3DSX File

What are 3DSX files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a 3DSX file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your 3DSX files.

What is a 3DSX file?

A .3DSX file is a Nintendo 3DS Homebrew Relocatable And EXecutable Binary file.

A .3dsx file is a homebrew executable format used on Nintendo 3DS systems to run user-created applications without installing them through the official system menu. It is designed to be placed on the SD card and launched via a homebrew launcher such as HBL, not installed to the 3DS HOME Menu.

Developers produce .3dsx files by compiling their code (typically using devkitARM, part of devkitPro) into an ELF binary then converting it with a tool (often named 3dsxtool) into the relocatable + executable 3DSX format. Users store .3dsx files in the "/3ds/" folder (or named folders per app) on the SD card; the homebrew launcher scans this location and allows users to run them. These files are statically linked and meant purely for homebrew apps, not official software.

The format starts with a four-byte ASCII signature "3DSX" at file offset zero. The internal structure follows a simplified ELF-like layout: it includes header fields for sizes of Code, Read-Only Data (rodata), Data segments (including BSS), and relocation tables for each of those segments, plus optional extended header fields such as SMDH (icon/metadata) and RomFS offsets.

How to open 3DSX files

Important: Different programs may use files with the 3DSX file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your 3DSX file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

While we have not verified the app ourselves yet, our users have suggested a single 3DSX opener which you will find listed below.

Last updated: August 16, 2026

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of 3DSX files. Remember, different programs may use 3DSX files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

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