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Install PicoBoot

Firmware Version Warning

A small percentage of v0.4 firmware users reported reliability issues. If you experience problems, please use v0.3.x firmware instead:

Soldering Experience Required

PicoBoot is considered an easy soldering modification. However, there is significant evidence online showing that inexperienced users can easily damage their console beyond repair. Do not overestimate your soldering skills. Practice soldering on scrap electronics before attempting this installation.

Required Materials​

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Essential Tools​

Hardware Components​

  1. Compatible Raspberry Pi board (AliExpress):
    • Raspberry Pi Pico
    • Raspberry Pi Pico W
    • Raspberry Pi Pico 2
    • Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W
  2. SD card adapter like GC2SD, SD Gecko, WiiSD or SD2SP2:
    • SD2SP2: If you have DOL-001 with Serial Port 2 (AliExpress)
    • GC2SD/WiiSD/SD Gecko: If you have DOL-001 with Serial Port 2 (AliExpress)
  3. FAT32 formatted SD card
Semi-passive SD card adapters

Nowadays there are new, upgraded SD card adapter utilizing aditional discrete logic component to greatly improve reading speeds. All above links are for semi-passive adapters.

Installation Steps​

Flash the Raspberry Pi Pico​

  1. Download correct UF2 file from the latest release
    • picoboot_full_pico.uf2: if you are using Raspberry Pi Pico or Pico W board
    • picoboot_full_pico2.uf2: if you are using Raspberry Pi Pico 2 or Pico 2 W board
  2. Hold BOOTSEL button and connect the board to your computer
  3. Look for RPI-RP2 or RP2350 mass storage device
  4. Drag and drop *.uf2 file onto the device
  5. Wait for automatic ejection and green LED confirmation
  6. Unplug USB cable

Prepare the SD Card​

  1. Format SD card to FAT32 or exFAT
  2. Download the latest Swiss version from releases page
  3. Rename swiss_rXXXX.dol to ipl.dol
  4. Copy ipl.dol to SD card root directory

Hardware Installation​

Wiring Update

Important Change: PicoBoot v0.4+ has updated wiring requirements and briding pins GP6 and GP7 is no longer required. New firmware is backwards compatible with legacy wiring but you should follow the new wiring diagram below.

Wiring diagram

Installation Tips​

  • Mount PicoBoot on fan assembly or behind front controller plate
  • Use only official Raspberry Pi Pico (W) or Pico 2 (W) boards
  • For heatsink removal:
    • Warm up console by playing a game for 10-15 minutes
    • Gently twist heatsink back and forth, be careful not to damage DA15 component on the motherboard
    • Avoid using prying tools
  • After installation:
    • Console should boot directly to Swiss or stop on gekkoboot debug screen
    • If you see stock GameCube menu or nothing displays, refer to Troubleshooting Guide