Hacking Pros and Cons of CIA vs 3DS/Z?

[Thirty3Three]

I've always used 3DS files and 3DZ (with private headers) - let's say I was using CIA files... what are the pros and cons? And is it safer to go online using a CIA? Or no? Thanks!

 

[gudenau]

You get the game on the homescreen. That is about it as far as I know.

 

[Xzi]

Neither has caused a ban for using online features yet. That's all we know.

 

[guitarheroknight]

As long as you don't have a NNID attached to your console you should be fine. Cia files are generally much smaller in size and do not require any kind of fiddling to go online. Oh, you can also backup/edit your saves and transfer them to another console.

 

[hbk007]

I have CFW now, but since I still have a Gateway, I want to put it to use as extra storage, if I keep Card2 games like Pokemon and Animal crossing on my Gateway, are the saves still transferable and easy to backup like .Cia versions?

 

[samiam144]

I have CFW now, but since I still have a Gateway, I want to put it to use as extra storage, if I keep Card2 games like Pokemon and Animal crossing on my Gateway, are the saves still transferable and easy to backup like .Cia versions?

You revived a year-old thread lol. But to answer your question, yes, card2 savegames can be backed up and restored just like CIA files; any save game manager can do it.