3GX File

What are 3GX files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a 3GX 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 3GX files.

What is a 3GX file?

A .3GX file is a Luma3DS Plugin file.

The Luma3DS Plugin format with extension .3GX is a plugin file type used by the Luma3DS custom firmware for Nintendo 3DS consoles. These files allow users to load additional executable code (written in C, C++, or assembly) into specific games while they are running. Plugins can modify gameplay, enable cheat-loading features, or introduce other custom behavior. Only consoles with Luma3DS installed - and with Boot9Strap support - can use .3GX plugin files.

These plugin files are created by developers or hobbyists using an API provided by the Luma3DS project. To deploy a .3GX file, you put it on the SD card in the directory sd:/luma/plugins/. You may put the file in a subfolder named after a game's Title ID (so it loads only for that game), or name it default.3gx to have it load across all titles when no specific plugin exists. The plugin loader must be enabled via the Rosalina menu (activated by pressing Left Shoulder + Down D-Pad + Select while booting or in-game).

Technically, .3GX files begin with the ASCII signature "3GX$" at offset 0 (bytes 0x33 0x47 0x58 0x24) identifying them to the Luma3DS plugin loader.

How to open 3GX files

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

We have not yet verified any programs for Windows that work with this specific file format. If you know one, please use the 'Suggest a program' link below. Thanks!

Last updated: August 16, 2026

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