Nintendo 3DS

Although the "Glossary" section can still be useful, as it may make why you need to do something clearer or what some words mean, all of the guides have been removed because they were outdated. Read Plailect's guide instead.

GUIDE: 3ds.guide

The guide above is always kept up-to-date.

Development wiki: 3dbrew.org

Glossary

 * Firmware patches: The firmware can be patched to make it act in a different way than it was intended. This means it can make your console able to run unsigned software, region free, taking screenshot or spoofing the firmware, among other things.
 * NAND/sysNAND: The memory which has all the things that make your console work. Always make sure you have a backup.
 * Redirected NAND/redNAND/emuNAND: Instead of using the console's memory, you use a copy located in a partition of your SD card. This way you can keep your firmware exploitable while being able to have a newer firmware that you can launch whenever you want. If you plan to install a9lh, you'll only require it during the installation process. Once a9lh is installed it's completely unnecessary.
 * Custom Firmware/CFW: This is a term often used for referring to either NAND redirection, firmware patches or both.
 * arm9loaderhax/a9lh: An exploit that makes NAND redirection not necessary once you have installed it. CFW will boot right when you turn your 3DS on.
 * ninjhax and freakyhax: Two different game exploits that don't require anything other than the game itself, Cubic Ninja and Freakyforms Deluxe respectively. There are other *hax that falls into this category.
 * oothax and supermysterychunkhax: More game exploits, both of them require the game AND a way to edit their saves, like an already hacked 3DS, a device with this specific purpose in mind, or an original DS/DS Lite with a DS flashcard with the proper homebrew and will to make the 3DS game card fit inside it. Ocarina of Time 3D and Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon respectively. There are other *hax that falls into this category.
 * .cia files: When you install a .cia, it will show up in your Home Menu as any game downloaded from the eShop would. A .cia file can be either a game or an homebrew.
 * .3dsx files: Homebrew executables, run with Homebrew launcher.
 * .3ds files: Game images dumped from a retail cart, or homebrew packages. Only usable with a 3DS flashcard.
 * OTP: Data that is unique to each system, used during a9lh installation.
 * LocalFriendCodeSeed_B: Data that is unique to each system, used for certain online functions. Do not share yours.