diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 21de764..ef65db8 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -7,4 +7,8 @@
 ```
 libnds audio player modeled after fauux's lain fansite
 
+# this repo does not include the libnds source!
+## the entire devkitPro nds-dev ecosystem should be installed, but this program specifically uses maxmod and various nds.h headers
+if you /really/ want to compile entirely from source, libnds is located [here](https://github.com/devkitPro/libnds). it shouldn't be hard to adapt it yourself.
+
 Let's All Love Lain!