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3DS:Installing software: Difference between revisions

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m (fix tabber problems)
(added a piracy warning to the beginning, finished the tabber and moved universal updater to the tabber, also added a section for installing .nds to the home screen)
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{{shortcut|3DS:IS}}
{{Warning|text=Installing copyrighted material is '''Piracy''', we do not support piracy in any way, shape, or form. Learn more about our stance on piracy [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Uqm1FlouzBu7ih3JxF3vlT28fYIFY6PDcmZrItms7-o here].}}
 


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


== 3DS software formats ==
==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''' (.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.
*'''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.
*'''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.
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.
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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.
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):
Some other file formats you might encounter (but not as often):  


* '''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].
*'''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''' (.cxi) 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''' (.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.
*'''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.
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.
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Once the install has finished, reboot your console by pressing {{B|Start}}
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 CIA, 3DSX, or NDS 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
*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++]
<li>Once done, press {{B|Start}} to exit the application</li>
</ol>
</span>
</span>


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To run a piece of homebrew in <code>.3dsx</code> format:  
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
#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 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
 
==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)
=="Installing" .nds files==
# Use the D-Pad to navigate between applications and the (A) button to select an application
You can find a guide to install .nds games to your home menu [https://wiki.ds-homebrew.com/ds-index/forwarders Here]
#* 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]]
[[Category:Nintendo 3DS guides]]
Retrieved from "https://wiki.hacks.guide/wiki/3DS:Installing_software"