How to Decrypt 3DS ROMs on Android

If you are a gamer, you must have heard of 3DS consoles. 3DS ROMs are game cartridges designed to play on Nintendo 3DS consoles. Decrypting 3DS ROMs can be a little tricky and often requires special software. In this article, we will share some methods to decrypt 3DS ROMs on Android devices, step by step.

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed

Before we dive in, you need to make sure you have the following things:

  • An Android device
  • A microSD card (with enough space to store the decrypted ROMs)
  • A 3DS console
  • A computer with an SD card reader and a USB cable

What Requires Your Focus?

Decrypting 3DS ROMs on Android can be challenging, and we recommend following the steps carefully to avoid data loss or corruption. It also requires strong attention to detail and patience. Make sure you have enough time to dedicate to the process.

Different Methods to Decrypt 3DS ROMs on Android

Method 1: Decrypt 3DS ROMs via Citra Emulator

Citra is an open-source Nintendo 3DS emulator that can play many commercial games. Here’s how you can use it to decrypt 3DS ROMs on your Android device:

  1. Download and install the Citra emulator app from the Google Play Store.
  2. Download the 3DS ROM that you want to decrypt from a reliable source and save it on your microSD card.
  3. Open the Citra emulator, go to the File Manager, and open the 3DS ROM file.
  4. Tap on the game title and wait for the ROM to decrypt.
  5. You can now play the decrypted ROM on the emulator.

Pros:

  • Free and open-source 3DS emulator
  • No need for additional software or tools

Cons:

  • The Citra emulator may not work smoothly on low-end Android devices
  • Not all 3DS ROMs are compatible with the emulator

Method 2: Decrypt 3DS ROMs via GodMode9

GodMode9 is a powerful tool that can decrypt, dump, and restore 3DS ROMs. Here’s how you can use it on your Android device:

  1. Download and install GodMode9 on your 3DS console.
  2. Insert a microSD card into your 3DS console and press the power button. Go to the GodMode9 app and select "SD Card Options" > "SD Card CID" > "Build XORpad."
  3. Remove the microSD card from your 3DS console and insert it into your Android device.
  4. Download and install the XORpadder app from the Google Play Store.
  5. Open the XORpadder app and select the XORpad file you generated in step 2.
  6. Connect your Android device to your computer via USB cable and use a file explorer to locate the 3DS ROM on the microSD card.
  7. Select the 3DS ROM and drag it onto the XORpadder app.
  8. The ROM will be decrypted and saved on the microSD card.

Pros:

  • Powerful tool with many features
  • Compatible with most 3DS ROMs

Cons:

  • Requires a 3DS console and a computer with an SD card reader
  • May be difficult for beginners to use

Method 3: Decrypt 3DS ROMs via Decrypt9WIP

Decrypt9WIP is another popular tool for decrypting 3DS ROMs. Here’s how you can use it on your Android device:

  1. Download and install the Decrypt9WIP app on your 3DS console.
  2. Insert a microSD card into your 3DS console and press the power button. Go to the Decrypt9WIP app and select "Game Decrypter Options" > "XORpads Generator."
  3. Connect your Android device to your computer via USB cable and use a file explorer to locate the 3DS ROM on the microSD card.
  4. Select the 3DS ROM and drag it onto the XORpads Generator app on your computer.
  5. The app will generate XORpads, which you need to copy back to the 3DS console to decrypt the ROM.
  6. Insert the microSD card into your 3DS console and go to the Decrypt9WIP app. Select "Game Decryptor Options" > "NCSD Decryptor (3DS and CIA)."
  7. Choose the 3DS ROM you want to decrypt and enter the XORpad file name when prompted.
  8. The ROM will be decrypted and saved on the microSD card.

Pros:

  • Supports both 3DS and CIA file formats
  • Reliable and efficient

Cons:

  • Requires a 3DS console and a computer with an SD card reader
  • May be complicated for beginners to use

Why Can’t I Decrypt 3DS ROMs on Android?

There could be several reasons why you are unable to decrypt 3DS ROMs on your Android device, including:

  1. Missing or corrupted files: If you are missing or have damaged files, the decryption process will fail.
  2. Wrong decryption tool: Not all decryption tools work for all 3DS ROMs, and using the wrong tool can lead to errors.
  3. Incorrect ROM format: Some 3DS ROMs may be encrypted with a different format that your decryption tool can’t handle.

Here are some possible fixes:

  1. Make sure you have all the necessary files and that they are not damaged.
  2. Check which decryption tool is recommended for the 3DS ROM you want to decrypt and use that tool.
  3. Try converting the ROM to a format that your decryption tool can handle. You can use 3DS Simple CIA Converter for this.

Implications and Recommendations

It’s important to note that downloading and decrypting 3DS ROMs can be illegal and is not recommended. However, if you want to do it for personal reasons, make sure that you only download from trusted sources and that you own a physical copy of the game. Additionally, make sure your device has sufficient storage space and a powerful processor to handle the decryption process.

5 FAQs About Decrypting 3DS ROMs on Android

Q1: Is it legal to decrypt 3DS ROMs on Android?

A: Decrypting 3DS ROMs can be illegal and is not recommended unless you own a physical copy of the game and only download from trusted sources.

Q2: What kind of encryption do 3DS ROMs use?

A: 3DS ROMs are encrypted with the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm.

Q3: Can I decrypt 3DS ROMs on my Android device without a 3DS console?

A: No, you need a 3DS console to generate the XORpads required for decryption.

Q4: Can I use these methods to decrypt CIA files as well?

A: Yes, these methods can be used to decrypt both 3DS and CIA files.

Q5: What are the dangers of decrypting 3DS ROMs?

A: Decrypting 3DS ROMs can lead to legal consequences, such as fines and lawsuits. It can also void your warranty and potentially damage your device.

In Conclusion

Decrypting 3DS ROMs on Android devices may require some technical know-how, patience, and the right software. We hope that this article has provided you with some helpful methods and tips for decrypting 3DS ROMs on Android, along with information on the potential risks and implications.