2 layers26.5 × 34.4 mm
PicoLoaderNSB
makeo/PicoLoader
A cheap and easy to install modchip for the Nintendo GameCube!
45 parts320GPL-2.0
2 layers99.7 × 58.8 mm
A cheap and easy to install modchip for the Nintendo GameCube!
- Size
- 99.7 × 58.8 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 4
- Nets
- 40
- Pads
- 152
- Tracks, vias
- 520, 96
- Pours
- 380
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 9.0 (file 20241229)
- Created
- 29 Jun 2025
- Updated
- 4 Apr 2026
Overview
Flex is an open-source printed circuit board by makeo, from the makeo/PicoLoader repository on GitHub, published under the GPL-2.0 licence. It is a 2-layer board of 99.7 × 58.8 mm with 4 parts on 40 nets, routed with 520 tracks and 96 vias.
It is built around the PAD1. It belongs with the RP2040 boards of this library.
Main components
1README
README.mdPicoLoader
This is an ODE-based modchip for the Nintendo GameCube to boot homebrew.
Its price and functionality are very similar to PicoBoot but it has multiple advantages.
Join the Discord server to get support and discuss the mod!
How does it work?
This mod works by emulating a disk drive during boot, executing a homebrew app, and afterwards re-enabling the disk drive.
This is achieved using a flex PCB similar to FlippyDrive.
However, it is not a full optical drive emulator and only allows executing small homebrew apps (e.g. swiss) from flash just like PicoBoot.
To access files on an SD card, you need an SDGecko, SD2SP2, or similar adapter, which can be purchased separately.
Features
- Open source
- You can keep the disk drive
- Simple to boot most homebrew apps using an online converter
- No permanent modifications to the GameCube
- 3D printed plug for installs without a disk drive
- Easy to remove
- Running Pico at 200Mhz for better compatibility with clone boards
Soldered Variant
- Cheap and easy to get components (Raspberry Pi Pico/Pico 2 + Flex PCB + Diode)
- Readily available
- No soldering directly to the GameCube
- Easy soldering
- Alternative install options: Panasonic Q, low-profile
Solderless Variant
- No soldering
- Easily replaceable flex PCB
- Pre-programmed with PicoLoader firmware and Swiss
[!TIP] You can buy the solderless and normal variant from store.makstech.io.
Planned Features
cricket sound
Installation & Documentation
[!IMPORTANT] Please follow the installation instructions in the wiki.
When not following the instructions, there is a chance of breaking the flex PCB during installation.
Get started by looking at the 📖Wiki!
Gallery
Special Thanks
- 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
Acknowledgements
The source of gbi.hdr and gbi_disable_ipl.hdr is licensed under GPL-2.0 and available here
Parts
4| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pad1 | TestPoint:TestPoint_Pad_2.5x2.5mm | TP2 |
| 1 | Pad2 | TestPoint:TestPoint_Pad_2.5x2.5mm | TP1 |
| 1 | RaspberryPi_Pico | Module:RaspberryPi_Pico_SMD | A1 |
| 1 | ~ | GamecubeConnectors:DVDCN_FLEX_PADS | U1 |
Questions
How big is the Flex PCB?
It measures 99.7 × 58.8 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the Flex use?
4 parts, built around the PAD1. The full list of its parts is on this page, with links to each part's symbol and footprint where PCBKit's library has them.
Where can I download the Flex KiCad files?
From the makeo/PicoLoader repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is flex/PanasonicQFlex/Kicad/Flex.kicad_pcb and its schematic flex/InterposerFlex/Kicad/Flex.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the Flex design in my own project?
Its repository publishes it under the GPL-2.0 licence: you may reuse it on that licence's terms (keep the author's notice, and for a copyleft licence share your changes alike).
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