GameCube Softmod - Run Backup Discs Using SSBM Exploit (2015 Method)
Fourteen years after the GCN's launch and it's still getting support from its humble homebrew community. Late last year, an individual called Extrems publicly released a new game exploit that allows homebrew launching from the memory card (aptly named "Home Bros."). The game required for it is Super Smash Bros. Melee, which is the highest-selling GameCube title back in the day. With a memory card as the other basic requirement, this means a lot of GameCube owners have the potential to do this. Setting it up adds a few more requirements, but that is just a one-time thing if you plan to stick with a single homebrew.
When it comes to loading backup discs, there are only two out there. This time, we use GCOS (which is just a bare-bones Swiss) to demo the new exploit.
== Basic Requirements ==
Super Smash Bros. Melee (any version)
Memory Card (spare, if available)
Backup Discs
== Setup Requirements ==
SSBM Exploit Save Pack - http://bit.ly/1VrJZhw
GCOS or Swiss - http://bit.ly/1LnQH2r or http://bit.ly/1PwpsGE
GameCube Memory Manager (GCMM) - http://bit.ly/1Tq39oR
PC
Any homebrew-capable Wii or GameCube
SD Gecko (if GameCube is used for setup)
SD Card (Up to 32 GB SDHC for Wii; up to 2 GB for use with SD Gecko)
SD Card Reader
== Optional ==
USB Storage Device (alternate to SD Card - Wii only)
== Instructions ==
1. Initial Setup:
On your PC, open the SSBM Exploit Save Pack and extract dol2gci
Place GCOS (or Swiss) in the same directory as dol2gci -- if you go with Swiss, use the compressed version
Rename GCOS (or Swiss) to "boot.dol" (crucial step)
Open Command Prompt and navigate to your dol2gci directory
Type "dol2gci.exe boot.dol anynameyouwant.gci"
Check the underside of your SSBM disc to see which save file you need from the SSBM Exploit Save Pack
Insert SD Card (or USB Storage Device) into PC and format it to FAT32 (Wii setup route) or FAT (GameCube setup route)
Create a folder named "MCBACKUP" in SD Card's root directory
Copy output GCI file and matching SSBM save to MCBACKUP directory on SD Card (or USB Storage Device)
Copy GCMM to SD Card's root directory ("apps" folder for Wii, DOL file located in "gamecube" folder for GameCube)
Insert Memory Card and SD Card (or USB Storage Device) into homebrew-capable Wii or GameCube
Launch GCMM and restore GCI files to Memory Card (40 blocks needed for GCOS, 128 blocks for Swiss)
2. Loading Backups with SSBM Exploit:
Insert Memory Card with imported GCI files in GameCube's Slot A
Run SSBM
At the main menu, select VS. Mode
At the next menu, select Name Entry (GCOS should boot right after this)
At the GCOS main menu, select Boot Game
Replace SSBM with desired backup disc and press A
When backup has been recognized, load it with desired button
== Notes ==
If you have an SD Gecko, you can load multiple homebrew from the SD Card through autoexec.dol
When your backup isn't recognized, the problem could be the disc brand, burning method (DVD burner may be a factor, too), or the GameCube requires a pot tweak first
The GameCube lens can be very picky; known 8 cm. mini DVD brands to work are Taiyo Yuden, Ritek, and Verbatim (although other brands like Philips, Sony, and Maxell were reported to also work -- I personally found Memorex and Melody to work -- so experiment and discover which other brands also work!)
Burn at a max speed of 4x, some speeds work better on some GameCubes (in my case, 3x works the best -- so, again, experiment!)
Know that tweaking your laser's potentiometer will likely degrade the lens module faster
Because SSBM can only use one save at a time, it's recommended that a spare card is used for this exploit if you plan on playing SSBM
So, yeah, if you can manage to set up this exploit, it's actually a far superior method than the dated PSO exploit, as far as using game exploits go. This one uses a common GCN game, doesn't need a PC to launch homebrew, and doesn't require a special peripheral, like the Broadband Adapter - not to mention homebrew can be launched in about 30 seconds, compared to the PSO exploit's 1 to 2-minute start-up time (in ideal conditions).
Music Used:
"Spring" (Four Seasons) by Antonio Vivaldi
"YuRiPa 3", from the Final Fantasy X-2 OST album
"Liberi Fatali", from the Final Fantasy VIII OST album
"Opening", from the Smashing...Live! Live Orchestra Music album