3DS:Installing software: Difference between revisions

==3DS software formats<span class="anchor" id="3DS software formats (CIA, 3DSX, etc.)"></span>==

*'''3DSX''' <code>.3dsx</code> format software is installed by placing the 3DSX file in the <code>3ds</code> folder (NOT <code>Nintendo 3DS</code>) 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].

{{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.|}}

*'''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 by emulators.

 

There are 3 applications that are typically used to install 3DS software and homebrew:

[[3DS:FBI|FBI]] is an application that can install '''CIA''' files. To use it:

<p>[[3DS:GodMode9|GodMode9]] is an application that can install '''CIA''' files. To use it:</p>

<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>

|-|Universal-Updater=

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

<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

<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>

# Place your <code>.3dsx</code> file in the <code>3ds</code> folder (NOT <code>Nintendo 3DS</code>) on your SD card

#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