TWL-ROM-Optimize

Makes DSiWare ROMs slightly smaller

What this does

This tool strips out unused code from ARM7/7i binaries of DSiWare titles that don't use Camera and/or Wireless, as well as changing the code to THUMB (if not already).
This is done by using donor ARM7/7i binaries of first-party DSiWare titles which don't use Camera and/or Wireless.

In the case of titles that do use Camera and/or Wireless, then the ARM7/7i binaries are only changed to THUMB.

To complete the process, the ARM9 binary gets compressed.

Examples

• Ace Mathician - 4.32MB -> 3.04MB
• Crash-Course Domo - 2.17MB -> 1.83MB
• Dr. Mario Express - 3.71MB -> 3.13MB
• Flipper - 7.29MB -> 5.71MB
• Glory Days: Tactical Defense - 5.91MB -> 5.05MB
• Mighty Flip Champs! - 5.90MB -> 5.37MB
• Mighty Milky Way - 10.8MB -> 10.2MB
• Shantae: Risky's Revenge - 15.9MB -> 15.0MB

Compiling

gcc source.c -o TWL-ROM-Optimize.exe

Preparation

1. Create a folder called a7donors
2. In a7donors, create a folder called dsiware
3. In dsiware:
   • Place a copy of either Animal Crossing Clock or Mario Clock, and rename to sdk50.nds
   • Place a copy of either Bird & Beans or Paper Airplane Chase (Both USA or EUR), and rename to sdk51.nds
4. Again in dsiware, create a folder called camerawifi
5. In camerawifi:
   • Place a copy of Nintendo DSi Browser (Japan & Rev 0 or 1, or USA/Europe/Australia & Rev 2), and rename to sdk50.nds
   • Place a copy of Nintendo DSi Browser (Rev 3), and rename to sdk51.nds
   • Place a copy of either Bejeweled Twist (DSiWare version) or Photo Dojo, and rename to sdk53.nds
   • Place a copy of either Crazy Hamster or DS WiFi Settings, and rename to sdk55.nds
6. Download TinkeDSi

Usage

1. Place the ROMs in the same location as the .exe file.
2. In cmd, type TWL-ROM-Optimize "romname.nds"
   • More ROM names can be added for multiple optimization, as so: TWL-ROM-Optimize "romname1.nds" "romname2.nds" "romname3.nds" ...
   • You'll see an out folder created.
3. Go into the out folder, and then go into the folder with the ROM's name.
4. Drag and drop base.nds into TinkeDSi.
5. In TinkeDSi, open the ftc folder.
6. Replace arm9.bin, arm7.bin, and arm7i.bin with the ones created by TWL-ROM-Optimize for your ROM.
7. Finally, click Save ROM