The Ultimate Guide to Nintendo Piracy (NES -> Wii U)

#FreeMelee

Due to the most recent events regarding the Big N, I decided now was a good time to refine a guide on how to pirate Nintendo games. The one on the Wiki was super outdated anyway and only covered the 3DS. This should cover everything from the NES to the Wii U.
I'd go in-depth about Switch piracy as well but admittedly that's a much more complicated situation and not one I feel qualified to talk about, and also makes me a slightly bigger target for the Ninjas.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Use CTRL-F to jump to the section you're looking for!

• Home Consoles Up to the Wii (Emulation on PCs)
• Handheld Consoles Up to the Nintendo 3DS (Emulation on PCs)
• GameCube on Native Hardware
• Wii on Native Hardware
• Wii U on Native Hardware
• Nintendo 3DS on Native Hardware
• Nintendo DS on Native Hardware
• Emulating on Hacked Systems
• Flashcards

[Home Consoles Up to the Wii (Emulation on PCs)]

If you want to pirate any old Nintendo home console or handheld games, the easiest way to do this is through emulation. While I cannot link to ROMs here directly, I will say there is a subreddit aptly named to help you find them.
For NES, SNES, and N64 on Windows or Linux, I recommend RetroArch as an all-in-one solution. If you're on macOS/OS X, I highly recommend OpenEmu.
For GameCube and Wii on all platforms, there's Dolphin Emulator.
For RetroArch:

• Download the cores for the systems you want to play (Load Core > Download a Core). RetroArch will tell you what systems each core is for. There's about a million different versions of the SNES core, so feel free to experiment with which one works for you!
• Select "Load Content" from the main menu, and navigate to your ROM file. Select it, and it will ask you what core to run it with. Once that's set, you can start playing!
• For easier access, you can make a new playlist of your ROMs and it will auto-sort them by system. Select "Import Content" and set it to scan the directory your ROMs are in. It will make them easier to load for future access!

For OpenEmu:

• Drag and drop your ROM files onto the OpenEmu window.
• Select the system you want to play in the sidebar.
• Load your game!

For Dolphin:

• Configure your controls in the Controllers menu. Make sure if you're playing GameCube games that your virtual GameCube controller is mapped, and if you're playing Wii games, that your virtual Wii Remote is mapped. There are options for Sideways Wii Remote, Upright Wii Remote, Classic Controller, and other schemes, so make sure you look over carefully and select the control scheme that is right for what you want to play.
• Drag and drop an ISO or WBFS file onto the window.
• You can also set a directory for your ROMs by double-clicking the message at the top of the window, for easier access.

Note: If you're interested in playing Super Smash Bros. Melee online, there's a great modified version of Dolphin called "Slippi" just for that! I'd highly recommend giving it a shot. It's netcode is better than Nintendo's own for SSBU.

[Handheld Consoles up to the Nintendo 3DS (Emulation on PCs)]

Handheld emulation is largely the same as home consoles.
For Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance on Windows and Linux, I recommend RetroArch as an all-in-one solution. For macOS/OS X users, I recommend OpenEmu.
For Nintendo DS, I recommend DeSmuMe or the afforementioned OpenEmu. RetroArch has a DeSmuMe core, but it's not exactly as performant or fully-featured as standalone.
For Nintendo 3DS, your only real option is Citra. Make sure your ROMs are in .3DS, .3DSX, or .APP format! Updates and DLC are in .CIA format!
For RetroArch:

• Download the cores for the systems you want to play (Load Core > Download a Core). RetroArch will tell you what systems each core is for.
• Select "Load Content" from the main menu, and navigate to your ROM file. Select it, and it will ask you what core to run it with. Once that's set, you can start playing!
• For easier access, you can make a new playlist of your ROMs and it will auto-sort them by system. Select "Import Content" and set it to scan the directory your ROMs are in. It will make them easier to load for future access!

For OpenEmu:

• Drag and drop your ROM files onto the OpenEmu window.
• Select the system you want to play in the sidebar.
• Load your game!

For DeSmuMe:

• Select "File" and then "Open ROM".
• You're all set!

For Citra:

• Select "File" and then "Load File".
• Navigate to your ROM and launch it!
• If a game has Updates or DLC, you can select "File" and "Install CIA" to install any applicable content, and then launch the base game ROM as usual.

Note for Citra users! Many 3DS games may require a Mii! You can download a copy of the Mii Maker system application (in .APP format) and run it like any other game, and make a Mii there. Highly recommended!

[GameCube on Native Hardware]

If you want a more authentic experience, you can play your GameCube games on a Wii or a Wii U via SD card or USB through Nintendont.
This section assumes you have already homebrew'd your Nintendo Wii or Wii U system! Luckily, there are already some wonderful guides for this. For Wii users who haven't done so, you can follow this guide. For Wii U users who haven't done so, you can follow this guide. If you're on a homebrew'd Wii U, you will also need to follow this guide to mod your vWii.
Because Nintendont on Wii U runs in vWii mode (a virtual Wii), the process is largely the same for both Wii and Wii U users.

• Insert your SD card or USB drive into your computer.
• Download loader.dol, meta.xml, and icon.png. These files link to the Nintendont github and should always be up to date.
• In the "apps" folder of your SD card, create a new folder labelled "Nintendont". (It should look like D:/apps/Nintendont, or something similar. If the apps folder doesn't exist, create it.)
• Copy the downloaded loader.dol, meta.xml, and icon.png over to the /apps/Nintendont folder.
• Rename loader.dol to "boot.dol".
• On the root of your SD card or USB drive, create a folder labelled "games". Put your GameCube ISOs in that folder.
• Put the SD card or USB drive back into your Wii or Wii U. On Wii, launch the Homebrew Channel. On Wii U, launch the Wii Mode, and then the Homebrew Channel.
• Select Nintendont from the list, and then select your game from the Nintendont menu!

Note: Before you boot any games, I recommend you set memory card emulation to on, so you can save your games. I recommend the settings "Emulation: on", "Card size: 251", and "Multi: off".
Note 2: Nintendont supports a wide array of controllers, such as the Wii Classic Controller, Wii U Pro Controller, and GameCube Adapter for Wii U. On the original Wii with GameCube controller ports, the GameCube controller is natively supported.

[Wii on Native Hardware]

If you're looking for an authentic Wii experience, you can natively load Wii games via SD card or USB drive on both Wii and Wii U systems.
This section assumes you have already homebrew'd your Nintendo Wii or Wii U system! Luckily, there are already some wonderful guides for this. For Wii users who haven't done so, you can follow this guide. For Wii U users who haven't done so, you can follow this guide. If you're on a homebrew'd Wii U, you will also need to follow this guide to mod your vWii.
It's recommended you have both an SD card and a USB drive - SD card to load homebrew, and USB drive to store games. This guide assumes you are using separate devices, however the instructions remain the same if you do not.

• You will need the latest release of USB Loader GX, and WiiBackupManager. macOS users can use WitGui as an alternative.
• Extract the USB Loader GX zip file. Copy the "apps" folder it spits out onto your SD card. (It should look like D:/apps/usbloader_gx, or something similar.)
• Open Wii Backup Manager.
• Select the tab labelled "Drive 1". In the drop down menu in the top bar, select the USB drive you're using for your Wii games.
• Select the "Files" tab, and then select "Add". Select files to add individual games, or folder to add a whole folder.
• Select "Transfer" and select "Drive 1" as your destination. Kick back, and relax - this might take a while.
• Once your transfer is complete, eject your SD card and USB drive from your PC and reconnect them to your Wii or Wii U.
• On Wii, launch the Homebrew Channel. On Wii U, launch the Wii Mode, and then the Homebrew Channel.
• Select USB Loader GX from the launcher menu, and then select the game you want to play!

Notes: USB Loader GX is highly customizable, so I encourage you to poke and prod with the software to see it how you see fit! If your system is connected to the internet, you can even scrape things like box art and banners. If USB Loader GX gets stuck on Waiting for HDD, it can't detect your USB drive. Make sure it always uses the bottom port first. On Wii U, the USB ports are incredibly low-powered, so it might not be able to provide enough power for your drive.

[Wii U on Native Hardware]

This is where the fun begins. Instead of obtaining ISOs from the internet, instead we'll be using Wii U USB Helper, a tool to download directly from Nintendo's CDN servers. As of right now, this guide is Windows only, although there are reports of USB Helper working under Wine for Linux.
Your Wii U will need to be homebrew'd already before continuing this guide. If you aren't already hacked, you can get started with an easy guide here.

• Insert your Wii U SD card into your computer.
• Download the Wii U USB Helper installer.
• Run the installer. Leave all settings as default, as they'll be just fine for what we're doing. When it's done installing, leave "Run USBHelperLauncher" checked.
• Upon first boot, it will ask you to select the region for your system. This can be changed later, but I recommend choosing your system's region - so if you have a US system, select USA.
• Wii U USB Helper will ask you to select a location to store games. Create a folder on your computer - NOT on your SD card.
• It will then ask for a title key site. Enter "titlekeys.ovh" in the box, with no quotes. After this, it will take a little bit of time to load - that's normal.
• Once that is complete, you'll see a huge list of games. Search for the game you want in the top box (i.e. Splatoon).
• In the bottom right corner, you'll see an "add" button. Select it and it will add to the download queue. It might ask if you want to download any DLC or updates as well. Leave those checked.
• Once you've selected all of the games you want to download, click the start downloading button!
• A window will pop on the side with a network graph. At the very bottom, there's a small group of checkboxes labelled "Action to perform once downloading is over". Select "Copy to SD". It might ask you where your SD card is, so point it in the right direction if it does.
• Once your downloads are complete, the games will copy to your SD. Make sure there's enough space.
• Once everything is A-OK and good to go, remove your SD card from your PC and put it back in your Wii U.
• On your Wii U, launch the Homebrew Launcher, and then WUP Installer GX2.
• In WUP Installer GX2, press the Plus button to select all titles and then click install. It'll ask you where to install - NAND is your system's internal storage, and USB is any Wii U formatted USB storage attached. (This is NOT for regular USB drives. Only USB drives that have been formatted USING THE WII U SYSTEM.)
• Once the install is finished, your games are all set and ready to play! Just launch them from the System Menu. You are free to delete their installer files from the SD card if you haven't already.
  Note: Online Play for these games works 100%. There are no records of anyone being banned yet - myself included - but do keep in mind that this is a risk you take!
  

[Nintendo 3DS on Native Hardware]

It's time for some handheld love. This guide assumes your 3DS is already hacked. If it isn't, you can start here.. This guide heavily depends on usage of tools that are explained and installed in this guide!
There are a few methods, and we'll go over two - the slow but easy method (FBI) and the fast but more complex method (custom-install).
This guide requires all of your 3DS games are in .CIA format!

Easy Method (Slower installs, better for less games)

• Insert your 3DS SD card into your PC.
• Copy your CIA installer files - for games, updates, and DLC - into the cias folder on your 3DS SD card (it should look like D:/cias. If the cias folder doesn't exist, create it.)
• Once the copy is complete, eject the SD card from your PC and reinsert it into your 3DS.
• On your 3DS, open the FBI application. (This should have been installed when you hacked your system.)
• On the main menu, select "SD", and then the "cias" folder.
• At the top of the listing, you should see "". Select that, and then select "Install and delete all CIAs". This will install all of the CIAs present, and then automatically remove them after install.
• Once the install is finished, simply unwrap your games on the HOME Menu and play!

Hard Method (Faster installs, better for more games or batch installs)

• We have to dump a few files from your 3DS before we begin. These files are boot9.bin and movable.sed.
• Power off your 3DS. Press and hold the start button, and while holding start, power it back on. This will boot into GodMode9.
• boot9.bin: Select "[M:] Memory virtual". Select boot9.bin with the A button, and then choose "Copy to 0:/gm9/out".
• movable.sed: Select "[1:] Sysnand CTRNand". Navigate to "private", and then select movable.sed with the A button. Choose "Copy to 0:/gm9/out."
• Power off your 3DS, and insert your SD card into your PC.
• On the SD card, navigate to the "gm9" folder, and then "out". Copy boot9.bin and movable.sed to your Desktop.
• Download the latest release of custom-install., and extract it.
• Move boot9.bin and movable.sed to the same folder that you extracted custom-install.
• Launch "ci-gui.exe". It should auto-fill most of the forms at the top for you. If it doesn't, simply manually point it towards your SD card, boot9, and movable.
• Select "Add CIAs" to choose which CIAs to install, or "Add folder" to add a whole folder of CIAs.
• Once all of your CIA files are selected, click "Start install". Your games will start to copy to SD.
• Once it's complete, eject your SD and put it back in your 3DS.
• Launch the Homebrew Launcher from the HOME Menu, and then select "custom-install-finalize". Let that do it's thing, and when it's done, you're all set! Simply unwrap your games from the HOME Menu, and jump in!

Notes: Much like the Wii U, online play does work with most games installed this way, however, you run the risk of getting banned!

[Nintendo DS on Native Hardware]

Using a hacked 3DS, you can run DS games right from the SD card using a program called TWiLightMenu++ (referred to as TWLMenu from here on out). TWLMenu acts as a translation layer between DS ROMs and the 3DS, allowing for mostly-native DS gameplay straight from the SD card.
Unfortunately, the downside to this is that compatibility isn't always spot-on, but it does the trick.
This guide assumes your 3DS is already hacked. If it isn't, you can start here..

• Download the latest release of TWLMenu-3DS.
• Insert your 3DS SD card into your PC.
• Copy "TwiLight Menu.cia" and "TWiLight Menu - Game booter.cia" to the "cias" folder on your SD card. (If it doesn't exist, create it.)
• Copy the "roms" folder and "_nds" folder to the root of your SD card.
• Drag and drop your DS ROMs, in .nds format, to the "nds" folder inside of the "roms" folder.
• Eject your SD card, and put it back in your 3DS.
• On your 3DS, launch FBI. Select "SD", and then "cias". Install both "TWiLight Menu.cia" and "TWiLight Menu - Game booter.cia".
• Once that's complete, exit FBI. Unwrap TWLMenu, and launch it.
• If you see a screen that looks like the Nintendo DS menu, press B. It will take you to a menu that looks like the Nintendo DSi menu instead.
• Navigate to the roms folder, then press A. Then, navigate to the nds folder, then press A.
• Select a game to start playing!

[Emulating on Hacked Systems]

Because hacked Wii, Wii U, and 3DS systems can run homebrew software, you can also use them to run emulators! RetroArch has ports available for all three systems, so if you wanted to turn your Wii U or 3DS into a one-stop shop for your Nintendo needs, you absolutely can!
There are also other emulator options for mobile platforms as well. However there are so many different emulators that I can't test them all, so don't be scared to test some of your own out as well. For example, Dolphin and Citra also have Android ports, so if you really wanted to play Super Mario Galaxy 2 on a 4.5-inch display, you totally could.

[Flashcards]

If you want a seamless, native experience for older consoles like SNES or Game Boy Advance, there are plenty of flashcards you can buy, such as the EverDrive series. For Game Boy/ColoAdvance, while you could get EverDrive, I recommend the EZ-Flash Jr. (GB/Color) or EZ-Flash Omega (GB Advance). You can also get a cheap Nintendo DS R4 clone for $7-$12 on eBay, and those work great once you flash it with the custom YSMenu kernel.

Closing Statements

Thank you for reading this guide. I hope it was of some assistance! As a fan of some of Nintendo's products I am absolutely devastated with how they've chosen to handle recent events regarding Super Smash Bros. Melee, Splatoon 2, and the custom Etikons. I hope they will get better.
In the meantime, as they continue to neglect their fanbases and throw their DMCA power around, knock yourself out with some classics at no cost. ;)

So far we've emulated the NES, the SNES, the Genesis/Mega Drive, the Sega Saturn, the Atari 2600, Arcade Cabinets, the n64, the original Playstation, and the Playstation 2 using 3rd party controllers that adequately re-creates the original console experience, and original controllers with adapters, using emulators that successfully emulates thousands of games across different platforms accepting input from the USB controller selected.
For more of an intro and for my recommendations on configuring the Alpha itself please read Part 1.
Part 10: Nintendo GameCube
Background.
I originally hadn't planned on emulating the GameCube in my series as it's not a console I've had prior experience with. However, as the series is drawing to a close, and the emulation scene of the GameCube seems quite full of life, I figured I'd order a controller and give it a go so I could play the games I missed out on the first time around.
The Nintendo GameCube was released at the end of 2001, a year and a half after the PlayStation 2, and around the same time as the Microsoft Xbox. The PS2 was going on to become the most successful selling console, with many millions of players still playing the Playstation 1. However PC gaming had it's own market that Microsoft were trying to hold onto. As most players made the decision of whether to play games on the console or the PC - the PC offering better graphics and keyboard and mouse controls better suited to some types of games such as RTS and FPS - the Playstations offering thousands of games, lots of great exclusives and controller-friendly gaming. Microsoft saw the potential to take a large chunk of their PC gamers and create a PC-like console that would reduce piracy - compared to pc gamers - a dedicated controller, and their own exclusives. Microsoft bought Bungie Inc, and focused lots of resources to Halo, plus they ensured decent racing games with great graphics such as Project Gotham Racing which would adequately compete with the Playstation 2.
With a Microsoft creating a rift in the gaming world, with new gamers and established pc players torn between Sony's Playstation and Microsoft's Xbox, there wasn't as much room for Nintendo's new console the GameCube. The GameCube improved upon what the N64 had perfected. Fun, rich worlds with beloved characters and immense multi-playability. The Nintendo's N64 controls were considered pretty unique and remarkable for it's time, and the GameCube just further refined and improved upon this (though I would've preferred the z trigger to be behind the right bumper button rather than in-front of it).
The GameCube was mostly purchased by established Nintendo fans. Wish such incredible consoles as the NES, SNES, and N64 building a strong fan-base, many wanted a GameCube to feed their Nintendo Addiction. With launch titles including Luigi's Mansion, Wave Race: Blue Storm, Crazy Taxi, International Superstar Soccer 2, Sonic Adventure 2 and Star Wars Rogue Squadron II. There was something that would appeal to any established Nintendo fan right-off-the-bat.
Then as sequels for established Super Mario, Zelda, F-Zero, Metal Gear Solid, Metroid, and Mario Kat came out on GameCube, every Nintendo fan was salivating to play these games. Even Soul Calibur II came out on GameCube with a playable Link of the Zelda Series. Plus the new concept game Super Smash Bros. Melee was a major hit, and is considered the best GameCube game by many.
If the console competition wasn't so fierce the GameCube would've sold many millions more.
Hardware.
There wasn't as much choice for hardware as I would've expected I was able to find a couple of USB adapters to be used with GameCube original controllers, and a RetroLink USB 3rd party controller. The reviews were great for both choices, and if you have bought a Mayflash usb adapter for the previous reviewed consoles you may have a port for GameCube too. I opted for the adapter with PS2, N64, and Sega Saturn, but if you don't intend on playing a Saturn, there are PS2,N64, GameCube adapters available too. As I've never played an original GameCube and the reviews are so good for it, I went with a RetroLink GameCube USB controller. I was able to pick one up for less than a tenner (£10) on ebay. I wanted the distinct purple controller as it sets it apart from other consoles, but the black controller was cheaper so I ended up getting that.
As I've never held an original GameCube controller, it's difficult to review it objectively as I wouldn't know if flaws are with the 3rd party controller or the design of the original Nintendo controller, so I'll just lay my opinions on the line: Overall the controller feels great. Small, comfortable and easy to access all buttons without having to re-grip the controller (unlike the N64). The strange button sizes are difficult to get used to (obviously a Nintendo design decision) as the B button seems to be used more than the A button in games such as Super Mario Sunshine. The C-Stick is a welcome change over the N64's C-Pad buttons, but I really can't get used to either the should buttons/bumper buttons or the Z button.
To me the Z button being behind the N64's controller was a stroke of genius and felt natural and comfortable to use. However with big hands, the Z button sits right in the middle of my trigger finger, so under the 2nd knuckle. This makes it very awkward to use. If I shift the finger down to use the tip for the z button my thumb then feels uncomfortable using the C-Stick and A/B buttons. The biggest oddity to me about this controller is the shouldebumper buttons. They don't most into the controller in the same angle as the fingers want to push. So unlike a Playstation or Xbox Controller, the buttons can't be squeezed liek a trigger, but but be pushed into the controller, or towards the player. The springs are quite resistive and mean a light press will not do anything. They must be pushed quite hard deep into the controller. This may be a RetroLink issue more than a Nintendo one, but alas it's a bit of a nuisance. If a RetroLink issue feel free to consider an adapter with an original controller.
Otherwise all other buttons and stick feel fantastic. Responsive, ergonomic, and robust.
Here's a pretty comprehensive review/guide to the RetroLink USB controller Though he talks about issues with the C-Stick and Background Input, which I haven't had to do, so feel free to ignore that part if yours is working ok too.
Software.
The most popular GameCube emulator by a mile is the Dolphin Emulator, so I didn't even bother to try out any others. Dolphin works very well and is constantly updated and improved. It's UI is simple clean, and easy to use. It emulates games very well, and I experienced no issues at all.
To test the emulators, I found a the GameCube BIOS plus a few GameCube ROMs on Google. My main games of interest for this chapter are Super Mario Sunshine, The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker, and Mario Kart Double Dash.
I detailed how to get to Desktop Mode in the first guide.
I put Dolhpin Emulator and the ROMs in folders C:\Games\Emulators\GameCube\Dolphin\, C:\Games\Emulators\GameCube\BIOS\, and C:\Games\Emulators\GameCube\ROMs on the Alpha. This makes it easy to add multiple emulators and keep all the ROMs centralised. You should extract the BIOS and ROM zip files for this console.
Once I put the games in place, I first connected the RetroLink GameCube controller to the USB port of the Alpha. I launched Dolphin.
As per usual, it is necessary to configure the input controller via the settings (Options>GameCube Pad Settings). Then click and map each button. The controller works perfectly out-of-the-box, but from what I understand to enable rumble you must install the drivers off the cd that comes with the pad. I haven't tested this as I don't want rumble currently.
To find the ROMs click File>Browse For ISOs and select C:\Games\Emulators\GameCube\ROMs
Dolphin Emulator loads the games without any issue. I tested Mario Kart Double Dash, Super Mario Sunshine and The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker.
I look forward to getting a bit more time to play through these games and live a part of gaming history I missed out on the first time around.
Super Mario Sunshine on Dolphin Emulator
The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker on Dolphin Emulator
Bonus: Xbox
So you may have noticed my GameCube background section was evenly filled with info about the Xbox. This was partly to set the scene of the GameCube and what it was rivalling at the time, but also because I planned to do a chapter dedicated to Xbox only to discover emulation for the Xbox is pretty much non-existent - and I thought Sega Saturn emulation was tough. So I've merged my results in this chapter.
Apparently there's only one emulator that can emulate anything playable and that is Xeon. It can play Halo, and that's pretty much it. Other emulators are able to runs some games but they are unplayable.
Fortunately many XBox games are either on PS2, GameCube or PC so players aren't completely screwed. Halo for example has a Windows release so it's probably better just to get that than emulate it. Obviously there are un-emulated Xbox games that don't exist on any other platform, and that's sad. I hope it improves in the future. I wasn't a huge fan of the Xbox's controller either so prefer to use the Xbox 360 wireless controller that came with the Alpha (of course this comes down to preference). Here's a link to the demo of Halo: Combat Evolved on Windows.
Here's a video of Halo being emulated by Xeon
So that's almost all my console emulations. I've tried to order more Intellivision parts to do the chapter I've wanted to do for months, so I'll give it some time to see if that arrives or not. Either way I'll do that chapter in a week or so. Then finally I plan to do my controller-friendly Front-end evaluation to wrap up the series. I'd love any Wii/Wii-U or Dreamcast fans to contribute chapters as I won't be buying the hardware needed for these consoles.
Thanks for reading the series, and I'll catch you soon!
Continue on to Part 11 - Intellivision

I've been trying to get Netplay onto my computer so I can play and get better (obviously), but am running into a problem. I've looked it up, all on Google, SmashBoards, and /SSBM and can't find a solution.
I have been following this guide, but got stuck on step one, haha. I've downloaded the emulator, the "Dolphin DC-Netplay 4.0-652" thing, and the Melee ROM. But my problem occurs with the ROM. I'll copy and paste the needed ROM it gives me into Google (Super Smash Bros. Melee Revision 2 (1.02) ISO), and have tried almost all the ROMs the search gives me, but they all end with one of two problems. It says the archive is corrupt, or "Unexpected end of archive," and if I try opening anything up in the emulator, it will crash on me.
What am I doing wrong? Any help is appreciated!

I figured that since this subreddit has been gaining quite the following as of late, I would move my tournament series here. I know that this is mostly just a Smash 4-oriented subreddit, but it can't hurt to see if anyone's interested in turning this into a more general-purpose online Smash subreddit. Anyway, on to the rules.
The tournament will begin on Saturday, October 18th, at approximately 13:00 EST. I will send out reminders to all participants to post a confirmation in the tournament's thread one day before the event. Seeding is based on a combination of player rankings and player regions. Anyone who fails to confirm by 13:00 EST will be seeded after everyone else. Anyone who fails to show up within 30 minutes of the tournament's beginning will be dropped to losers. Anyone who fails to show up for an additional 15 minutes will be dropped from the bracket entirely.
Each round will last approximately half an hour. I can push back a deadline if necessitated by a lack of finished matches. If all matches are played out before the deadline, the next round will immediately start. The bracket will be updated as each result comes in.
All finished match results should be posted in the IRC channel in the following format:

 !X defeats Y 0-0 

If the other player does not show up to fight, get a hold of me before the match deadline indicating this. If the match isn't played out before the deadline, the other player will be disqualified from the match.
If your game is not listed, you may start a petition for it. After 8 signatures, I will add it to the event list.
If you want to help TO the event, send me a PM.
TO List:

• DarkErmac

Smash 64 Rules:

• Double Elimination (Round Robin if fewer than 7 entrants)
• 5 Stocks
• No Handicap
• Damage 100%
• Items disabled
• All matches are best of 3, except for winners/losers/grand finals, which are best of 5.
• All cheats other than the ones listed below are banned.
• Stage list (GS Experimental Setup):
  

  Neutral Battlefield Dreamland Kongo Jungle Counterpick Metal Cavern S Yoshi's Island Hyrule Castle How to Play Peach's Castle 

• Stage Striking
  
  • Players will strike one stage each to determine which neutral stage to use for the first game. For all subsequent games, the winning player will strike 2 stages from the list above, and the losing player will pick from the remaining stages. You cannot counterpick the previous stage you won on during the set.
  • Black DK, Dark Samus, and Dark Falcon are discouraged if the stage is Kongo Jungle due to visibility issues. A player may force their opponent to change their color if this is a problem.
• Lag
  
  • The tournament requires the Smash Bros (U)[!] ROM and Project64k emulator. A desynched game will be played on the same stage with the same characters. If desynching problems continue, make sure that both players have the correct ROM, and are using compatible versions of Project64k. If multiple desynchs occur, or if an argument arises over desynching, I will personally determine the outcome of the game.
• Necessary cheats:
  

  Leave on at all times: Unlock all characters: 810A4938 0FF0 Unlock Item Switch: 800A4937 00FF Disable when not in use: Play on How to Play: 800A4D09 000B Play on S Yoshi's Island: 800A4D09 000C Play on Metal Cavern: 800A4D09 000D Play on Battlefield: 800A4D09 000E 

  • If the host of the match does not have these cheats, feel free to slap them through your Internet connection.
• Other Rules
  
  • If the match ends with a move that kills both characters simultaneously when they are each on their last stock, the player who performed the move wins.
  • If a player pauses the game, they forfeit their current stock. If their opponent loses a stock as a direct result of the pause, the player forfeits an additional stock. If their opponent loses their last stock in this manner, the player automatically forfeits the match.
  • Excessive stalling is not allowed.
  • Gentlemen's Clause is in effect. As long as both players agree to it, any of the above rules may be ignored.

Melee Rules:

• Double Elimination (Round Robin if fewer than 7 entrants)
• 4 Stocks, 8 minutes
• Items disabled
• All matches are best of 3, except for winners/losers/grand finals, which are best of 5.
• Master Hand is banned.
• Stage list:
  

  Neutral Yoshi's Story Battlefield Final Destination Dreamland Fountain of Dreams Counterpick Pokemon Stadium 

• Stage Striking
  
  • Players will use the 1-2-1 striking system to determine which neutral stage to use for the first game. For all subsequent games, the winning player will strike one stage from the list above, and the losing player will pick from the remaining stages. You cannot counterpick the previous stage you won on during the set.
• Lag
  
  • The tournament will use the NTSC 1.2 iso and Dolphin emulator. A desynched game will be played on the same stage with the same characters. If desynching problems continue, make sure that both players have properly installed the correct version of the mod, and are using compatible versions of Dolphin. If multiple desynchs occur, or if an argument arises over desynching, I will personally determine the outcome of the game.
• Other Rules
  
  • If time runs out, the person with the most stocks left wins. If both players have an equal number of stocks, whoever has a lower percentage wins. If the percentage is also equal, play a 1-stock 3 minute match with the same characters on the same stage to determine the winner. Repeat as necessary.
  • If the match ends with a move that kills both characters simultaneously when they are each on their last stock, the player who performed the move wins.
  • If a player pauses the game, they forfeit their current stock. If their opponent loses a stock as a direct result of the pause, the player forfeits an additional stock. If the opponent loses their last stock in this manner, the player automatically forfeits the match.
  • Wobbling is legal, as long as the opponent's percentage is below 200%.
  • Excessive stalling is not allowed (walljump camping, reapeated use of Jiggs' Rising Pound, infinite Peach Bomber on walls, etc.)
  • Intentionally causing a freeze glitch to occur is considered stalling and is not allowed.
  • Gentleman's Clause is in effect. Any of the above rules may be averted if both players agree to it.

Project M Rules:

• Double Elimination (Round Robin if fewer than 8 entrants)
• 3 Stocks, 8 minutes
• Items disabled
• All matches are best of 3, except for winners/losers/grand finals, which are best of 5.
• Giga Bowser is banned.
• Custom stage/character hacks are banned.
• Stage list (5-neutral Experimental Setup):
  

  Neutral Battlefield Final Destination Stadium II Smashville Fountain of Dreams Counterpick Yoshi's Story Dreamland Yoshi's Island (Brawl) Warioware Green Hill Zone Skyworld Metal Cavern Dracula's Castle Distant Planet 

• Stage Striking
  
  • Players will use the 1-2-1 striking system to determine which neutral stage to use for the first game. For all subsequent games, the winning player will strike 3 stages from the list above, and the losing player will pick from the remaining stages. You cannot counterpick any stages you won on previously during the set.
• Lag
  
  • The tournament requires the base Project M 3.02 iso and Dolphin emulator. A desynched game will be played on the same stage with the same characters. If desynching problems continue, make sure that both players have properly installed the correct version of the mod, and are using compatible versions of Dolphin. If multiple desynchs occur, or if an argument arises over desynching, I will personally determine the outcome of the game.
• Other Rules
  
  • If time runs out, the person with the most stocks left wins. If both players have an equal number of stocks, whoever has a lower percentage wins. If the percentage is also equal, play a 1-stock 3 minute match with the same characters on the same stage to determine the winner. Repeat as necessary.
  • If the match ends with a move that kills both characters simultaneously when they are each on their last stock, the player who performed the move wins.
  • If a player pauses the game, they forfeit their current stock. If their opponent loses a stock as a direct result of the pause, the player forfeits an additional stock. If the opponent loses their last stock in this manner, the player automatically forfeits the match.
  • Excessive stalling is not allowed (walljump camping, reapeated use of Jiggs' Rising Pound, scrooging, etc.)
  • Gentleman's Clause is in effect. Any of the above rules may be averted if both players agree to it.

Smash for 3DS Rules:

• Double Elimination (Round Robin if fewer than 8 entrants)
• 3 Stocks, 8 minutes
• Items disabled
• All matches are best of 3, except for winners/losers/grand finals, which are best of 5.
• Equipment is banned.
• Custom moves are not.
• Stage list:
  

  Neutral Battlefield Final Destination Yoshi's Island Prism Tower Arena Ferox Counterpick 3D Land Brinstar Corneria Magicant Mute City Reset Bomb Forest Tortimer Island Omega Stages 

• Stage Striking
  
  • Players will use the 1-2-1 striking system to determine which neutral stage to use for the first game. For all subsequent games, the winning player will strike 3 stages from the list above, and the losing player will pick from the remaining stages. You cannot counterpick any stages you won on previously during the set.
• Lag
  
  • The tournament requires an authentic 3DS and copy of the game. A desynched game will be played on the same stage with the same characters. If connection errors continue, or if an argument arises over connection, I will personally determine the outcome of the game.
• Other Rules
  
  • If time runs out, the person with the most stocks left wins. If both players have an equal number of stocks, whoever has a lower percentage wins. If the percentage is also equal, play a 1-stock 3 minute match with the same characters on the same stage to determine the winner. Repeat as necessary.
  • If the match ends with a move that kills both characters simultaneously when they are each on their last stock, the player who performed the move wins.
  • If a player pauses the game, they forfeit their current stock. If their opponent loses a stock as a direct result of the pause, the player forfeits an additional stock. If the opponent loses their last stock in this manner, the player automatically forfeits the match.
  • Excessive stalling is not allowed (walljump camping, reapeated use of Jiggs' Rising Pound, scrooging, etc.)
  • Gentleman's Clause is in effect. Any of the above rules may be averted if both players agree to it.

SSFlash 2 Rules:

• Double Elimination (Round Robin if fewer than 7 entrants)
• 3 Stocks, 7 minutes
• Items disabled
• Hazards disabled
• All matches are best of 3, except for winners/losers/grand finals, which are best of 5.
• Stage list:
  

  Neutral Battlefield Final Destination/Nintendo 3DS (both stages can be stricken at once) Stadium III WarioWare Yoshi's Story Counterpick Dreamland Smashville Jungle Hijinx Mirror Chamber Tower of Salvation Castle Siege Dracula's Castle Sky Sanctuary Zone 

• Stage Striking
  
  • Players will use the 1-2-1 striking system to determine which neutral stage to use for the first game. For all subsequent games, the winning player will strike 3 stages from the list above, and the losing player will pick from the remaining stages. You cannot counterpick any stages you won on previously during the set.
• Lag
  
  • The tournament requires the most recent version of SSF2 as of the tournament date. A desynched game will be played on the same stage with the same characters. If desynching problems continue, make sure that both players have the client-side version of the game. If multiple desynchs occur, or if an argument arises over desynching, I will personally determine the outcome of the game.
• Other Rules
  
  • If time runs out, the person with the most stocks left wins. If both players have an equal number of stocks, whoever has a lower percentage wins. If the percentage is also equal, play a 1-stock 3 minute match with the same characters on the same stage to determine the winner. Repeat as necessary.
  • If the match ends with a move that kills both characters simultaneously when they are each on their last stock, the player who performed the move wins.
  • If a player pauses the game, they forfeit their current stock. If their opponent loses a stock as a direct result of the pause, the player forfeits an additional stock. If the opponent loses their last stock in this manner, the player automatically forfeits the match.
  • Excessive stalling is not allowed (walljump camping, reapeated use of Jiggs' Rising Pound, scrooging, etc.)
  • Gentleman's Clause is in effect. Any of the above rules may be averted if both players agree to it.

List of Fighters:
Smash 64:

1. Kashin
2. xSoto
3. Plutoneus

Melee:

1. justpaul95
2. DrKnockout99
3. FrogVenom

Project M:

1. justpaul95
2. DrKnockout99

Smash for 3DS:

1. Stingos 1762 2880 8633
2. Piconoe 1435 4839 7199
3. Colinyummy
4. fuzzyslippers42
5. Spincycleartist 1118 0400 1716
6. playin4power 1075 1212 3316
7. justpaul95
8. Plutoneus
9. PacmanAteMe 1650 2438 8482
10. MartinV1233
11. LtheGreat 4038 6383 6639
12. Wadderp
13. seamoosey 0104 1015 9480
14. CrimsonXYZ 4682 8888 4301
15. LazyBaneling 0903 2948 7817
16. MaGesticSC 4768 7961 1079
17. Riptide554 0018 1455 0058
18. Yo_Arnold
19. obsidianchao 4210 4415 7059

SSFlash 2:

1. DoqtorKirby
2. blossom
3. Rgf123
4. SageHarpuiaJDJ
5. Sorabotics
6. SoldierSunday
7. StarrTheSquirrel
8. shaske
9. WRXJoey
10. Auraka
11. Jammy
12. TrickMew
13. XenoSmasher
14. ohgosick
15. Bomono3
16. Sachamel
17. Zalo
18. Tomahawk
19. Kyoz
20. SuperSR
21. game_spidr
22. BensonObama