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3. Software Installation

makeo edited this page Sep 25, 2025 · 23 revisions

The following instructions will guide you on how to install the firmware uf2 and any homebrew app given as a .dol or .iso file.\

Step 1a: Download a Ready-Made Firmware+Payload

Warning

Do not use uf2 files designed for PicoBoot. These files will not work.

Download a uf2 file from a project that has ready-made uf2 files for PicoLoader.

gekkoboot/iplboot

Loads another homebrew app (.dol file) from an attached sd2sp2, sdgecko or similar.
The app on the attached storage device has to be renamed to ipl.dol.
If it can't find this file it will boot into the GameCube menu.
📦Download | 📂Repository

swiss

The swiss army knife for the GameCube.
Does not include the firmware. For first-time installs download the firmware uf2 and install it before the payload.
This means doing steps 2 and 3 twice. First for the firmware uf2 and second for the swiss uf2.
📦Download

Step 1b: Or Generate Your Own Firmware+Payload

Download a .dol or .iso file of the homebrew software you would like to start on boot. We recommend using swiss.

Important

Ensure that the homebrew software fits in the Pico's flash. For most Picos this means a payload size of less than ~2MB.
There are Picos with up to 16MB flash if you need to use a bigger payload.

Then go to this website and convert the .dol or .iso file to uf2.

Note

The "Include firmware" checkbox enables automatic inclusion of the latest firmware in the uf2. Leave it checked unless you wish to only update the payload.

Note

Not all types of .dol files are supported. The online converter will inform you if the .dol is unsupported.

Step 2: Connect the Pico to a Computer

Warning

Keep your GameCube turned off during the following steps.

Connect the Pico to the computer whilst holding down the button labeled "BOOTSEL" on the Pico.
The Pico should now show up as a USB drive.

Step 3: Upload the Firmware+Payload

Copy the uf2 file downloaded in step 1 to the drive.
The USB drive should disappear after the copy is complete.

Warning

Currently, for the Pico W and Pico 2 W, the LED is always off.

Important

After the upload, the LED on the pico should be constantly on.
If the LED is off: You are missing the firmware.
If the LED is blinking: You are missing a payload.
In either case, try to repeat the above steps to install the missing uf2.

Step 4: Test the Installation

Disconnect the Pico from the PC and turn on the GameCube.
If everything works, the payload should be executed on boot.

If you have further issues, you can ask for help on our Discord server.

Step 5: Reassemble the GameCube

Congratulations! You can now fully reassemble your GameCube again.

Caution

Keep the drive lid open when putting the case back together. Otherwise, there is a risk of breaking the cover switches.