Tutorial  Updated

How to use NitroHax3DS (Including Managing Cheats File Size)

NitroHax3DS is a tool to apply cheat codes to NTR (NDS) games on the 3DS. This tutorial guides you on how to install, add cheats, and how to deal with the 2,500kb (2.5mb) cheats.xml file size limit. This tutorial does not show you the general usage of NitroHax, as the homebrew GUI generally takes care of that for you.

Requirements
  • A 3DS with Luma 6.1.2 or newer using boot9strap is the recommended setup for your 3DS and for any homebrew.
    If you are still on arm9loaderhax, pasta cfw, or anything alike, then try updating your hacks to boot9strap.
  • NitroHax3DS 0.99.NTR (Final ver?) CIA file, Do not use the DSi release downloads.
  • FBI 2.6.1 (Final) for installing NitroHax3DS CIA file.
  • Revolution 4 Cheat Code Editor (R4CCE) for managing the cheats.xml cheats and therefore the file size.
  • An Action Replay XML file (cheats.xml), e.g., DeadSkullzJr Repo (right click -> save link as), CodeJunkies EU, CodeJunkies US
NitroHax3DS Installation and Usage

Please follow the instructions on the NitroHax3DS readme for general Installation and Usage Instructions.

Lowering the cheats.xml file size

While NitroHax3DS has no actual cheats.xml file size limit, it should NOT exceed 2.5MB, nor should it really even get close to that size. NitroHax3DS loads the cheats.xml to RAM and the 3DS only has 4MB of RAM. This means you would potentially run out of ram, or leave too little amount of RAM available for the game or system to work sufficiently.

To be on the safe side I recommend lowering the cheats.xml file size to be less than 1.5MB in size. The lower it is, the better. You should only have cheat codes for games you want to use, and only have cheat codes you plan to actually use. White screens and crashes may be caused by the cheats.xml being too large (even if it's around 1.5MB).
  1. Open R4CCE, click `File` -> `Open` -> And open the cheats.xml file.
  2. Remove all cheats for games you do not have and/or want to use, the more you can remove the better.
  3. Once you have the cheats.xml lowered as much as you can, Put it on the root of your 3DS SD Card.
F.A.Q

Q: I get a white screen when booting from Nitro but not when I boot normally;
A: The game may be unsupported, or the cheat code may be incompatible with your specific ROM region.

Q: I'm encountering a problem that happens even if I disable all cheats, yet doesn't happen if I play without NitroHax3DS;
A: It might be a NitroHax3DS problem. If you feel strongly that it could be a NitroHax3DS bug, report it on the GitHub Issues page and not here.

Q: Do DSi Enhanced Games work? What about DSi Exclusive Games?
A: No! [source] Sadly DSi Enhanced Games are not supported! This is due to NitroHax using an incredibly outdated Cart loader code that is not compatible with TWL game cartridges. This means both DSi Enhanced and DSi Exclusive games are not supported. E.g., Pokemon SoulSilver/HeartGold (DSi Enhanced), and Face Training (DSi Exclusive).

Got a question not here? Post it below.
 
Last edited by PRAGMA,

Hadobedo

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I made the cxi file and it's 3,072 bytes. Whenever I try to launch Nitrohax or any DS game, it brings me to a black screen. When I delete the cxi file off my sd, they work again. Any help?
 

PRAGMA

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I made the cxi file and it's 3,072 bytes. Whenever I try to launch Nitrohax or any DS game, it brings me to a black screen. When I delete the cxi file off my sd, they work again. Any help?
The cxi file is corrupt, If its 3,000 bytes/3kb then it failed to load Python - Follow this tutorial as if you never ever started making the cxi and you will be golden. (That means uninstall python and devkitpro if you have them installed)
 

Hadobedo

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The cxi file is corrupt, If its 3,000 bytes/3kb then it failed to load Python - Follow this tutorial as if you never ever started making the cxi and you will be golden. (That means uninstall python and devkitpro if you have them installed)

Alright, i'll try reinstalling. Thanks for writing the guide!
 

Exaltys

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Since we are just placing patched files in the luma folder on the sd card this is easily revertible by just deleting the files we added, correct?
 

Exaltys

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There is a crucial step is missing for those few people who follow the steps to the T. After copying your dump, you need to rename the file "firmware_twl.bin".
 

Viri

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Well, I tried your guide and my file is 1.23 MB (1,291,264 bytes, I'm on the latest Luma version(holding down select says so!).

When I open the program, I get "fatinitDefault failed!"
 

PRAGMA

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Well, I tried your guide and my file is 1.23 MB (1,291,264 bytes, I'm on the latest Luma version(holding down select says so!).

When I open the program, I get "fatinitDefault failed!"
You are on the ltest "normal" luma version but not the latest "dev" luma version.
Download LumaUpdater.cia and use that to update to the latest hourly dev version.

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

What is this for?
This tutorial generates the .cxi for NitroHax
 

Viri

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You are on the ltest "normal" luma version but not the latest "dev" luma version.
Download LumaUpdater.cia and use that to update to the latest hourly dev version.

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------


This tutorial generates the .cxi for NitroHax
I just downloaded the Luma updater, and updated to the latest hourly dev version, and I still get the same error.
 

Posghetti

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TA7KkiA.png
 

PRAGMA

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I just downloaded the Luma updater, and updated to the latest hourly dev version, and I still get the same error.
Please follow the Troubleshooting at the bottom of the Thread

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

It was never mentioned to be installed .-. I'll run the setup and see if it changes anything
Dont install CgyWin, It's not needed - The cp error is the Linux equivalent of "copy", To fix it you need to install Devkitpro.
Also uninstall Python, Then reinstall it and when your at a screen with features scroll down and click The X on the Python Path feature.
Now restart your PC (MUST)

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

https://github.com/PokeAcer549/twl_firm_patcher download cxis from here if you can't generate them for some reason

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

remember to remove o3ds_/n3ds_ from the title of the cxi if you're downloading from there
These will work but they might not work for certain systems as I do believe it tailors depending on 3DS Region.
But if you cant get it done then it will be your last shot.
 

WarioTails358

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I'm on the latest luma3ds dev version 6.0.1-DEV
The twlBg.cxi is 1,263 kb or 1.23mb and is located in luma/sysmodules on my microsd card on my new Nintendo 3ds.
Nitrohax boots and my game cart of golden sun dark dawn is not inserted until the message to insert it appears.
I insert it and press start, the cheats show up and I check one of them and then click start game.
And my game is stuck on a white screen and does not boot.
but I know nitrohax works since it booted my copy of Mario kart ds.
 

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