3DS:Installing software: Difference between revisions

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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'''.

*'''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.

*'''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.

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''' <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].

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.|}}

{{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.|}}

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''' <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.

*'''CXI''' <code>.cxi</code> 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.

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

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

<ol>

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~~'''~~GodMode9~~'''~~ is an application that can install '''CIA''' files. To use it:

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

<ol>

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|-|Universal Updater=

|-|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:

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:

<ol>

<li>Open the Universal Updater application (the blue down arrow icon)</li>

<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>

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<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>

</ul></li>

</ol>

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# 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

#The homebrew should now appear when you open the Homebrew Launcher (the blue "h" icon) on your HOME Menu

#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

#*Navigate between homebrew applications / folders using the D-Pad and press the {{B|A}} button to launch it