Hacking Cia to 3ds, is it possible?

[shipwreck5]

is it possible to convert a cia into a 3ds easily? I've tried a cia to 3ds converter that says it can also revert but it didn't work( said exheader was missing). Thanks for ur help in advance.

 

[Foxi4]

The converter was right. Converting a 3DS file to a CIA file removes the exheader - if you haven't backed it up, the converter won't be able to conjure it into existence. I'm afraid that just converting the CIA is insufficient, you're missing data.

 

[tony_2018]

What he said. If you trying to revert a cia that you download than no its not going to work.

Its so funny, everybody was all hyped about installing cia's and we got one post where someone wants to revert it to 3ds/3dz.

 

[shipwreck5]

Thanks. That makes sense. I know its kinda funny but I mean it would be convenient if they were interchangeable. I like cias as much as the next guy but not having enough space on the sd card for the cia and the space for installation is a pain.

 

[Foxi4]

The problem here is that .3DS is an executable format and .CIA is an installable archive (hence the name). To parallel it to Windows, it's kind of like a setup file - it installs the executable and makes necessary registry entries for it to boot - the 3DS makes its own when installing a CIA. Cartridges have that information embedded since the system doesn't install them.

 

[The Real Jdbye]

I am pretty sure CIA files have exheaders too.
Regardless, if a downloaded eShop game can be converted to .3ds there is absolutely no reason a previous 3ds->cia convert can't be converted back.

 

[shipwreck5]

Ok I basically thought I knew all the basics of 3ds moding but what exactly is an exheader? Does have anything to do with aheader or is it a file specific for each rom? Basically I'm asking if I can use an exheader from a different rom.

 

[Foxi4]

Ok I basically thought I knew all the basics of 3ds moding but what exactly is an exheader? Does have anything to do with aheader or is it a file specific for each rom? Basically I'm asking if I can use an exheader from a different rom.

exheader is short for extended header. You can't use one from a different ROM and cart and NAND games use different formats of it, hence the converter says it's "not there".

 

[shipwreck5]

Well that sucks but I kinda expected that after looking at 3dbrew.org. It said it contained the application name so I instantly assumed it wouldnt work. Thanks for ur help.

 

[shipwreck5]

One last question, how do I get my hand on an exheader from a .3ds file? Also how come eshop-only games can be converted from cia to 3ds?

 

[Foxi4]

One last question, how do I get my hand on an exheader from a .3ds file? Also how come eshop-only games can be converted from cia to 3ds?

They can provided you are running CFW or using a Gateway since both ignore signature checks. Currently there is no way to re-sign a ROM. You don't "get" an exheader, it's part of the ROM and you'll save yourself a lot of trouble if you just get a .3DS equivalent rather than trying to convert a .CIA.

 

[Ericss]

How do people make .3ds versions of eShop-exclusive games for scene releases then? Some method not available to the public?

 

[Dean_]

https://github.com/Relys/3DS_Multi_Decryptor/tree/master/to3DS/CDNto3DS

If you use rxTools, you can skip 1)~19)

 

[Quantumcat]

Why not buy the game you're looking for, dump the rom, then take it back and get a refund?

 

[shipwreck5]

two final questions (for real this time),1. how do i extract an exheader? 2. how come shop only titles can be converted to .3ds files?

 

[Dean_]

two final questions (for real this time),1. how do i extract an exheader? 2. how come shop only titles can be converted to .3ds files?

Answer to 1.

http://3dbrew.org/wiki/NCCH/Extended_Header
http://3dbrew.org/wiki/CIA

2.

https://github.com/Relys/3DS_Multi_Decryptor/tree/master/to3DS/CDNto3DS

If you use rxTools, you can skip 1)~19)

 

[shipwreck5]

thanks