A Beginner’s Guide to Hacking a 3DS: CFW, Homebrew, and More

Hacking your Nintendo 3DS is a great way to enhance your gaming experience, but it can seem a little intimidating if you’ve never tried it before. You’ll need to install custom firmware (CFW) on your 3DS in order to do things like playing games outside your region, customizing your HOME menu, and installing games and apps that aren’t officially sold by Nintendo (also called “homebrew”). If you’re not sure where to start, our guide will talk you through what’s possible and point you toward the resources you’ll need.

Things You Should Know

You’ll need to install custom firmware (CFW) on your 3DS in order to hack it.
The most comprehensive resource for learning to hack your 3DS is https://3ds.hacks.guide/.
You’ll need an SD card that’s compatible with your 3DS in order to install CFW and homebrew apps.

Section 1 of 9:

What can you do with a hacked 3DS?

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Run games and applications designed by amateur developers. 3DS is a closed system, meaning that you can only use it to run official software developed by or for Nintendo. However, hacking your 3DS gives you access to a whole range of unofficial apps and games created by independent and amateur developers. This type of software is called “homebrew.”^{[1]XResearch source}
- You can browse a list of homebrew games for 3DS on the Gamebrew website.
If you want to play official 3DS games that aren’t available in your region, hacking your 3DS is the easiest option. The Luma3DS custom firmware (CFW) recommended by 3DS Hacks Guide automatically overrides all regional restrictions.
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Customize your HOME menu. The HOME menu is the main interface for the 3DS that you use to access your games, apps, and friends list. Hacking your 3DS gives you the option to customize the look of your HOME menu using themes and badges created by members of the homebrew community.
- Explore custom 3DS HOME menu themes at Theme Plaza.
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Modify your games. One advantage of hacking your 3DS is that it allows you to mod or hack official 3DS games. You can easily install patches and mods using CFW and homebrew launchers.
- You can install some types of mods with Luma3DS’s LayeredFS.
- Another important modding tool is SaltySD, which offers support for games like Smash 3DS and several of the Pokemon titles for 3DS.
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Run older console games using emulators. Want to play games designed for other consoles on your 3DS? It’s totally possible with homebrew emulators. You can install emulators that will allow you to play games made for platforms like NES, Nintendo 64, Gameboy, and Atari.
- Check out some popular homebrew emulators here.
One big advantage of hacking your 3DS is that you can install games directly into the system so you don’t have to use a cartridge every time.^{[2]XResearch source} You’ll need to use GodMode9, a powerful homebrew file browser application.
Homebrew apps like GodMode9 make it easier to back up and restore your 3DS system, files, and data. Since there’s always a slight risk of damage to your system when you hack a 3DS, it’s a good idea to do this immediately after installing CFW.^{[3]XResearch source}

Section 2 of 9:

Is it safe to hack your 3DS?

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It’s very safe if you follow the latest procedures. While the risk of damage or bricking was higher in the past, the more recent CFW options are very safe and stable. As long as you read and follow the installation instructions carefully, there’s little chance that you’ll do any serious harm to your 3DS.^{[4]XResearch source}
- To reduce the risk of problems, make sure your 3DS system software is up to date before you start, unless your 3DS is at version 11.16.
If you install the CFW successfully, you should be able to keep all your apps and data. You don’t need to worry about losing your games, your saves, or your Nintendo Network ID (if you have one). You’ll also be able to continue playing games both online and from cartridges.
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There’s a slight risk that you could get banned from playing online. In general, you’re unlikely to get in trouble with Nintendo for using a hacked 3DS. However, a few players have encountered problems. Some (but not all) users with CFW installed were banned from online play in 2017, but this seems to have been a one-time incident.^{[5]XResearch source} Those players didn’t lose access to their Nintendo IDs or the eStore.
- You may get banned if you try to play hacked games online or if you play games online that have not been officially released yet.

Section 3 of 9:

What versions of the 3DS can you hack?

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You can install CFW on all devices in the 3DS family. These include the original 3DS, 3DS XL, and the 2DS, as well as the New 3DS and 3DS XL and the New 2DS XL.^{[6]XResearch source}
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It’s easiest to hack a 3DS running the latest system software. The most popular CFW and homebrew applications are designed to run best with the most recent 3DS system software. For the most successful and stable hacking experience, make sure your 3DS is up to date. To do a system update:^{[7]XResearch source}
- Make sure your 3DS is connected to the internet. If it isn’t, go to the HOME menu and select System Settings > Internet Settings > Connection Settings > New Connection. Tap Manual Setup > Search for an Access Point and select your Wi-Fi network. Enter your network’s password and tap OK.
- Go back to System Settings and select Other Settings.
- Tap the right arrow until you find the page with the System Update option (page 4 or 5 depending on which version of the 3DS you have).
- Select System Update > OK > I Accept > OK. You will need to plug the 3DS into an AC adapter during the update process. The update may take several minutes.

Section 4 of 9:

What kind of equipment do you need?

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You’ll need an SD card with at least 1.5GB of free space. These days, you can easily hack your 3DS with minimal equipment. Aside from your 3DS, the main thing you need is an SD or microSD card that’s compatible with your model of 3DS. You’ll be loading the CFW and homebrew files onto this card.
- If you’re not sure which SD cards are compatible with your 3DS, check this guide from the Nintendo Support website.
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You must also have access to a device where you can download files. You’ll need to download the files and apps onto a computer and transfer them to your SD card. It’s possible to download these files onto a computer running any operating system, including Windows, Mac, and Linux.
- If you don’t have a computer, don’t worry! All you need is an internet-connected device that will allow you to transfer files to an SD card, such as an Android phone or tablet.^{[8]XResearch source}

Section 5 of 9:

Where can you get the software and files you need?

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3DS Hacks Guide is a great starting point. The 3DS Hacks Guide website offers comprehensive, up-to-date instructions for hacking your 3DS, as well as links to the CFW and basic homebrew apps you’ll need to get started. Visit https://3ds.hacks.guide/ and click Get Started to begin the process.
- The guide will talk you through how to install the boot9strap and Luma3DS CFW on your 3DS.
- It will also guide you through installing and using useful homebrew apps like GodMode9, which will allow you to customize your 3DS experience.^{[9]XResearch source}
- You’ll also need to install Universal Updater, which acts as an app store for homebrew software.
Once you’re ready to start installing more homebrew apps and games on your 3DS, you can find tons of information and links on websites like http://www.3dbrew.org/wiki/Homebrew_Applications and https://www.gamebrew.org/wiki/List_of_3DS_homebrew_applications.

Section 6 of 9:

What’s the process for installing custom firmware on your 3DS?

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The process is also evolving as new CFW becomes available.
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Visit the 3DS Hacks Guide website and follow the instructions. To get started, visit https://3ds.hacks.guide/get-started. You’ll need to select your 3DS model and system number in order to generate the correct instructions for your device. From there, carefully follow the steps to download the CFW and install it on your 3DS.
- There are some universal methods you can try if you don’t have a standard retail 3DS, but they are more complex and require additional equipment (such as a second 3DS that’s already hacked or a DS flashcart). You can learn more about these options here, here, and here.
- If you already have older CFW installed, follow these directions to determine what to do next.

Section 7 of 9:

How do you update a hacked 3DS?

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Hacking your 3DS shouldn’t affect the process for updating your system software. You can still safely check for and run updates through the System Settings menu on your 3DS.^{[10]XResearch source}
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Install the Universal Updater to install and update homebrew apps. The Universal Updater is a homebrew app that works like an app store for homebrew games and applications. Once you’ve installed it on your hacked 3DS, you can use it to find new apps or update the ones you’ve already installed.
- You can also update individual homebrew apps manually, but the correct process depends on the format of the app (e.g., CIA vs. 3DSX). Check the app’s documentation for instructions.
- For instructions on how to update the GodMode9 file manager app, check out this page.
- If you need to update your CFW, check the instructions here.
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Update your 3DS games through the Nintendo eShop. Even though you can no longer purchase new games for your 3DS through the eShop, you can still use it to download updates for your games. Even with a hacked 3DS, you can continue to update your games the way you always have. To find and install updates:^{[11]XResearch source}
- Open the HOME menu and select the Nintendo eShop icon, then select Open.
- Tap Menu in the upper left corner of the screen.
- Scroll down until you find Settings/Other, then tap on it.
- Select Updates. It’s under the History header.
- Look for any games or apps that have an Update icon to the right of their Software Info icon. Tap Update.
- Select Download Now to begin updating your game right away, or choose Download Later if you want the download to start next time your 3DS enters sleep mode.
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Upgrade your SD card by copying over the contents of your old card. Want to upgrade to a better SD card? Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to do. You’ll just need to copy the files on the current SD card to a computer or other SD-card compatible device, then paste them onto your new card.
- Make sure your new SD card is in FAT32 format.
- Avoid using SD cards with a capacity higher than 128GB, since they are known to have compatibility issues with custom themes for the 3DS and with Game Boy Advance graphics.^{[12]XResearch source}

Section 8 of 9:

Does it cost anything to hack a 3DS?

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You can find CFW, homebrew games and apps, and custom themes and badges for free online. The only thing you might have to pay for is an SD card, if you don’t have one already.
Some methods for hacking a 3DS, such as Gateway and Sky3DS, require you to use external hardware, such as a flashcart. Not only are these methods pricey, but they’re less stable than more up-to-date hacking techniques. They’re also more likely to result in a ban from online play.^{[13]XResearch source}

Section 9 of 9:

What if something goes wrong?

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You can solve most issues with 3DS Hacks Guide’s troubleshooting guide. While installing CFW on your 3DS is pretty safe, there are still things that can go wrong. Resources like the 3DS Hacks Guide can talk you through the process of fixing the most common issues. Check out this handy troubleshooting guide. Some common problems that you might encounter include:
- The 3DS powering off immediately after bootup
- Error messages appearing when you turn on your 3DS
- Games or applications disappearing from the HOME menu
- Games or apps not functioning properly
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Don’t try to fix these issues by uninstalling the CFW. If you’re experiencing problems with your 3DS after hacking it, you might be tempted to uninstall the CFW and start from scratch. However, doing so is seriously risky and could brick your device—especially if you’ve already made major changes, like installing a custom HOME menu or changing the region of your device.^{[14]XResearch source}
- If you’re determined to uninstall your CFW, follow the instructions here.
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Look for more help in the r/3dshacks community. If you’re struggling to fix problems with your hacked 3DS, there’s a thriving community of people who can help. One good resource is the 3DS Hacking and Homebrew community on Reddit, which you can find at https://www.reddit.com/r/3dshacks/. Other places where you can ask for help include:
- The Nintendo Homebrew community on Discord
- The Nintendo DS forum on GBAtemp.net