3DS:Installing software

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:

1. Place your .cia file anywhere on your SD card. (You may want to create a "cias" folder for organizational purposes.)
2. Open the FBI application (if you followed 3ds.hacks.guide, it will be on your HOME Menu)
3. Navigate to SD Card -> (wherever you put the .cia file)
4. Select "Install and delete CIA"
   • The CIA file itself does not need to be kept after it is installed, hence "install and delete"
5. 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:

1. 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
2. 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:

1. Open the Universal-Updater application (the blue down arrow icon)
2. 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
3. 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++
4. Once done, press START to exit the application