Cxi To 3ds Converter May 2026

Converting .cxi (CTR Executable Image) files to .3ds (CTR Cart Image) is a common task for users wanting to make their game files compatible with various emulators or flashcarts.

While .cxi files are core executable archives, .3ds files act like complete disk images. Below is a guide on how to perform this conversion and the tools you'll need. Primary Method: Using Makerom

The most reliable way to convert a .cxi to a .3ds (specifically a .cci format, which is functionally identical) is by using the command-line tool makerom. Download Makerom: Obtain the makerom.exe executable.

Prepare Files: Place your .cxi file in the same folder as makerom.exe. Ensure the filename has no spaces.

Run Command: Open a terminal or command prompt in that folder and run:makerom -f cci -o output_name.3ds -content input_name.cxi:0 cxi to 3ds converter

Result: This creates a playable .3ds file from the executable content. Alternative Tools

If you prefer a graphical interface or are looking for broader compatibility, consider these options:

3DS Converters (GitHub): A Python-based GUI tool that simplifies batch conversions between .cia, .cci, and .cxi formats.

Citra CXI Maker: A utility designed to strip, unencrypt, and convert various 3DS formats (including .3ds and .cia) into unencrypted .cxi files specifically for use in the Citra emulator. Converting

GodMode9: For those with a homebrewed console, this "on-device" tool can convert and install various formats directly from the 3DS. Quick Format Comparison Description .3ds / .cci Full cartridge image. Flashcarts & Citra Emulator. .cxi Core executable image. Digital preservation & advanced emulation. .cia Installable archive. Installing directly to homebrewed 3DS hardware.

Sample Code Snippet (Pseudo‑logic)

def cxi_to_3ds(cxi_path, output_path):
    cxi = load_cxi(cxi_path)
    ncsd = create_ncsd_header(partitions=[cxi])
    encrypted = encrypt_partitions(ncsd, keys)
    write_rom(encrypted, output_path)

Basic steps (hactool/hactoolnet method — recommended)

1. Install prerequisites:

   • hactool or hactoolnet (prebuilt binaries or build from source).
   • Required keys (titles keys, prod.keys) if the CXI is encrypted — without keys you cannot decrypt protected content.

2. Locate the CXI file you want to convert.

3. Extract with hactool:

   • Command (example):

     hactool -x --intype=cxi input.cxi
     

     This extracts the CXI contents into a directory (NCCH/NCSD content), producing titlemetadata and NCCH files.

4. Identify the NCCH/3DS content:

   • Inside the extracted folder you should find NCCH (exefs, romfs) or a plain .3ds image. If you get an NCCH you can rebuild a .3ds.

5. Rebuild .3ds if needed (using makerom/3dstool or ctrtool):

   • Example with makerom (requires a properly structured input):

     makerom -f 3ds -o output.3ds -i <input_dir>
     

     Exact flags depend on tool; some users use 3dstool to repack NCCH into a .3ds.

6. Verify the .3ds:

   • Load in your target emulator or check header info with 3dstool/ctrtool to ensure correct title ID and header.

4.2 Critical Steps

• Decryption: The converter must use aes128_ctr_decrypt with the correct keyY from title keys or boot9. If the CXI is plaintext (homebrew), skip.
• Offset conversion: NCCH stores offsets relative to start of partition. In 3DS, offsets become absolute.
• ExeFS extraction: The ExeFS is a concatenation of files (code.bin, banner.bin, etc.). The converter reconstructs file alignment.
• RomFS extraction: May require decompression (LZSS). Use romfs_extract algorithm.