Homebrew Running .CIA files, what do I need? What's the easiest method

[MajorMajora]

I know this info is out there but there is so much. I wanted to hear it from the community personally.

I'm helping a friend with their 3DS and he wants to run .CIA.

My question is what version of 3DS do you need? Do you need to downgrade? What are the basic requirements? What is the easiest method and what are the risks?


Thanks, sorry if you guys see posts like this everyday, I haven't been here in a long, long time.

 

[DeslotlCL]

If you are on 10.7 you can downgrade to 9.2 to setup an emunand with sig patches disabled, this way you will be able to install cias. You can also install legit cias without an emunand or the need to disable sig patches, but there are only a few legit cias that you can install.

If you are on 10.7 you just need the homebrew launcher and nasa to install legit cias. If you want to downgrade to 9.2 you will need sysupdater and the correct 9.2 downgrade files for your 3ds model and region.

This guide is pretty big, but will help you if you are not aiming for a9lh.

 

[The Catboy]

I suggest checking out this guide for the best way to CIA!
https://github.com/Plailect/Guide/wiki