'''TOUCH PANEL''' - Allows you to calibrate the touch screen. The test mode is also different. Rather then having 4 dots in the corners, you can drag a cursor around the screen.
 +
*'''FREESOFT BOX''' - A debugging feature for the launcher, allowing you to change the amount of open application slots and filling them as well with a placeholder. On a retail DSi, there are 39 slots.
 +
*'''WIRELESS''' - Allows you to turn on or off wireless connections, like Nintendo WFC or Download Play.
 +
*'''EULA''' - Forces the unit to accept or deny the EULA without going online. You can also accept different EULA versions.
 +
*'''MACHINE CLEAN UP''' - Clears the user settings and formats the unit.
  
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==Board revision==
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<gallery widths="250px" heights="250px" mode="packed">
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On December 18th 2018, ProtonX released photos from the inside, confirming this was a prototype.
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File:DSi-SDK-6291-1.png
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* There is no sticker on the board. Instead, Nintendo used permanent marker with '''A-2''' written on it.
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File:DSi-SDK-6291-2.png
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* The board has '''CPU-X4''' writen on it. A retail Nintendo DSi has '''CPU-01''' writen on it. This is enough to confirm that this is a prototype, noted by Razor83:<blockquote>''Actually Ninty always uses '''X''' to denote prototype motherboard revisions, so '''X4''' means its the fourth prototype revision. When the motherboard is finished and final/retail they change it to '''01'''.''</blockquote>
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File:DSi-SDK-6291-3.png
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File:DSi-SDK-6291-4.png
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File:DSi-SDK-6291-5.png
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File:DSi-SDK-6291-6.png
 +
File:DSi-SDK-6291-Error-7.png
 +
</gallery>
  
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{|style="margin: 0 auto;"
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===<u>Hardware Modifications</u>===
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| [[File:Board1.jpg|200px|center]]
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Some prototype DSis were used in a factory setting (needs citation) and have had wires attached to allow for external control.<gallery>
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| [[File:Board2.jpg|200px|center]]
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File:DSi proto wires power.png|Wires attached to the GND and reset pins on the battery board. This allows the DSi to be turned on and off externally.
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| [[File:Board3.jpg|200px|center]]
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File:DSi proto wires a.png|Wires attatched to the A button.
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| [[File:BatteryShell.jpg|200px|center]]
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File:DSi proto wires unknown.png|Wires attached to the C90 and C13 resistors. Connecting them on a retail DSi results in an immediate shut off.
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|}
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File:X6 pair open.jpeg|A pair of X6 prototypes. There are wires visible from the sides of the units.
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File:X6 pair closed.jpeg|A pair of X6 prototypes. Both have a ribbon cable coming out from the hinge. This is in the same location as the screen ribbon cable.
 +
</gallery>
  
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== Trading & dumping ==
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===<u>Serials</u>===
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Somewhere around May 2019, the console was traded off for $750 to an unknown seller on NintendoAge. ProtonX replied that he did not want to reveal the name of the seller, “unless he wants to be revealed”. Ever since then, more people started to talk about this unit, meaning that the unit is now worth a lot more.
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Prototype serials start with "AAA", followed by either "PP", or "mPP". Serials containing "PP" likely mean '''P'''re'''P'''roduction, and ones with "mPP" likely mean '''M'''ass '''P'''re'''P'''roduction. The serials of released prototypes are listed below.
  
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In that same month, it was revealed that Voodooween, who was known for his other DSi contributions, has bought the unit and he was planning to dump it. The NAND and firmware were dumped 3 days later, with the NAND partly working on No$GBA and retail hardware.
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*AAAPP2BG2356 (X4 from Voodooween)
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*AAAMPP3EH529 (X6 from MarioDS64)
  
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== Applications and software ==
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==TWL-CPU-X4==
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The contents of the NAND is very spice, with only 2MB of data stored. A total of 4 prototype applications are on the NAND, known as
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'''CPU-X4''', formally known as the '''Japanese Nintendo DSi Prototype''', is a prototype that was used for development of Nintendo DS or DSi software. This unit is completely different from a retail unit; the TwlIPL repo leaked as a part of the [[Zammis Clark Breach|2020 Zammis Clark breach]] dates the software that this unit runs to be around April 2, 2008, several months before the release of the DSi. Unlike most autoboot prototype firmwares MachineSettings will be booted when no cartridge is inserted.
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*'''WiFi Firmware''' (0003000f/484e4341),  
 
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*'''Nintendo DS Cart Whitelist''' (0003000f/484e4841),  
 
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*'''Settings''' (00030015/484e4241)
 
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*and '''Launcher''' (00030017/484e4141)
 
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The boot process is also simple. The Launcher checks for errors and tests itself before launching. If no cartridge is inserted and the unit tested itself good, it will boot the Settings app.
 
  
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Unused data in the Launcher has also been found. A file named '''fanfare.32.wav''' is weirdly enough the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJry06hb5N0 Mario Kart Wii/Mario Kart: Double Dash!! "Race Starting"] sound effect.
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The first images originated from private conversations between Trash_Bandatcoot and ProtonX on December 18th 2018.
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Furthermore, there are 3 .bnr files, named '''Emptybanner.bnr''', '''NoBanner.bnr''' and '''NoCardBanner.bnr''' . These files would probably be used in the future for a System Menu, as they show icons for no cartridge inserted, no banner made or shown or no banner found.
 
  
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[[File:EmptyBanner.png|frameless|left]] - <big><big>EmptyBanner.bnr, probably used as a placeholder for prototype applications that didn't have their icons yet. However, this was quickly replaced with the '''Nintendo DSi™ Demonstration''' placeholder.</big></big>
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<center><gallery>
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[[File:NoBanner.png|frameless|left]] - <big><big>NoBanner.bnr, probably used in a future prototype System Menu if no banner data was present.</big></big>
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File:DSidev front.jpg|Image of the front, turned on.
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[[File:NoCardBanner.png|frameless|left]] - <big><big>NoCardBanner.bnr, probably used in a future prototype System Menu when no cartridge was inserted.</big></big>
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File:DSidev back.jpg|The back, with a yellow sticker translating to "For development only".
 +
File:DSi-SDK-6291-Shell-2.png|Another image of the front, closed.
 +
File:DSi-SDK-6291-Shell-3.png|A better image of the back.
 +
File:DSi-SDK-6291-Console-1.jpg|Another image of the front.
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File:DSi-SDK-6291-Console-2.jpg|There's nothing stopping you from running development carts.
 +
</gallery></center>
  
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And although it's not shown, the Launcher and Settings both have their own icons.
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===<u>Motherboard</u>===
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[[File:Launcher.png|frameless|left]] - <big><big>Prototype Launcher icon, used as a concept for a System Menu.</big></big>
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{| style="margin: 0 auto;"
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[[File:Settings.png|frameless|left]] - <big><big>Prototype Settings icon.</big></big>
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|[[File:Board1.jpg|200px|center]]
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|[[File:Board2.jpg|200px|center]]
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|[[File:Board3.jpg|200px|center]]
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|[[File:BatteryShell.jpg|200px|center]]
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| style="margin: 0 auto;"
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|[[File:DSi-SDK-6291-PCB-1-Small.png|250px|center]]
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|[[File:DSi-SDK-6291-PCB-2-Small.png|100px|center]]
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|[[File:DSi-SDK-6291-PCB-3-Small.png|75px|center]]
 +
|[[File:DSi-SDK-6291-PCB-4-Small.png|250px|center]]
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|[[File:DSi-SDK-6291-Shell-1.png|200px|center]]
 +
|}
  
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== Notes ==
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==TWL-CPU-X6==
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* The prototype did not come with a special cartridge or SD Card, said ProtonX.
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Unlike other prototypes that have all white shells, the X6 prototypes have a black inner-top shell. This model was most likely used in a factory out of any others and has had 4 reported cases of the hardware modifications listed earlier. The X6 appears to be retail<ref>https://randommeaninglesscharacters.com/dsidev/release/proto-factory.html</ref>. The first release came from MarioDS64.<gallery>
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* This is what ProtonX had to say when asked how he got the unit: <blockquote>''<s>Yeah, I'm unlikely to do a NAND dump, as I've never been part of the missing scene.</s> However, I did collect lots of development equipment at one point (I've got Wii U kits, GBA, DS, 3DS) which is where I got this.''</blockquote>
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File:X6 open.jpg
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* The battery that came with the unit was dead, so it had to be replaced with a retail one.
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File:X6 top.jpg
 +
File:X6 bottom.jpg
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File:X6 back.jpg
 +
File:X6 left.jpg
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File:X6 right.jpg
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File:X6 mobo front.jpg
 +
File:X6 mobo back.jpg
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File:X6 mobo info.jpg
 +
</gallery>There was another X6 posted on GBAtemp by HI_Ricky.<gallery>
 +
File:DSi-Unknown-Proto-1.png|The front.
 +
File:Img 1541a.png|Only the bottom DSi is a prototype, the top one is retail.
 +
File:Img 1542a.png|The back of the prototype, with a green sticker that was pulled off. Perhaps this was a DSi checked by the FCC?
 +
File:Img 1543a.png|Side by side.
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File:Img 1544a.png|Side by side, again.
 +
</gallery><center><youtube>ilViE0VoH5A</youtube></center>{{Template:DSINavbox}}
  
 
[[Category:DSi]]
 
[[Category:DSi]]
Line 71: Line 105:
  
 
[[Category:Development]]
 
[[Category:Development]]
 +
<references />

Latest revision as of 07:28, 21 December 2024

Overview

Shell Differences

  • The shells have a glossy finish, similar to the back of the top screen of a Nintendo DSi XL, and similar to some Nintendo DSi non-working shelf units
  • The color is typically off-white
  • The button prints are darker than the ones on a white retail Nintendo DSi
  • There are no prints for POWER, START, SELECT, or any of the icons for "on", "charging" or "wireless connections"
  • There are no prints on the back, only the serial or occasionally a sticker marking the unit's purpose

Prototype Firmware

DSi prototypes usually have a very limited firmware. There is an autoboot only Launcher (no accessible menu), and a limited settings app which is often unavailable. There are firmware versions with a full home menu and set of apps, but most times the prototype firmware was compiled to be limited for uses like factory firmware where a menu is not needed.

- MachineSettings

Each prototype comes with a copy of MachineSettings[1], the internal equivalent to the DSi System Settings app. The options in the app have been listed below, though each version will have settings added or removed depending on the purpose (eg. factory firmware MachineSettings has the bare mininum as it is only used for basic tests).

  • LANGUAGE - Changes the language. Depending on the console's region, there are 8 different languages. This specific unit was set to Japanese.
  • DATE & TIME - Allows you to change the time & date of the unit.
  • USER INFORMATION - Allows you to change user data, like the unit name, birthday and personal message.
  • PARENTAL CONTROLS - Enables or disables Parental Controls, featuring a rating lock, target age, organization (CERO, PEGI or ESRB), set a password, a "Secret Question ID" and letting you change the secret question.
  • COUNTRY SELECT - Lets you change the country you live in. You can select every single country availible across all final system versions.
  • TOUCH PANEL - Allows you to calibrate the touch screen. The test mode is also different. Rather then having 4 dots in the corners, you can drag a cursor around the screen.
  • FREESOFT BOX - A debugging feature for the launcher, allowing you to change the amount of open application slots and filling them as well with a placeholder. On a retail DSi, there are 39 slots.
  • WIRELESS - Allows you to turn on or off wireless connections, like Nintendo WFC or Download Play.
  • EULA - Forces the unit to accept or deny the EULA without going online. You can also accept different EULA versions.
  • MACHINE CLEAN UP - Clears the user settings and formats the unit.
  • DSi-SDK-6291-1.png
  • DSi-SDK-6291-2.png
  • DSi-SDK-6291-3.png
  • DSi-SDK-6291-4.png
  • DSi-SDK-6291-5.png
  • DSi-SDK-6291-6.png
  • DSi-SDK-6291-Error-7.png

Hardware Modifications

Some prototype DSis were used in a factory setting (needs citation) and have had wires attached to allow for external control.

  • Wires attached to the GND and reset pins on the battery board. This allows the DSi to be turned on and off externally.

  • Wires attatched to the A button.

  • Wires attached to the C90 and C13 resistors. Connecting them on a retail DSi results in an immediate shut off.

  • A pair of X6 prototypes. There are wires visible from the sides of the units.

  • A pair of X6 prototypes. Both have a ribbon cable coming out from the hinge. This is in the same location as the screen ribbon cable.

Serials

Prototype serials start with "AAA", followed by either "PP", or "mPP". Serials containing "PP" likely mean PreProduction, and ones with "mPP" likely mean Mass PreProduction. The serials of released prototypes are listed below.

  • AAAPP2BG2356 (X4 from Voodooween)
  • AAAMPP3EH529 (X6 from MarioDS64)

TWL-CPU-X4

CPU-X4, formally known as the Japanese Nintendo DSi Prototype, is a prototype that was used for development of Nintendo DS or DSi software. This unit is completely different from a retail unit; the TwlIPL repo leaked as a part of the 2020 Zammis Clark breach dates the software that this unit runs to be around April 2, 2008, several months before the release of the DSi. Unlike most autoboot prototype firmwares MachineSettings will be booted when no cartridge is inserted.

The first images originated from private conversations between Trash_Bandatcoot and ProtonX on December 18th 2018.

  • Image of the front, turned on.

  • The back, with a yellow sticker translating to "For development only".

  • Another image of the front, closed.

  • A better image of the back.

  • Another image of the front.

  • There's nothing stopping you from running development carts.

Motherboard

Board1.jpg
Board2.jpg
Board3.jpg
BatteryShell.jpg
DSi-SDK-6291-PCB-1-Small.png
DSi-SDK-6291-PCB-2-Small.png
DSi-SDK-6291-PCB-3-Small.png
DSi-SDK-6291-PCB-4-Small.png
DSi-SDK-6291-Shell-1.png

TWL-CPU-X6

Unlike other prototypes that have all white shells, the X6 prototypes have a black inner-top shell. This model was most likely used in a factory out of any others and has had 4 reported cases of the hardware modifications listed earlier. The X6 appears to be retail[2]. The first release came from MarioDS64.

  • X6 open.jpg
  • X6 top.jpg
  • X6 bottom.jpg
  • X6 back.jpg
  • X6 left.jpg
  • X6 right.jpg
  • X6 mobo front.jpg
  • X6 mobo back.jpg
  • X6 mobo info.jpg

There was another X6 posted on GBAtemp by HI_Ricky.

  • The front.

  • Only the bottom DSi is a prototype, the top one is retail.

  • The back of the prototype, with a green sticker that was pulled off. Perhaps this was a DSi checked by the FCC?

  • Side by side.

  • Side by side, again.

  1. ↑ https://randommeaninglesscharacters.com/dsidev/machinesettings.html
  2. ↑ https://randommeaninglesscharacters.com/dsidev/release/proto-factory.html
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