: An older but popular choice that features a graphical interface. It typically requires you to generate XORpads on your 3DS first, which can make the process more manual than newer alternatives.
: Available on GitHub , this collection of Python and Batch scripts provides a portable way to batch-convert files using a simple GUI or command line.
Carry your conversion toolkit on the same SD card you use for your console.
Create a folder named "3ds_files" and place your .3ds ROMs inside. Run the Converter: Open the executable (.exe) tool. 3ds to cia converter portable
Boot your 3DS while holding the button to launch the Luma3DS chainloader, then select GodMode9 . Navigate to [0:] SDCARD and locate your .3DS file. Press A on the file to open the options menu.
Leo dragged a corrupted file named Project_Omen.3ds onto the portable converter. No windows, no menus. Just a black terminal. The Sound: His laptop fan didn't whir; it screamed. The Result: A perfect .cia file appeared.
: These tools often handle the decryption and conversion in one pass, transforming the raw ROM into a format ready for tools like the FBI Homebrew Installer . Common Portable Conversion Tools Portability Type Key Benefit 3dsconv Command-line/GUI : An older but popular choice that features
If you prefer using a computer, these standalone tools do not require installation and can be run from a folder:
Copy your .3DS file to your 3DS SD card (inside a folder named roms ).
Fastest modern method; supports batch processing with boot9.bin . Folder-based Older but familiar GUI; requires manual XORpad generation. GodMode9 (On-Console) Firmware-based Carry your conversion toolkit on the same SD
A: You likely forgot to decrypt the .3ds file first. Most portable converters assume a decrypted ROM. If you have an encrypted ROM (from a flashcart), you need to remove the encryption using ctrtool before conversion.
Use FBI on your 3DS to "Install and delete" the CIA file. Benefits of CIA Files over 3DS Files Why go through the effort of converting?