I can read and I want to learn more about 3DS hacking!
https://3ds.guide/ and
https://3ds.guide/faq will most likely answer any burning questions you have.
What is 3DS homebrew?
someone help
What is 3DS custom firmware (CFW)?
someone help
What can CFW do that homebrew can't?
someone help
I'm lazy. Can I just get a 3DS flashcart and call it a day?
someone help
No. 3DS flashcarts are apparently awful and I don't know why someone halp
If I install CFW, can I keep my digital purchases, access the eShop, download updates from Nintendo, play online games, and make backups of game carts I own?
Yes to everything.
Can I get homebrew on my system?
Yes! No matter what system you have, you can access homebrew without having to spend any money. For more information, go to
http://smealum.github.io/3ds/ for a list of homebrew access points. As of right now, you can use SoundHax (listed as Nintendo 3DS Sound) on any firmware 3DS, and it's totally free. If you're having trouble, follow 3ds.guide up to the Homebrew Launcher (SoundHax) page (don't go onto Decrypt9 if you don't want to install CFW).
My card isn't being recognized by my 3DS!
It needs to be formatted to FAT32.
Windows won't give me an option to format my (64gb or higher) SD card to FAT32!
Use GUIFormat, you can find it online.
Can I get CFW on my system?
Yes! Currently, every single 3DS on 11.2.0 and down can install CFW. 11.2.0 also happens to be the current firmware version, so everyone should be able to install CFW.
Okay, great. How do I install CFW?
Go to 3ds.guide. Follow it. Don't skip any steps. Back up when it says to back up.
If you don't follow the instructions correctly, you may lose your games and save files. Read the guide, people.
The process takes a few hours, so set aside at least three hours for installing CFW. Make sure to keep your 3DS plugged in the entire time, since running out of power at the wrong time may cause problems, and worst-case scenario, brick your 3DS.
If you install CFW, you are accepting that your device may brick during the process. Nowadays, the risk is minimal, but still present. Be warned.
I've installed CFW! How do I back up my game cartridges and transfer their save files?
Boot into Hourglass9 and dump the game cart into a .cia file, then use FBI to install that .cia file. It will appear on the Home Menu.
To transfer saves, use JKSM.
I have CFW. Can I update?
Yes. If you want to be extra sure, check the 3DS Hacking subreddit.
I have CFW. But I used my 2gb SD card from 2004. I have a new, cool SD card that I want to use. How do I do this?
Make sure the new card is FAT32, then just copy the files over. It's that easy.
I want to emulate games!
someone help
If you want to play GBA or SNES games, use the injector. Uh I really don't know anything else about emulation someone help me
I want to play DS games!
There's an experimental loader that runs DS games from the SD card, but it's very buggy and has compatibility issues with just about every game right now. In the meanwhile, the best option for playing DS games is using a DS flashcart.
I have a N3DS and I enabled the faster clock speed. Does my battery drain faster, even on games that don't utilize the faster clock speed?
Yes.