Features:
- PicoLoader flex 1.4 for Nintendo GameCube
- Pre assembled, solderless version by Makeo
- Picoloader firmware & swiss preinstalled.
- Genuine Raspberry Pi chip.
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Care must be taken when installing not to break the ribbon as it is fragile.
- Includes 3D printed bracket for mounting.
Description:
The PicoLoader is straightforward and cost effective picoboot style modification for the Nintendo GameCube. It is perfect for those diving into homebrew or eager to expand their console’s capabilities, whilst avoiding perminently modding the motherboard, or sacrificing the original DVD drive.
This model is designed and by the creator of Picloader, and offers the benefit having a replacable ribbon flex and being solderless. The benefit of having the ribbon detached from the pico is that you do not have the weight of the pico board when trying to install the flex, you also have a second chance ribbon if you do not fold the first ribbon correctly, plus further ribbon replacements can also be purchased seperately as required.
Warning! Installation Caution — Please Read First
Do NOT fold the flex ribbon cable!
The flex cable is very thin, and internal traces can break if sharply creased. Only bend it to form smooth curves—no hard folds allowed. We will not provide replacements for folded ribbon cables, you will need to purchase a replacement ribbon flex if you damage the two included ribbons.
A free 3D printed folding tool is included as one option for creating the folds needed for the installation of this mod.
Further description:
The PicoLoader uses the same tiny Raspberry Pi Pico to allow homebrew loading, but requires no soldering to the motherboard, plus it retains the original disc drive for your physical games.
The main difference with installing the picoloader is that there is no soldering to the consoles motherboard, instead the flex is carefully bend into the shape of the DVD drive connection port and it intercepts the same connection pins as the original DVD drive.
The Rasberry pico will require setup with software loaded to it from a PC, you will need your own Rasberry pico, usb cable and computer to do this.
For more information on the required open source software needed and the installation guide visit the following links:
https://github.com/makeo/PicoLoader
https://github.com/makeo/PicoLoader/wiki/1.-Home
What’s in the Box?
- Pico Loader 1.4 flex ribbon preassembled
- Two ribbon flex cables.
- Pre-installed software.
- Mounting bracket for install into the GameCube.
What else will you need?
- Screwdrivers and gamebit tools for opening gamecube (not included)
- SD2SP2 or similar to load software from a memory card (not included)
Revision notes:
This is the first public iteration of the solderless PicoLoader, produced by the original creator as the optimal model for installing this mod, so far feedback on the solderless version is good and the benefits over DIY versions and those without a replacable ribbon are being seen through succesful installs.
As an evolving project, future versions may be refined or updated, the current version being provided is 1.4, it is expected that other versions may be made which will offer variants but possibly not replace this version entirely.
License and recognition:
Open Source & Community-Powered
Open‑Source license under the GPL‑2.0 license
Huge thanks to the modding enthusiasts, developers, and contributors who made PicoLoader possible.
Special Thanks to:
Makeo for developing this project with help from the community.
- Silversteel for his help, especially for making the flex PCBs and mounts
- TeamOffBroadway for the amazing idea to use a flex PCB to intercept the drive signals
- Extrems, emukidid and everyone involved in creating swiss
- novenary (9ary) for gekkoboot
