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Report: CXI to 3DS Converter

1. Overview

This report examines converting Nintendo 3DS CXI files to the standard 3DS archive format (.3ds), covering file formats, conversion methods, tool options, technical challenges, and recommended workflow.

Flashcart Compatibility: Once converted back to .3ds, the file can be loaded onto popular flashcarts like the Gateway 3DS or Sky3DS, which do not support raw .cxi files. cxi to 3ds converter

CTRTool: Often used alongside MakeROM to extract and inspect the contents of 3DS files before rebuilding them. Report: CXI to 3DS Converter 1

6. Typical conversion workflows

A. CXI → CIA (on PC, using hactool / makerom): Structure and encryption : CXI files are encrypted

Future Work:

Structure and encryption: CXI files are encrypted and have a specific structure that's difficult to reverse-engineer.
Data compatibility: The data stored in CXI files might not be directly compatible with 3DS format, requiring additional processing and conversion.

(Citra Installable Archive). While you can convert .cxi to .3ds, converting it directly to a .cia can sometimes be difficult because it may lack required installation information. Decryption : If the .cxi is encrypted, you must provide the proper

2. File format background

CXI: Cartridge image format used for 3DS ROM dumps (often a raw representation of a game cart or title). Contains file system structures, title metadata, and executable content (CTR executable/code), along with NCCH/NCSD containers in some variants.
.3ds (model): Commonly refers to Autodesk 3DS geometry file (legacy 3D Studio format). In the 3DS scene, .3ds is a 3D model/mesh format unrelated to Nintendo 3DS cartridge images.
Important distinction: "3DS" in this context may mean the Nintendo 3DS console format (CIA/CXI/CTR) or the Autodesk .3ds model format. This report assumes the user means converting Nintendo CXI images to a CIA or other installable 3DS package; if the user meant Autodesk .3ds models, see Section 9.

4. Implementation Design

4.1 Workflow

Input: CXI file (decrypted or with key)
   ↓
[1] Parse NCCH header → locate ExeFS offset, RomFS offset
   ↓
[2] Extract ExeFS binary (including code, banner, icon)
   ↓
[3] Extract RomFS binary (raw LZSS or uncompressed)
   ↓
[4] Build NCSD header:
    - Magic = "NCSD"
    - Media size = (ExeFS size + RomFS size + 0x2000) / 0x200
    - Partition 0 = ExeFS (offset = 0x2000)
    - Partition 1 = RomFS (offset = 0x2000 + ExeFS size aligned)
   ↓
[5] Write output:
    - Padding (0x2000 bytes for header + NCSD)
    - ExeFS (aligned to 0x200)
    - RomFS (aligned to 0x200)
   ↓
Output: .3ds file