DS Nitro Files Builder

A Python-Script that convert a picture into Nitro files for Nintendo DS Rom Hacking

Steps

1. If you don't have PIL, open the console and install with PIP
2. Launch the script in the console so PIL will works
3. Choose a picture you want to convert. It has to be under or equal to 256x192 and both dimensions a divisible of 8
4. Choose the color depth. It is best to match the depth of the original picture and use a drawing software to check how many colors it has
5. Choose the X and Y position to place on the screen. Depending on the size of the picture, the script shows which position you can choose
6. Three Nitro files will be created, ready to be used in DS Rom Hack

Results

< 256-colors (Giana Sisters DS)

< 16-colors (WarioWare: Do It Yourself)

What the script lacks

• Check for duplicate or flipped tiles
• Making multiple palettes of 16 or 256 colors

Notice

If you open a new 16-colors NCGR pictures in NitroPaint, you will find a second transparent part. Ignore it.

Fun Facts

• A 16-colors NCGR file share the same format as the GBA. It can be modified in YY-CHR with the GBA setting
• A 256-colors palette also works for a 16-colors picture, as seen with Cooking Mama D

Sources

Many DS games, their files and GBATek

End note

This script is sufficient to have the picture display on DS. If you have issue or suggestion, feel free to share.