Glossary - ihaveamac/3DS-rom-tools GitHub Wiki

Codenames

  • CTR - Development codename for Nintendo 3DS
  • SNAKE - Development codename for New Nintendo 3DS

File types

  • CTR Executable Image (CXI)
    A file that typically contains a game's code and assets. Regions:
    • NCCH header
    • Extended Header
    • Logo region (optional)
    • Plain region (optional)
    • ExeFS (optional)
    • RomFS (optional)
  • CTR File Archive (CFA)
    A file that typically contains a game's manual, Download Play child CIA, gamecard system update files, or DLC contents. Regions:
    • NCCH header
    • ExeFS (optional, no ARM11 code)
    • RomFS (optional)
  • CTR Cart Image (CCI)
    Used on game cards. Usually ends in three extensions:
    • .3ds for gamecard dumps
    • .cci for development images
    • .csu for updating titles on developer units.
  • CTR System Utility/Update (CSU)
    Used for updating developer units. Same format as CCI.
  • CTR Importable Archive (CIA)
    Can be installed on a developer unit or retail console with signature patches (e.g. via Custom/Modified Firmware). Regions:
    • Certificate chain
    • Ticket
    • Title metadata
    • Contents
    • Meta region (optional)
  • ROM Spec File (RSF)
    Used when [re]building CCI, CIA & NCCH containers.

NCCH regions

  • NCCH Header
    Contains information such as title ID, product code, encryption method, etc.
  • Extended Header (ExHeader, ExtHeader)
    Contains information about accessible services, system modules, etc.
  • Logo Region
    Contains the "Nintendo 3DS" logo animation when launching an application. On titles for versions below 5.0.0-11, this is inside the ExeFS.
  • Plain Region
    Contains information about the SDK version and other tools used.
  • Executable Filesystem (ExeFS)
    Contains the code, banner, and icon. On titles for versions below 5.0.0-11, the Logo is also included.
  • Read-Only Filesystem (RomFS)
    Contains an application's assets (textures, models, scripts, etc.)

Others/unsorted

  • NCSD
    Container format for the 3DS NAND and gamecard images (CCI).
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