The 3DS, the ideal console to get started with homebrew

Do you want to discover homebrew without taking risks? The Nintendo 3DS is probably the best entry point: the scene there is mature, the methods are very well documented and the console, which Nintendo no longer updates, won't change.


Why the 3DS?

• Proven methods: installing custom firmware is generally done with an SD card and a few files, no soldering.
• Luma3DS, the reference custom firmware, is stable, lightweight and lets the console work normally.
• A huge library of homebrews: emulators, multimedia players, save managers, themes, capture tools...

Before you start

Make a NAND backup as soon as the guide suggests it and keep it safe. Follow a single guide, from start to finish, without mixing methods. Your system version, displayed in the console's settings, determines which method to use.


And the DS / DSi?

The classic DS turns to linkers (flash carts) that read files from a microSD. On DSi, the Unlaunch tool allows launching homebrews at startup, and TWiLight Menu++ offers a modern menu for DSi and 3DS to launch DS games and emulators.


What you'll be able to do

Back up and restore your saves, play your games in original version from the SD card, enjoy fan translations, retro console emulators, or simply customize your menu with themes.

Everything is gathered in our DS/DSi/3DS tutorials and the downloads of the section.