3DS:Installing software: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 00:34, 22 July 2023

This page details how installing software/homebrew works on the 3DS.

3DS software formats

Software on the 3DS comes in two main formats: CIA and 3DSX.

CIA (.cia) format software is usually installed with FBI and will end up on HOME Menu as a launchable title. Both homebrew and retail game dumps are available in the CIA format.
3DSX (.3dsx) format software is installed by placing the 3DSX file in the "3ds" (NOT Nintendo 3DS) folder and can only be launched from Homebrew Launcher. All 3DSX format software is homebrew.

No format is inherently better than the other; it just depends on how you want to launch your software. If you'd prefer your application on HOME Menu, CIA format is the way to go. Otherwise, 3DSX is probably better.

There is also NDS (.nds) format software, which can only be used with TWiLightMenu++/nds-bootstrap and can be installed by placing the NDS file anywhere on the SD card visible to TWiLightMenu++. This format of homebrew is also compatible with the DSi and with DS flashcarts.

Some other file formats you might encounter (but not as often):

3DS (.3ds) is used for cartridge dumps, which you can make/install using GodMode9. This file format is also often used with Citra.
CXI (.cxi) is a generic executable format sometimes used for digital file dumps / preservation.
APP (.app) is the packed application format that you will see in the Nintendo 3DS folder. You won't be able to directly manipulate these very easily.

In summary, if you want to install software on your 3DS, you should be looking for CIA or 3DSX format applications — and sometimes NDS files.

Using FBI (installing .cia files)

FBI is an application that can install CIA files. To use it:

Place your .cia file anywhere on your SD card. (You may want to create a "cias" folder for organizational purposes.)
Open the FBI application (if you followed 3ds.hacks.guide, it will be on your HOME Menu)
Navigate to SD Card -> (wherever you put the .cia file)
Select "Install and delete CIA"
- The CIA file itself does not need to be kept after it is installed, hence "install and delete"
Wait for the CIA to install

Once the install has finished, close FBI and the application should appear as a gift box to open on your HOME Menu.

Running .3dsx files

To run a piece of homebrew in .3dsx format:

Place your .3dsx file in the 3ds folder (NOT Nintendo 3DS) on your SD card
- Some pieces of homebrew may require additional support files. You may have to consult the README / documentation of that software if this is the case
The homebrew should now appear when you open the Homebrew Launcher (the blue "h" icon) on your HOME Menu
- Navigate between homebrew applications / folders using the D-Pad and press the A button to launch it

Using Universal-Updater

If you followed 3ds.hacks.guide to install custom firmware on your 3DS, you probably also have Universal-Updater, which can be used as a homebrew app store. To use it:

Open the Universal-Updater application (the blue down arrow icon)
Use the D-Pad to navigate between applications and the (A) button to select an application
- Use the "Search" or "Filter" function (the magnifying glass) to look for a specific application
Under "Available Downloads", select either the CIA, 3DSX, or NDS file, then press (A) again to install the application
- Check the queue (the button with the number in it) to see download progress
- CIA files will appear on your HOME Menu in a gift box after you exit Universal-Updater
- 3DSX files will become available in the Homebrew Launcher application
- NDS files will need to be launched from TWiLightMenu++
Once done, press START to exit the application

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{shortcut|3DS:IS}}
 This page details how installing software/homebrew works on the 3DS.
-==3DS software formats (CIA, 3DSX, etc.) ==
+== 3DS software formats ==
-Software on the 3DS comes in two main formats: '''CIA''' and '''3DSX'''.
+Software on the 3DS comes in two main formats: CIA and 3DSX.
-*'''CIA''' <code>.cia</code> format software is usually installed with [[3DS:FBI|FBI]]/[[3DS:GodMode9|GodMode9]] and will end up on HOME Menu as a launchable title. Both homebrew and retail game dumps are available in the '''CIA''' format.
-*'''3DSX''' <code>.3dsx</code> format software is installed by placing the 3DSX file in the <code>3ds</code> folder (NOT Nintendo 3DS) and can only be launched from Homebrew Launcher. All '''3DSX''' format software is homebrew.
-No format is inherently better than the other; it just depends on how you want to launch your software. If you'd prefer your application on HOME Menu, '''CIA''' format is the way to go. Otherwise, '''3DSX''' is probably better.
+* '''CIA''' (.cia) format software is usually installed with FBI and will end up on HOME Menu as a launchable title. Both homebrew and retail game dumps are available in the CIA format.
+* '''3DSX''' (.3dsx) format software is installed by placing the 3DSX file in the "3ds" (NOT Nintendo 3DS) folder and can only be launched from Homebrew Launcher. All 3DSX format software is homebrew.
-There is also '''NDS''' <code>.nds</code> format software, which can only be used with [https://wiki.ds-homebrew.com/twilightmenu/installing-3ds TWiLightMenu++]/nds-bootstrap and can be launched by placing the <code>.nds</code> file anywhere on the SD card visible to TWiLightMenu++. This format of homebrew is also compatible with the DSi and with DS flashcarts. Alternatively, you can create a forwarder that points to the <code>.nds</code> file on your SD card, which will show up on your HOME Menu. For instructions, see  [https://wiki.ds-homebrew.com/ds-index/forwarders here].
+No format is inherently better than the other; it just depends on how you want to launch your software. If you'd prefer your application on HOME Menu, CIA format is the way to go. Otherwise, 3DSX is probably better.
-{{Warning|text=The 3DS HOME Menu has a limit of 300 3DS titles and 40 DSiWare titles. The '''3DS''' title limit can be bypassed with [[3DS:3DSBank|3DSBank]]. The '''DSiWare''' limit itself cannot be bypassed, but if you are primarily installing <code>.nds</code> forwarders, you can use [https://github.com/YANBForwarder/YANBF YANBF] to make use of the 3DS title limit.|}}
+There is also '''NDS''' (.nds) format software, which can only be used with TWiLightMenu++/nds-bootstrap and can be installed by placing the NDS file anywhere on the SD card visible to TWiLightMenu++. This format of homebrew is also compatible with the DSi and with DS flashcarts.
 Some other file formats you might encounter (but not as often):
-*'''3DS''' <code>.3ds</code> is used for cartridge dumps, which you can make/install using [[3DS:Dump titles and game cartridges|GodMode9]]. This file format is also often used with [https://citra-emu.org/wiki/dumping-game-cartridges/ Citra].
+* '''3DS''' (.3ds) is used for cartridge dumps, which you can make/install using [[3DS:Dump titles and game cartridges|GodMode9]]. This file format is also often used with [https://citra-emu.org/wiki/dumping-game-cartridges/ Citra].
-*'''CXI''' <code>.cxi</code> is a generic executable format sometimes used for digital file dumps / preservation.
+* '''CXI''' (.cxi) is a generic executable format sometimes used for digital file dumps / preservation.
-*'''APP''' <code>.app</code> is the packed application format that you will see in the <code>Nintendo 3DS</code> folder. You won't be able to directly manipulate these very easily.
+* '''APP''' (.app) is the packed application format that you will see in the <code>Nintendo 3DS</code> folder. You won't be able to directly manipulate these very easily.
 In summary, if you want to install software on your 3DS, you should be looking for '''CIA''' or '''3DSX''' format applications — and sometimes '''NDS''' files.
-==Installing .cia files==
+== Using FBI (installing .cia files)==
+'''FBI''' is an application that can install CIA files. To use it:
-There are 3 applications that are typically used to install 3DS software and homebrew:
-<tabber>
-|-|FBI=
-<span>
-'''FBI''' is an application that can install '''CIA''' files. To use it:
-<ol>
-<li>Place your <code>.cia</code> file anywhere on your SD card. (You may want to create a <code>cias</code> folder for organizational purposes.)</li>
-<li>Open the FBI application (if you followed 3ds.hacks.guide, it will be on your HOME Menu)</li>
-<li>Navigate to SD Card -> (wherever you put the <code>.cia</code> file)</li>
-<li>Navigate to <code>Install and delete CIA</code>
-<ul><li>The '''CIA''' file itself does not need to be kept after it is installed, hence "Install and delete"</li></ul>
-</li>
-<li>Wait for the '''CIA''' to install</li>
-</ol>
-Once the install has finished, close FBI and the application should appear as a gift box to open on your HOME Menu. If it doesn't immediately appear, you may have to power your console off and on to get it to appear.
-</span>
-|-|GodMode9=
-<span>
-<p>'''GodMode9''' is an application that can install '''CIA''' files. To use it:</p>
-<ol>
-<li>Place your <code>.cia</code> file anywhere on your SD card. (You may want to create a <code>cias</code> folder for organizational purposes.)</li>
-<li>Power on your 3DS while holding {{B|Start}}</li>
-<li>Navigate to <code>[0:] SDCARD</code> and press {{B|A}}</li>
-<li>Navigate to the location of the <code>.cia</code> file you want to install, then press {{B|A}}</li>
-<li>Navigate to <code>CIA Image Options...</code> and press {{B|A}}</li>
-<li>Navigate to <code>Install game image</code> and press {{B|A}}</li>
-<li>Unlock write permissions if prompted</li>
-<li>Wait for the CIA to install</li>
-<li>Press {{B|A}} when <code>Install success</code> appears</li>
-<li>Relock write permissions if prompted</li>
-</ol>
-Once the install has finished, reboot your console by pressing {{B|Start}}
-</span>
-|-|Universal Updater=
-<span>
-<p>If you followed 3ds.hacks.guide to install custom firmware on your 3DS, you probably also have '''Universal Updater''', which can be used as a homebrew app store. To use it:</p>
-<ol>
-<li>Open the Universal Updater application (the blue down arrow icon)</li>
-<li>Use the <code>D-Pad</code> to navigate between applications and the {{B|A}} button to select an application</li>
-<li>Use the <code>Search</code> or <code>Filter</code> function (the magnifying glass) to look for a specific application</li>
-<li>Under <code>Available Downloads</code>, select either the <code>.cia</code>, <code>.3dsx</code>, or <code>.nds</code> file, then press {{B|A}} again to install the application</li>
-<li>Check the queue (the button with the number in it) to see download progress
-<ul>
-<li>'''CIA''' files will appear on your HOME Menu in a gift box after you exit Universal-Updater</li>
-<li>'''3DSX''' files will become available in the Homebrew Launcher application</li>
-<li>'''NDS''' files will need to be launched from [https://wiki.ds-homebrew.com/twilightmenu/installing-3ds.html TWiLightMenu++]</li>
-</ol>
-Once the install has finished, press {{B|Start}} to exit the application, if you installed a '''CIA''' file and it doesn't immediately appear, you may have to power your console off and on to get it to appear.
+# Place your <code>.cia</code> file anywhere on your SD card. (You may want to create a "cias" folder for organizational purposes.)
-</span>
+# Open the FBI application (if you followed 3ds.hacks.guide, it will be on your HOME Menu)
+# Navigate to SD Card -> (wherever you put the .cia file)
+# Select "Install and delete CIA"
+#* The CIA file itself does not need to be kept after it is installed, hence "install and delete"
+# Wait for the CIA to install
-</tabber>
+Once the install has finished, close FBI and the application should appear as a gift box to open on your HOME Menu.
-==Running .3dsx files==
+== Running .3dsx files ==
 To run a piece of homebrew in <code>.3dsx</code> format:
 # Place your <code>.3dsx</code> file in the <code>3ds</code> folder (NOT <code>Nintendo 3DS</code>) on your SD card
-#*Some pieces of homebrew may require additional support files. You may have to consult the README / documentation of that software if this is the case
+#* Some pieces of homebrew may require additional support files. You may have to consult the README / documentation of that software if this is the case
-#The homebrew should now appear in the list of homebrew that appears when you open the Homebrew Launcher (the blue "h" icon) on your HOME Menu
+# The homebrew should now appear when you open the Homebrew Launcher (the blue "h" icon) on your HOME Menu
-#*Navigate between homebrew applications / folders using the D-Pad and press the {{B|A}} button to launch it
+#* Navigate between homebrew applications / folders using the D-Pad and press the {{B|A}} button to launch it
-==Reinstalling software from the eShop==
+== Using Universal-Updater ==
-See [https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/607/~/how-to-download-or-redownload-content-in-nintendo-3ds-eshop this] page to redownload content from the 3DS eShop.
-==Uninstalling software==
+If you followed 3ds.hacks.guide to install custom firmware on your 3DS, you probably also have Universal-Updater, which can be used as a homebrew app store. To use it:
-See [[3DS:Uninstalling software]].
+# Open the Universal-Updater application (the blue down arrow icon)
+# Use the D-Pad to navigate between applications and the (A) button to select an application
+#* Use the "Search" or "Filter" function (the magnifying glass) to look for a specific application
+# Under "Available Downloads", select either the CIA, 3DSX, or NDS file, then press (A) again to install the application
+#* Check the queue (the button with the number in it) to see download progress
+#* CIA files will appear on your HOME Menu in a gift box after you exit Universal-Updater
+#* 3DSX files will become available in the Homebrew Launcher application
+#* NDS files will need to be launched from [https://wiki.ds-homebrew.com/twilightmenu/installing-3ds.html TWiLightMenu++]
+# Once done, press START to exit the application
 [[Category:Nintendo 3DS guides]]