How to Patch NDS ROMS with XDelta to Play DS ROM Hacks

We’ve made numerous articles and guides on how you can patch ROM hack files for GBA games. You can click on those guides below when you have files like IPS, UPS, BPS, and others. However, what about NDS ROM hacks? You’re probably wondering how to patch XDelta DS ROM hacks?

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The file type for NDS ROM hacks is labeled as XDelta. Basically, it is the NDS version of IPS or UPS.

The file you would want for the ROM to have is a .NDS which is like a .GBA for Gameboy Advance ROMs. Don’t worry because we’ll give you all the details and steps that you need to patch these files.

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How to patch xdelta ds rom hacks

Important Details In Patching NDS ROMs with XDelta files

What you need

1. The XDelta ROM Patcher

You can download a program called xdeltaUI. This tool serves as xdelta to nds converter and It is what you need to patch the files with ease. Find the program online, and make sure to unzip it to get the program you see below on the image.

Xdeltaui patcher

2. The ROM Hack File

This is the patch that you get for the ROM hack. Just as we mentioned, this is the one with the .XDelta file type.

3. The Base ROM

Like patching a GBA ROM hack, you need the base ROM where the .XDelta file would be applied. The file should be .NDS and with the correct ROM, which is the NDS Pokemon ROM games like Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Black, Black 2, White, and White 2.

How do I use Xdelta UI patcher? Steps on how to patch XDelta DS ROM Hacks

Step 1

Launch the xdeltaUI program.

Xdeltaui program user interface

Step 2

Click on Open aligned with Patch.

Xdeltaui program user interface open

Step 3

Choose the .XDelta file.

Choosing. Xdelta file for patching

Step 4

Click on Open aligned with Source File.

Choosing source file

Step 5

Choose the Base ROM (.NDS) file.

Choose base rom. Nds file

Step 6

Press the three dots aligned with Output File.

Patching ds rom hack output file

Step 7

Name the New ROM whatever you want.

Patching ds rom hack output

Step 8

Although, it is important to save it as .NDS. You have to manually put it as the save file, otherwise, the ROM will not patch, or you can’t play the New Patch since it will not be saved as .NDS.

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Step 9

Press Patch and wait.

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Step 10

If you did everything correctly, the pop-up File Patched Successfully would pop up.

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Step 11

Test the new ROM and see if it functions.

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In Closing

Now that you know how to patch XDelta DS ROM hacks, you can go and download numerous .XDelta files. Always remember that the ROM may not patch if you don’t save it as a .NDS file.

Make sure as well that you’re using the right ROM to make sure that it works.

One other thing is that versions of the base ROM may be a factor. Most XDelta files use US versions of base ROMS anyway, so just avoid using the JP, UK, or EU versions.

Make copies of the files as well before you patch them so that you can have backups in case something wrong happens.



About Taichee

Taichee is the ultimate writer for Pokémon gaming enthusiasts. With extensive experience, he expertly delves into popular Pokemon game series and ROM hacks for GBC, GBA, and NDS, meticulously testing cheats and sharing general gaming strategies on Pokemoncoders.

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