Software on the 3DS comes in two main formats: CIA and 3DSX.
- CIA
.cia
format software is usually installed with FBI/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
.3dsx
format software is installed by placing the 3DSX file in the 3ds
folder (NOT Nintendo 3DS) 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 launched 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. Alternatively, you can create a forwarder that points to the .nds
file on your SD card, which will show up on your HOME Menu. For instructions, see here.
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The 3DS HOME Menu has a limit of 300 3DS titles and 40 DSiWare titles. The 3DS title limit can be bypassed with 3DSBank. The DSiWare limit itself cannot be bypassed, but if you are primarily installing .nds forwarders, you can use YANBF to make use of the 3DS title limit. |
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.