TwlNmenu is the name of an application that comes bundled with TwlSDKs and the SystemUpdater. This application installs TAD files, the DSi equivalent to the Nintendo Wii's WAD archives. TwlNmenu is able to install all types of NAND programs including firmware, however the NAND tab will only display user apps (TIDs starting with 00030004). This may have been done to prevent developers from erasing necessary system programs.

TwlNmenu's icon.

TAD File Format

The installable format, TAD, is the same as a WAD, even down to development versions using the same encryption key. The only changes in a TAD are using DSi signing keys and certs, as well as removing multiple contents from the TMD due to no support in the firmware. This lack of difference can be explained by a commit to TwlIPL[1] where all instances of "WAD" were renamed to "TAD". Even TwlNmenu's name comes from the Wii's Nmenu, and both tools use the same eTicket Services library.

TADs can be read, edited, and resigned with Wii tools, though TwlNmenu will not accept tampered TADs. This is because the DSi doesn't have the fakesigning bug, and TwlNmenu is more strict about checking a TAD's TMD and ticket.

A TAD file can be created using a tool included with the TwlSDK, named Maketad[2].

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References