Dumping Installed Titles

If you have games, updates, or system apps already installed on your Nintendo 3DS, you can dump them for use in Citra. This lets you play your digital 3DS titles directly on the emulator. Citra now fully supports DLCs, updates, and installed titles, as long as they are dumped correctly. For dumping please go through the Dumping Updates and DLCs.

Option 1: Using threeSD (Recommended & Easiest)

threeSD is a powerful PC tool that helps you import everything from your 3DS in one simple process. It automatically dumps the installed titles, updates, DLC, save data, extra data, system files, and encryption keys.

This means you don’t need to repeatedly dump each game every time.(Though new games and new DLC must be dumped again).

Check the threeSD Quickstart Guide to learn how to import all your installed content easily. Even when using threeSD, you still need a hacked 3DS with GodMode9 installed to extract your encryption keys.

Option 2: Using GodMode9 (Manual Method)

GodMode9 is the official, supported way to dump games, updates, and system applications from your 3DS.

Requirements

You’ll need the following:

  • Latest version of GodMode9
  • A 3DS system with boot9strap installed
  • SD card with enough free space (8GB or more recommended)
  • SD card reader or wireless transfer method

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Install and Set Up GodMode9

Follow the quick-start guide for installing GodMode9 on your 3DS. Using boot9strap is recommended.

2. Insert the SD Card

Place your SD card back into your 3DS.

3. Boot Into GodMode9

  • Hold START
  • Press POWER

This will open the GodMode9 Root Menu.

4. Open the Title Manager

  • Press the HOME button
  • Select Title manager
  • Press A

Choose the location of the title you want to dump:

  • [A:] SD CARD → User-installed / eShop titles
  • [1:] NAND/TWL → System apps or built-in titles

You will now see a full list of titles.

5. Select and Dump the Title

  • Choose the title you want
  • Select Manage Title…
  • Select Dump CXI/NDS file

GodMode9 will now dump the selected title into the output folder.

6. Copy the Dump to Your PC

  • When the dump finishes, press A
  • Hold R + START to power off
  • Remove the SD card and insert it into your computer
  • Navigate to: /gm9/out/

Your dumped file will appear as either:

  • <Title Name> (<Product Code>) (<Region>).cxi
  • <Title ID> (<Product Code>).cxi

Copy the .cxi file to your PC.

7. Load the Title in Citra

You can load your dumped game or system title in two ways:

  • File → Load File
  • Or add your game directory using Add New Game Directory

Citra will automatically recognize and list the title.

Troubleshooting: Dumping Errors

If something goes wrong while dumping: Make sure GodMode9 is fully updated

If the title is corrupted, try:  
→ Re-downloading your game or update from the eShop
→ Dumping again after rebooting your 3DS