Dumping Save Data and Extra Data from a 3DS Console

If you want to move your Nintendo 3DS save files into Citra, there are a few different tools you can use. The most important thing is that the tool must support exporting expanded save data, because Citra needs it in a specific format.

In Citra, save files are stored inside the emulator’s SD card at:( user/sdmc/Nintendo 3DS/000…0/000…0/title/[game-TID-high]/[game-TID-low]/data/00000001/ ). Below are the easiest and most reliable ways to dump save data.

Option 1: threeSD (Recommended for Most Users)

threeSD is the simplest tool for transferring everything you need from your 3DS into Citra. It can import save data, extra data, installed titles, updates and DLC, system files, and encryption keys.

Just follow the threeSD Quickstart Guide to dump all required files in one operation. You still need a hacked 3DS with GodMode9 installed to extract your encryption keys, which are required to decrypt your data.

Option 2: Checkpoint (Official & Supported Method for Saves)

Checkpoint is the most reliable and widely used tool for dumping 3DS save data manually.

Requirements

You’ll need the following:

  • 3DS with boot9strap
  • Checkpoint installed
  • SD card reader or wireless transfer

Installing Checkpoint

  • Download Checkpoint.
  • For CIA installation:
    • Copy the .cia file to your SD card
    • Install it using FBI
  • For Rosalina-based Homebrew Launcher:
    • Copy the .3dsx file to /3ds/
  • Note: Old hax-based homebrew launchers are not supported.

Dumping Save Data Using Checkpoint

  1. Start Checkpoint. (First launch may take a while if you have many titles installed).
  2. Use the D-pad to select the game you want to dump.
  3. Press A → Backup.
  4. Confirm by selecting Yes.
  5. Name your backup folder or use the default name.
  6. You’ll see Success! when it’s done.
  7. Exit Checkpoint.
  8. On your SD card, go to:  /3ds/Checkpoint/saves/[Game Name]/[Backup Folder]/
  9. Copy these save files to your PC.
  10. Open Citra → Right-click the game → Open Save Data Directory.
  11. Paste your save files into the opened folder.  (If the folder doesn’t exist, run the game once to generate it).

Example Save Folder in Citra

User Directory
└── sdmc
    └── Nintendo 3DS
        └── 00000000000000000000000000000000
            └── 00000000000000000000000000000000
                └── title
                    └── 00040000
                        └── 0007ae00
                            └── data
                                └── 00000001
                                    └── BigRedSave.dat

Dumping 3DS Extra Data (Required for Some Games)

Some games and system applications store extra data on the SD card.This is different from normal save data and is also needed for correct gameplay in Citra. To dump extra data, you’ll again use Checkpoint.

Dumping Extra Data Using Checkpoint

  1. Open Checkpoint.
  2. Highlight the game and press X to switch to Extra Data mode.
  3. Press A → Backup, then confirm Yes.
  4. Name the folder or use the default name.
  5. When you see Success!, exit the app.
  6. 6. On your SD card, open: /3ds/Checkpoint/extdata/[Game Name]/[Backup Folder]/
  7. Copy these files to your PC.

Importing Extra Data Into Citra

  1. Open Citra → Right-click the game.
  2. Select Open Extra Data Directory.
  3. Paste the dumped files inside the user folder.
  4. If the extra data folder does not exist, run the game once—Citra will create it.

Example Extra Data Folder in Citra

User Directory
└── sdmc
    └── Nintendo 3DS
        └── 00000000000000000000000000000000
            └── 00000000000000000000000000000000
                └── extdata
                    └── 00000000
                        └── 000012C8
                            └── user