3DS:File list

This page lists all files and folders that might be found on a 3DS' SD card, along with their uses.

Files

File Name	Usage
arm9loaderhax.bin	The payload chainloaded by arm9loaderhax.
boot.firm	The firmware chainloaded by boot9strap and 3DS:fastboot3DS, usually Luma3DS.
boot.3dsx	Usually the Homebrew Launcher, which is loaded both by exploits and by Luma3DS' Homebrew Launcher Loader.
BOOT.NDS/boot.nds	When all uppercase, a payload for TWiLightMenu++. When all lowercase, usually the B9STool payload that is used in the frogtool/fredtool exploit.
essentials.exefs	A backup of all unique system files. Initially created by GodMode9.
movable.sed	The encryption key for all data inside the sd:/Nintendo 3DS folder. Required for various exploits that modify apps/games' savedata.
safeb9sinstaller.bin	Boot9strap installer. Identical to the .firm version other than its format.

Folders

Folder Name	Usage
_nds	Created automatically by TWiLightMenu++ to store the payloads, data, and config needed for it to play DS games.
_gba	Created automatically by TWiLightMenu++ to store the config needed for it to play GBA games.
3ds	Contains all .3dsx homebrew applications and their files.
badges	Used to install custom badges via GYTB.
CTGP-7	Contains all data and config for CTGP-7.
DCIM	Contains all photos/videos/screenshots taken by the stock firmware, such as in Nintendo 3DS Camera.
gm9	Contains scripts and exported files for GodMode9.
luma	Contains configuration for Luma3DS, as well as additional payloads and custom game patches and files.
Nintendo 3DS	Contains all digital games/their save files, extra data, DSiWare exports, and the installed theme(s).
plugin	Contains all .plg plugin files for use with BootNTR.
roms	Optionally created by TWiLightMenu++ to store game ROMs.

Exploit-Specific Files/Folders

File/Folder Name	Usage
boot9strap	Contains the boot9strap firm and a hash of it, for use in SafeB9SInstaller.
browserhax_hblauncher_ropbin_payload.bin	The payload for super-skaterhax.
otherapp.bin	Usually the payload for *hax/universal-otherapp, depending on the specific system version and exploit.
arm11code.bin	Usually the payload for browser exploits. Exact contents will depend on the specific system version and exploit.
Soundhax-<region>-<model>-<version>.m4a	The exploited sound file for Soundhax. The <region>, <model>, and <version> in the name are replaced with the values matching the specific console.
mset9.command/mset9.bat	The script file for the mset9 exploit. mset9.command is for macOS, while mset9.bat is for Windows.