Changes

|release = 2011(3DS)<br/>2014 (new 3DS)|discontinued = 2017 (new 3DS)<br/>2020(3DS)|predecessor = [[Nintendo DSi DS emulators|DS(i)]]|successor=[[Nintendo DSiSwitch emulators|Switch]]

The '''[[wikipedia:Nintendo 3DS|Nintendo 3DS]]''' is an eighth-generation handheld game console by Nintendo, released on March 27, 2011 for {{inflationfor|USDother emulators that run on 3DS hardware|249|2011Emulators on 3DS}}. The original model and the 2DS had a dual-core ARM11 MPCore at 268 MHz and a single-core ARM9, 128MB of RAM and 6MB of VRAM, and a DMP PICA200 GPU. The New 3DS and New 2DS XL models upgrade this to an 804 MHz quad-core ARM11 and 256MB of RAM, along with an extra pair of shoulder buttons and a right analogue stick.

The '''[[wikipedia:Nintendo 3DS|Nintendo 3DS]]''' is an eighth-generation handheld game console by Nintendo, released on March 27, 2011, for {{inflation|USD|249|2011}}. The original model and the 2DS had a dual-core ARM11 MPCore at 268 MHz and a single-core ARM9, 128 MBs of RAM and 6 MBs of VRAM, and a DMP PICA200 GPU. The New 3DS and New 2DS XL models upgrade this to an 804 MHz quad-core ARM11 and 256 MBs of RAM, along with an extra pair of shoulder buttons and a right analog stick. The most notable feature of this console is the use of [[wikipedia:Autostereoscopy|autostereoscopic]] (glasses-free) 3D, which can be configured using a slider. This was omitted on the cost-reduced 2DS and New 2DS XL models, which was were released due to eye health concerns with children ages 6 and under whom Nintendo advised not to use the 3DS's stereoscopic mode (though it is speculated that said advisories were more for liability reasons in case of a health-related lawsuit). ;Remember, [[Wikipedia:Category:New_Nintendo_3DS_games|certain titles are exclusive to the New 3DS, New 3DS XL and New 2DS XL]]. Make sure your chosen emulator supports these variations if you want to play them.

<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"

!colspan="710"|PC / x86

|[[Citra(PabloMK7 fork)]]|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}|[https://github.com/PabloMK7/citra/releases/latest {{Citra_(PabloMK7_fork)Ver}}]|{{✓}}|{{~}}|{{?}}|{{?}}|{{✓}} |{{✓}}|{{✓}}|-|[https://github.com/Lime3DS Lime3DS]|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}|[https://github.com/Lime3DS/Lime3DS/releases {{Lime3DSVer}}]|{{✓}}|{{?}}|{{?}}|{{?}}|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|-|[[Panda3DS]]|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}|[https://github.com/wheremyfoodat/Panda3DS {{Panda3DSVer}}]|{{✓}}|{{~}}|{{~}}|[https://github.com/Panda3DS-emu/Panda3DS-Games-List/issues 34%<br/><small>46 out of 135 reported titles</small>]|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{~}}|-|[[Mikage]] (御影)|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}|{{na}} <small>(WIP)</small>|{{~}}|{{~}}|{{~}}|N/A|{{~}} <ref name=mikageopen>[https://mikage.app/faq/#willmikagebeopensource FAQ: Will Mikage be open-source?]</ref>|{{✓}}|{{TBD}} <small>(WIP)</small>|-|Citra-Enhanced

|[https://citragithub.com/Gamer64ytb/Citra-emu.orgEnhanced/download Nightlyreleases {{Citra-EnhancedVer}}]

|-|[[Mikage]]|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux?}}|{{na✓}}

|[https://github.com/CyuubiItsKaitlyn03/LemonLime/ git]|{{✗}}|{{✗}}|{{✗}}|{{?}}

!colspan="910"|Mobile / ARM

|[[Citra]https://folium.emuplace.app/ Folium]|align=left|{{Icon|AndroidiOS}}|[https://playfolium.googleemuplace.com/store/appsapp/details?id=orgdownloads 1.citra1.citra_emu Beta 15]<br/>[https://github.com/citra-emu/citra-android git4]

| Citra-Enhanced[[Mikage]] (御影)| align=left|{{Icon|Android}}| [https:{{na}} <small>(WIP)<//github.com/Gamer64ytb/Citra-Enhanced/releases git]small>| {{✓~}}| {{✗~}} | {{✗~}}|N/A| {{~}}<ref name=mikageopen></ref>|{{✓}}|{{TBD}} <small>(WIP)</small>

|[[Mikage]]Citra-Enhanced

|[https://github.com/Gamer64ytb/Citra-Enhanced/releases {{naCitra-EnhancedVer}}]|{{✓}}|{{?}}|{{?}}|{{?}}|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{TBD}}|-|[[Citra]]|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}{{Icon|iOS}}<ref group=N>iOS support only available with rinsuki builds.</ref>|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/android/latest/arm64-v8a/ ''libretro core'']<ref group=N name=Citralibretro></ref><br/>[https://citra-emu.org/ Former website] ‡<br/>[https://github.com/rinsuki/citra rinsuki builds for iOS] ‡|{{✓}}|{{~}}|{{~}}|[http://web.archive.org/web/20240301112349/https://citra-emu.org/game/ 63%<br/><small>327 out of 519 reported titles</small>]|{{✓}}

===Comparisons===:;[[Citra(PabloMK7 fork)]] : A fork of Citra that was initially created to add online play,<small class="plainlinks" style="font-weight:normal;"ref>([https://citra-emutwitter.orgcom/Pablomf6/gamestatus/ compatibility])1719705943028449372</smallref>but continues to receive new updates and other new features following the end of support for upstream Citra. PabloMK7 was a contributor of Citra, and the repository has also seen work from other active Citra contributors such as GPUCode, who was among the most active contributors before the repository was deleted. :;[[Citra MMJ]]:An open-source unofficial Nintendo 3DS emulator made for Android written by experienced weihuoya and forked from Citra. Offers less stuttering and greater performance than mainline Citra on Android, along with additional features. :;Limón: Port of Citra to iOS/iPadOS devices, developed by Jarrod Norwell. Previously known as emuThreeDS. Now continued as a [[Multi-system_emulators|multi emulator developers]], Folium. :;Lime3DS: Fork of Citra. The devs insist that it's still experimental, but main goal of the project is to act as a revival of midCitra.<ref>https://github.com/Lime3DS#lime3ds-is-a-project-which-aims-to-revive-citra-2019 around half the-most-popular-open-source-nintendo-3ds-emulator</ref> :;Citra-Enhanced: Fork of Citra. Development ceased temporarily in March 2024 due to the [[Yuzu#Lawsuit|stoppage of all games are fully playable with minor or no issuesCitra development]]. Afterwards, the project changed its name to Lemonade<ref>https://old.reddit. com/r/EmulationOnAndroid/comments/1bbos29/citraenhanced_is_going_to_be_continued_and/</ref> and shifted its focus to the Android platform while planning to add new [[#Hardware_features|features]] and [[#Enhancements|enhancements]]. However, due to critique stemming from Lemonade's developers alleged stealing of code from other forks, violation of Citra's GPL license, and berating of developers of other forks,<ref>https://citra-emuweb.archive.org/entryweb/20240411140255/https://twitter.com/Pablomf6/status/1778376166098825515</ref> much of the team has since abandoned the project.<ref>https://announcinggithub.com/Lemonade-citraemu/Lemonade/pull/2/files#diff-androidb335630551682c19a781afebcf4d07bf978fb1f8ac04c6bf87428ed5106870f5R16</ An official Android version ref> The fork was released in May of 2020]thereafter renamed to Citra-Enhanced again.

;Corgi3DS[[Mikage]]:An unique 3DS emulator designed for macOS systemsdeveloped by Tony Wasserka, a. Its GitHub activity started on [https://githubk.a.com/PSI-Rockin/Corgi3DS/commit/1b81c7e00c9a7a73f2da12d07ec3a9e4bc69c6ac May 5''neobrain'', 2019]. Main programmer is a self-proclaimed dog lover which focuses on optimization and has previously created CorgiDS stability on Android and DobieStationPC, though willing to fill the former seemed to be abandonedgap left by Citra. Corgi3DS It is mainly indigenous closed-source, but the preliminary developers have stated that they will release the source code bit-by-bit after the app's official release.<ref name=mikageopen></ref> [https://githubmikage.comapp/PSI-Rockinfaq/Corgi3DS/commit/a60b06683495e4e8fd0c170ec4ca8c453ce31609 Wi-Fi codeMikage is in an early stage of development] was ported from , but according to its developers it already supports some [[melonDS#Hardware_features|hardware features]]'s code. (The Project is on a indefinite hiatus, PSI said this about the matter "Haven't worked on it in and several months, it's basically a hobby project of mine that I touch when I feel the urge")commercial games.

;[[MikagePanda3DS]]:An upcoming [[High/Low_level_emulation|HLE approach]] 3DS emulator developed founded by Tony Wasserka, a.k.a. ''neobrain''Alber and wheremyfoodat (Peach), with focus on optimitzation and stability in Android, willing to fill the gap left currently developed by Citraan array of developers. It is closed-source and also has a PC portcan run many games, even including some Nintendo 3DS applets.

;[[TronDS]]Corgi3DS:A closed-source Nintendo unique 3DS emulatordesigned for macOS systems. Its GitHub activity started on [https://github.com/PSI-Rockin/Corgi3DS/commit/1b81c7e00c9a7a73f2da12d07ec3a9e4bc69c6ac May 5, 2019]. The main programmer is a self-proclaimed dog-lover and has previously created CorgiDS and DobieStation, presumably made by though the iDeaS authorformer appears to have been abandoned. Little Corgi3DS is known about mainly indigenous, but the preliminary [https://github.com/PSI-Rockin/Corgi3DS/commit/a60b06683495e4e8fd0c170ec4ca8c453ce31609 Wi-Fi code] was ported from [[melonDS]]' code. The main programmer said that they "''haven't worked on it other than in several months, it's basically a hobby project of mine that it can run simple homebrewI touch when I feel the urge''". It cannot be used for playing gamesThus, the project is on an indefinite hiatus.

;[[3dmooTronDS]]:Another openA closed-source Nintendo 3DS emulator, presumably made by experienced developers in the DS hacking sceneiDeaS author. Little is known about it other than that it can run simple homebrew. It was released shortly after Citra and received similar progress cannot be used for a few months, but was eventually aborted by its authors after a whileplaying games.

==Emulation issues==Citra currently can't emulate any of ;[[3dmoo]]: An open-source Nintendo 3DS emulator, made by experienced developers in the 3DS's online features aside from LAN multiplayerDS hacking scene. It can't connect to Nintendo's servers was released shortly after Citra and received similar progress for a few months, but users can create rooms and play through the internetwas eventually aborted by its authors after a while.

Corgi3DS ==Hardware features==<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;width:100%"|- ! colspan=2 | Name ! Citra ! Citra (PabloMK7 fork) ! Citra MMJ ! Mikage ! Panda3DS|- | rowspan=1 | [[Wikipedia:Nintendo_3DS_system_software|3DS system software]] | [[Wikipedia:Nintendo_3DS_system_software#Home_menu|HOME Menu]] | {{✓}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20240229150223/https://citra-emu.org/entry/citra-progress-report-2023-q2/#home-menu *] | {{✓}} | {{✗}} | {{✓}}[https://www.youtube.com/@MikageEmu/videos *] | {{✓}}[https://github.com/wheremyfoodat/Panda3DS#compatibility *]|- | colspan=2 | [[#DS Mode|DS Mode]] | {{✗}} | {{✗}} | {{✗}} | {{TBD}} | {{✗}}|- | colspan=2 | [[Virtual_Console|Virtual Console]] | {{✓}} | {{✓}} | {{?}} | {{TBD}} | {{?}}|- | colspan=2 | [[Virtual_reality#Emulators_with_VR_support|3D Screen]] | {{✓}}<ref group=N>Citra supports Stereoscopic 3D mode (Side by Side, Anaglyph, Interlaced, Reverse Interlaced).</ref> | {{✓}}<ref group=N>Supports Stereoscopic 3D mode (Side by Side, Anaglyph, Interlaced, Reverse Interlaced).</ref> | {{?}} | {{TBD}} | {{?}}|- | colspan=2 | [[Amiibo]] | {{✓}} | {{✓}} | {{✓}} | {{TBD}} | {{~}}[https://github.com/wheremyfoodat/Panda3DS#compatibility *]|- | rowspan=6 | Inputs | Circle Pad Pro/C-Stick | {{✓}} | {{✓}} | {{✓}} | {{TBD}} | {{?}}|- | Motion Control (Gyroscope/Accelerometer) | {{✓}}<ref group=N>Citra supports motion control in Mouse (Right click), CemuhookUDP and SDL modes.</ref> | {{✓}}<ref group=N>Citra supports motion control in Mouse (Right click), CemuhookUDP and SDL modes.</ref> | {{TBD}} | {{TBD}} | {{?}}|- | [[Wikipedia:Nintendo_3DS_system_software#Nintendo_3DS_Camera|Camera]] | {{✓}}<ref group=N>Citra supports Front and Rear cameras in single (2D) and double (3D) modes. The camera canbe a still image or system camera.</ref> | {{✓}}<ref group=N>Supports Front and Rear cameras in single (2D) and double (3D) modes. The camera can be a still image or system camera.</ref> | {{✗}} | {{TBD}} | {{?}}|- | Microphone | {{✓}}<ref group=N>Citra supports microphone as Static noise and Real device.</ref> | {{✓}}<ref group=N>Supports microphone as Static noise and Real device.</ref> | {{✗}} | {{TBD}} | {{?}}|- | [https://github.com/libretro/RetroArch/pull/13743 Head-tracking] | {{?}} | {{?}} | {{✗}} | {{TBD}} | {{?}}|- | Touch-screen | {{✓}}<ref group=N>Citra supports touch-screen in Emulator Window and CemuhookUDP modes. It's possible to use button mapping.</ref> | {{✓}}<ref group=N>Supports touch-screen in Emulator Window and CemuhookUDP modes. It's possible to use button mapping.</ref> | {{✓}} | {{✓}} | {{?}}|- | rowspan=6 | Connectivity | [[Wikipedia:SpotPass_and_StreetPass#Nintendo_3DS|SpotPass/StreetPass]] | {{✗}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20240118041239/https://github.com/citra-emu/citra/issues/4928 *] | {{✓}} | {{~}}[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvSlRyWH32c *] | {{TBD}} | {{?}}|- | NFC Reader/Writer | {{✗}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20201217073356/https://github.com/citra-emu/citra/issues/4797 *] | {{✗}} | {{✗}} | {{TBD}} | {{?}}|- | [[Nintendo_Network|Nintendo Network]] | {{✗}}[https://pretendo.network/progress#juxtaposition-(miiverse) *] | {{✓}} | {{✗}} | {{TBD}} | {{?}}|- | [[Wikipedia:Nintendo_3DS#Download_Play|Download Play]] | {{✓}} | {{✓}} | {{TBD}} | {{TBD}} | {{?}}|- | DS(i) Connectivity | {{✗}} | {{✗}} | {{✗}} | {{TBD}} | {{?}}|- | Wii U Connectivity | {{✗}} | {{✗}} | {{✗}} | {{TBD}} | {{?}}|}</div><references group=N />===DS Mode===:[[Wikipedia:Nintendo_3DS#Backward_compatibility|Wikipedia - Nintendo 3DS backwards compatibility]]In addition to its own software, the Nintendo 3DS is backward compatible with all Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi software. Like the DSi and DSi XL, the Nintendo 3DS is incompatible with DS software that requires use of the Game Boy Advance port. Nintendo DS and DSi software cannot be played with 3D visuals on the 3DS.*None of the 3DS emulators support this feature. There was a [https://web.archive.org/web/20240301010422/https://community.citra-emu.org/t run any games without heavy stuttering/ds-game-support/33133 feature request] for implementing this feature to Citra emulator.

==Enhancements==<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;width:100%"|- style="font-weight:bold;"! colspan=2 | Name! Citra emulates ! Panda3DS! Mikage|-| rowspan=6 | Graphics| [[Resolution|Resizable Internal Resolution]]| {{Y}}| {{?}}| {{?}}|-| [[Widescreen_hacks#Nintendo_3DS|Ultrawide hack]]<br/><small>Widescreen already supported on 3DS system.<br/>However for DS backwards compatibility titles you need to use patches to play in widescreen mode.<br/>There is no support by system for render games in other ratios such as ultrawide 21:9 and 32:9.</small>| {{N}}| {{N}}| {{?}}|-| [[Texture_packs#Nintendo_3DS_.28Citra.29|Texture Replacement]]| {{~}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20240304211606/https://citra-emu.org/help/feature/custom-textures/ *]| {{N}}| {{?}}|-| Ray-tracing<br/><small>([https://devblogs.microsoft.com/directx/announcing-microsoft-directx-raytracing/ DXR], [https://www.khronos.org/blog/ray-tracing-in-vulkan VRT] and [https://developer.apple.com/documentation/metal/metal_sample_code_library/accelerating_ray_tracing_using_metal MRT])</small>| colspan=3 | <small>Implementing ray-tracing in an emulator is unfortunately quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the home menu although near future.<br/>However you cantry "[[Shaders_and_filters#Notable_ReShade_shaders|Screen-Space Ray Traced Global Illumination]]" shader using ReShade.[https://reshade.me/forum/general-discussion/5442-release-misc-emulators-with-depth-buffer-access#34388][https://reshade.me/forum/general-discussion/5442-release-misc-emulators-with-depth-buffer-access?start=60#46417]</small>|-| Pre-rendering AA<br/><small>(MSAA, SSAA)</small>| {{?}}| {{?}}| {{?}}|-| Super-resolution techniques<br/><small>([https://github.com/NVIDIAGameWorks/Streamline/blob/main/docs/ProgrammingGuideDLSS.md DLSS], [https://github.com/intel/xess/?tab=readme-ov-file XeSS] and [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 2+]])</small>| colspan=3 | <small>Requires access to the depth buffer and temporal data like motion-vectors so it't launch anything s quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future.<br/>Besides any GPU that can use DLSS can run these emulators at 4k native with ease anyway.</small>|-| rowspan=4 | Performance| [[Overclocking|Overclock]]| {{Y}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20220428210656/https://github.com/citra-emu/citra/issues/5975 *]| {{N}}| {{?}}|-| [[30/60_FPS_cheat_codes|Internal Framerate Hack]]| {{?}}| {{?}}| {{?}}|-| [https://blurbusters.com/frame-generation-essentials-interpolation-extrapolation-and-reprojection/ Frame generation technologies]<br/><small>([https://store.steampowered.com/app/993090/Lossless_Scaling/ LSFG], [https://github.com/NVIDIAGameWorks/Streamline/blob/main/docs/ProgrammingGuideDLSS_G.md DLSS-G], [https://www.techpowerup.com/316835/extrass-framework-paper-details-intels-take-on-frame-generation ExtraSS] and [https://community.amd.com/t5/gaming/amd-fluid-motion-frames-is-out-now-on -amd-radeon-rx-7000-series/ba-p/634372 AFMF])</small>| colspan=3 | <small>Implementing frame generation technology in an emulator is unfortunately quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future, however post-processing techniques such as [[Wikipedia:Motion_interpolation|motion interpolation]] is quite possible. [[Input_lag|Input latency]] will be a crucial factor, but its impact likely varies depending on the specific technique employed, it, also Citra can't launch s recommended to use '''after applying the system apps "Internal Framerate Hack"'''.<br/>While '''AFMF''' or '''LSFG''' could be used with Citra?, please be aware that some visual glitches and artifacts may occur at this time.|-| Preload [[Wikipedia:ROM_image|ROM image]] to RAM<br/><small>For users with sluggish multi-platter HDDs or other games while plagued by horrible seek times, this enhancement '''might''' offer smoother experience, potentially reduced power consumption; it also shines when images reside on a network drive.<br/>Although keep in game mind that preloading image would take some time, and it will require additional amount of RAM capacity.</small>| {{N}}| {{?}}| {{?}}|-| rowspan=6 | Post-Processing| [[Wikipedia:Category:Anti-aliasing_algorithms|Post-rendering AA]]<br/><small>(as the same with the home menuFXAA, TXAA and MLAA/SMAA) </small>| {{N}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20201217074552/https://github.com/citra-emu/citra/issues/3623 *]| {{?}}| {{?}}|-| [[Wikipedia:Comparison_gallery_of_image_scaling_algorithms|Post-rendering scaling]]<br/><small>(Sharp bilinear, Lanczos and resulting on the softlock [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 1]])</small>| {{Y}}| {{?}}| {{?}}|-| [[Shaders_and_filters|Filters]]| {{N}}| {{?}}| {{?}}|-|[[Shaders_and_filters#AI-powered filters|AI-powered filter compatible]]<br/><small>([https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/gfecnt/nvidia-freestyle-ansel-enhancements-geforce-experience-article/ Freestyle])</small>| {{?}}| {{?}}| {{?}}|-| [[Shader_Presets|Shader Chain]]| {{~}}<ref group=N2 name=lrExclusive>Exclusive to libretro core.</ref>| {{?}}| {{?}}|-|[[High_dynamic_range#Inverse_tone_mapping|Inverse tone mapping compatible]]| {{?}}| {{?}}| {{?}}|-| rowspan=5 | [https://tasvideos.org/Emulatorresources/Features TAS features]| [[Wikipedia:Macro_(computer_science)|Macros/Scripts]]/[https://tasvideos.org/LuaScripting Lua]| {{?}}| {{Y}}| {{?}}|-| Rewind| {{N}}[https://github.com/citra-emu/citra/issues/5859 *]| {{?}}| {{?}}|-| Fast-Forward/Turbo Speed| {{Y}}[https://github.com/citra-emu/citra/pull/3353 *]| {{?}}| {{?}}|-| Savestates| {{Y}}| {{?}}| {{?}}|-| [https://tasvideos.org/Movies Movie recording/playback]| {{Y}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20201217052538/https://github.com/citra-emu/citra/pull/3500 *]| {{N}}| {{?}}|-| rowspan=2 | Controls| [[Controllers#Mouse_Injectors_for_Emulators|Mouse Injector Compatible]]| {{N}}| {{N}}| {{?}}|-| [[Input_lag|Input lag-mitigating technique]]| {{N}}| {{N}}| {{?}}|-| rowspan=6 | Quality of life| Built-in [[Mods,_hacks_and_fan-translations#Built-in_graphics_mod_editor.2Fmanager_for_emulators|Graphics mod editor/manager]]| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| {{?}}|-| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Cheat Manager]]| {{Y}}| {{Y}}[https://github.com/wheremyfoodat/Panda3DS#compatibility *]| {{?}}|-| [[Save_disk_space_for_ISOs|Streamable compression format]]| {{N}}| {{N}}| {{?}}|-| Per-Game Profiles| {{?}}| {{?}}| {{?}}|-| Command Line Options| {{?}}| {{?}}| {{?}}|-| [[Frontends#Graphical_User_Interfaces_.28GUIs.29|Big Picture Mode]]| {{N}}| {{?}}| {{?}}|-| rowspan=3 | Misc| [https://retroachievements.org/gameList.php?c=62 RetroAchievements]| {{N}}| {{N}}| {{?}}|-| [[Virtual_reality#VR_game_room_simulations|EmuVR support]]| colspan=3 | Exclusive to [https://www.emuvr.net/wiki/Installation_Guide#Downloads libretro cores] at the emulator, effectively making Citra unplayablemoment.|-| [[Wikipedia:Category:Debugging|Debug Features]]| {{?}}| {{?}}| {{?}}|}</div><references group=N2/>

There are two big types of 3DS game images currently:;NCSD-type: Includes '''.CCIcci''' (CTR Cart Image), aka '''.3DS3ds''' - data on physical carts, can be executed right off the bat, not used much since no one bothered to develop a CFW solution to load them yet (besides converting them to CIA) and only overpriced flashcarts (Gateway/Sky3DS) can load them.;NCCH-type: Includes '''.CIAcia''' (CTR Importable Archive) and '''.CXIcxi''' - installers that unpack game data to the SD card or the 3DS NAND memory. Some homebrew apps (FBI, DevMenu) can install CIA files on 3DS systems with CFW installed. Digital games are often distributed as CIAs.

*Note that CTR (Citrus) is the internal code names name for the 3DS.

Due to one format being so far restricted to overpriced flashcarts and the very slow Citra development (meaning playing on a real an actual 3DS is still the preferred way to go), the CIA format is preferred in many sharing websites, downloader tools and even tools to dump your own games.

However, converting a CIA image to 3DS format (and vice-versa) is still possible with no loss of content. Read the Encryption section below for a guide.

Most dumps online are also encrypted. This encryption poses no problem for playing game images on a real an actual 3DS since it can deal with that encryption with internal keys included in the bootrom, but becomes a problem when trying to emulate them on PC. '''Citra requires additional encryption keys to play encrypted games.''' If you want to play encrypted games on Citra without these keys, you'll have to convert your game images to the decrypted format.

The game changer was the sighax exploit, allowing to dump which allowed for the dumping of the 3DS bootrom , which includes these encryption keys. This file can be downloaded from the [[Emulator Files#Nintendo 3DS|Emulator Files]] page. You can then use a program like '''[https://gbatemp.net/threads/tutorial-extract-decrypt-games-nand-backups-and-sd-contents-with-fuse-3ds.499994/ fuse-3ds]''' to decrypt games using this file. Simply place boot9.bin in the same folder, run the program, mount the encrypted .cia CIA or .3ds3DS, and find the '''decrypted.cxi''' file inside (usually in the first folder). Citra should be able to load this file without issues.

Due to these keys being available, Citra can now play encrypted games (3ds 3DS or CIA) without decrypting them. Read this page[https://web.archive.org/web/20240229064914/https://citra-emu.org/wiki/aes-keys/this page]. Then, go to this reddit Reddit page and copy the code from second comment (credit floppydoppy2)the [https://www.reddit.com/r/CemuPiracy/comments/gpo2ey/aes_key_nintendo_3ds_title_keys_for_citra/second comment](credit floppydoppy2). Copy it and make a new .TXT file named '''aes_keys.txt'''. Place this txt TXT file in the sysdata folder of Citra's user directory. This key file is already included in the 3DS Shared Data download in the [[Emulator files#Nintendo_3DS|Emulator Files ]] page.

[[Category:Consoles|!3DS]][[Category:Handheld consoles|!3DS]][[Category:Nintendo consoles|!3DS]][[Category:Eighth-generation video game consoles|!3DS]]