To use ROMs on actual hardware, a console must typically have custom firmware (CFW) like Luma3DS. Key tools used in this ecosystem include:
| File Type | Purpose | Tool to handle | |-----------|---------|----------------| | .3ds | Raw cartridge dump | Citra, GodMode9 (convert to .cia) | | .cia | Installable package | FBI (on 3DS), GodMode9 (dump to .cia) | | .cci | Citra container image | Citra only | | .3dsx | Homebrew executable | HBL | | .app / .tmd | eShop title parts | 3DNUS (download from Nintendo servers – now mostly dead) | all 3ds roms
For those seeking a curated collection, the r/roms megathread remains the community's recommended starting point. To use ROMs on actual hardware, a console