: These are installation packages. Once processed by an installer, the game appears as a tile on the 3DS Home Menu. How CIA Files Are Used To use CIA files on a Nintendo 3DS, the console must have Custom Firmware (CFW) installed. The process generally follows these steps: 3DS Hacks Guide
: These formats are often used for homebrew applications and game backups. However, downloading and installing copyrighted games you do not own is illegal. 3ds roms cia
This format is the native choice for PC and Android emulators. : These are installation packages
While both contain 3DS games, they serve different purposes based on where you play them: 3DS ROM ( .3ds ) CIA File ( .cia ) Emulation (Citra) Hardware installation (CFW) Installation Not installed; played directly Installed to SD card Home Menu No icon/title Appears on Home Menu Compatibility High (for emulation) High (for physical console) How to Play 3DS Games on a Hacked Console (CIA) The process generally follows these steps: 3DS Hacks