Introduction
Are you a Nintendo fan who loves to collect and use amiibos? If so, you're going to love CattleGrid! This amazing app, developed by Arslan Ablikim and available on GitHub, lets you create your own custom amiibos right on your jailbroken iPhone.
CattleGrid is all about giving you the power to bring your favorite characters to life in your Nintendo games. Whether you're a die-hard Animal Crossing fan or just love collecting cool little figurines, this app is a must-have for any amiibo enthusiast.
In this article, we'll dive into the details of how CattleGrid works, what it can do, and how you can use it to create your very own amiibos. So get ready to unleash your creativity and take your Nintendo gaming experience to the next level!
What is CattleGrid?
CattleGrid is a unique application that allows you to create custom amiibos using NTAG215 tags on your jailbroken iPhone. Amiibos are those cool little figurines that you can use with various Nintendo games, unlocking special features, items, or even characters when you tap them on your game console.
With CattleGrid, you can load up NTAG215 dumps (which are basically the data files that contain the amiibo information) and then write that data onto blank NTAG215 tags. This lets you make your own custom amiibos that you can use just like the official ones!
The inspiration behind the name "CattleGrid" is pretty fun, too. It's a pun on "cattle grids," those fences that prevent animals from crossing over into certain areas. In the case of CattleGrid, the "cattle" are your amiibo characters, and the "grid" is the app that helps you wrangle them and put them where you want them to be.
How Does CattleGrid Work?
Using CattleGrid is pretty straightforward, but it does require a jailbroken iPhone to work. Here's a quick overview of how it all goes down:
1. Load NTAG215 Dumps
The first step is to get your hands on some NTAG215 dump files. These are the data files that contain the information for different amiibo characters. You can find these dumps online or even create your own using other amiibo tools.
To load the dumps into CattleGrid, you have a couple of options. If you're using the IPA version of the app (which you can get from the GitHub repository), you can add the dumps to your iPhone through iTunes file sharing. If you're using the DEB version, you'll need to place the dumps in the `/var/mobile/tagbin` folder on your device.
2. Write to NTAG215 Tags
Once you've got your dumps loaded up, you can start writing them to blank NTAG215 tags. These are the special NFC tags that the official amiibo figures use. You can find blank NTAG215 tags online or at some hobby/electronics stores.
CattleGrid makes this writing process super easy. Just select the dump you want to use, put your blank tag on the back of your iPhone, and hit the "Write Tag" button. The app will handle the rest, giving you a custom amiibo that you can use in your Nintendo games.
3. Use Your Custom Amiibos
With your new custom amiibos in hand, you're ready to start using them! Just tap them on your Nintendo Switch, 3DS, or other compatible device, and you'll be able to unlock all sorts of cool features, items, and more, just like with the official amiibos.
One thing to keep in mind is that CattleGrid is designed specifically for iOS devices. So while you can create custom amiibos with it, they'll only work on your jailbroken iPhone, not on other platforms like the Nintendo Switch or Wii U.
Why Use CattleGrid?
There are a few key reasons why you might want to use CattleGrid to create your own amiibos:
1. Customization: With CattleGrid, you can make amiibos of characters that don't have official figures, or even create unique mixes of different characters. This lets you personalize your Nintendo gaming experience in a really cool way.
2. Cost Savings: Buying official amiibo figures can get pretty expensive, especially if you're a collector. CattleGrid allows you to make your own amiibos for a fraction of the cost, saving you money in the long run.
3. Convenience: Instead of having to hunt down and purchase specific amiibo figures, you can just use CattleGrid to make the ones you want whenever you need them. It's a super convenient way to build up your amiibo collection.
4. Compatibility: While CattleGrid is iOS-only, it does let you create amiibos that are compatible with a wide range of Nintendo games, from Animal Crossing to Super Smash Bros. to The Legend of Zelda and beyond.
So if you're a big Nintendo fan who loves amiibos, CattleGrid is definitely worth checking out. It's a powerful and versatile tool that can help you get the most out of your favorite games.
How to Use CattleGrid
Now that you know what CattleGrid is and why it's so awesome, let's dive into the details of how to actually use it. As we mentioned, the app is designed for jailbroken iPhones, so that's the first requirement.
Once you've got a jailbroken iPhone, you can head over to the CattleGrid GitHub repository and download the IPA or DEB file, depending on your preferences. If you go with the IPA, you'll need to use iTunes to install it on your device. If you choose the DEB, you can simply add it to your iPhone's filesystem.
After you've got CattleGrid installed, here's the step-by-step process for creating your own custom amiibos:
1. Gather Your NTAG215 Dumps
The first thing you'll need to do is find some NTAG215 dump files that you want to use. These are the data files that contain all the information for different amiibo characters.
You can find these dumps online on various amiibo-related forums and websites. Just make sure they're compatible with CattleGrid and your specific device. Some good places to start your search include the Amiibo NFC Writing Guide and the CattleGrid GitHub repository itself.
2. Load the Dumps into CattleGrid
Once you've got your NTAG215 dumps, it's time to load them into the CattleGrid app. If you're using the IPA version, you can do this through iTunes file sharing. Just add the dump files to your iPhone's filesystem, and CattleGrid will be able to see and use them.
If you're using the DEB version, you'll need to place the dumps in the `/var/mobile/tagbin` folder on your device. This is where CattleGrid looks for the dump files, so make sure they're in the right spot.
3. Write to NTAG215 Tags
With your dumps loaded up, you're ready to start writing them to blank NTAG215 tags. These are the same kind of NFC tags used in the official amiibo figures.
To do this, just select the dump you want to use in CattleGrid, place your blank tag on the back of your iPhone, and hit the "Write Tag" button. The app will handle the rest, encoding the amiibo data onto the tag so you can start using it.
4. Use Your Custom Amiibos
Once you've got your custom amiibos made, you can use them just like the official ones. Just tap them on your Nintendo Switch, 3DS, or other compatible device, and you'll be able to unlock all sorts of cool features, items, and more.
Just keep in mind that these custom amiibos are only compatible with your jailbroken iPhone. They won't work on other platforms like the Nintendo Switch or Wii U. But within the iOS ecosystem, they'll function just like the real thing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that you know the basics of how CattleGrid works, let's address some of the most common questions people have about this awesome app:
1. What is NTAG215 and why is it important for CattleGrid?
NTAG215 is a specific type of NFC tag that's used in official amiibo figures. CattleGrid allows you to write amiibo data onto these NTAG215 tags, which you can then use just like the real amiibos in your Nintendo games.
2. Do I need a jailbroken iPhone to use CattleGrid?
Yes, unfortunately CattleGrid is only compatible with jailbroken iOS devices. This is because it needs access to certain system files and functionality that aren't normally available on non-jailbroken iPhones.
3. Where can I find NTAG215 dump files to use with CattleGrid?
You can find NTAG215 dump files on various amiibo-related forums and websites. Just make sure the dumps are compatible with CattleGrid and your specific device. The Amiibo NFC Writing Guide and the CattleGrid GitHub repository are good places to start your search.
4. Can I use my custom amiibos on other platforms like the Nintendo Switch?
No, the custom amiibos created with CattleGrid are only compatible with jailbroken iOS devices. They won't work on other platforms like the Nintendo Switch or Wii U.
5. Is CattleGrid safe to use?
As long as you're using it on a jailbroken iPhone, CattleGrid is generally considered safe to use. However, as with any jailbreak-related app, there's always a small risk of potential security or stability issues. It's important to make sure you're downloading the app from a trusted source and to keep your device's security up-to-date.
Conclusion
CattleGrid is a truly remarkable app that gives Nintendo fans the power to create their own custom amiibos. Whether you're a hardcore collector or just someone who wants to add a personal touch to their gaming experience, this tool is definitely worth checking out.
With its ability to load and write NTAG215 dumps, CattleGrid makes the process of making custom amiibos super easy and accessible. And with the fun "cattle grid" theme, the app adds a bit of whimsy and charm to the whole experience.
So if you're ready to take your Nintendo gaming to the next level, be sure to give CattleGrid a try. Just make sure you've got a jailbroken iPhone and some NTAG215 tags on hand, and you'll be creating your own unique amiibos in no time. Happy customizing!
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