Glossary

Codenames

• CTR - Development codename for Nintendo 3DS
• SNAKE - Development codename for New Nintendo 3DS

File types

• CTR Executable Image (CXI)
  A file that typically contains a game's code and assets. Regions:
  • NCCH header
  • Extended Header
  • Logo region (optional)
  • Plain region (optional)
  • ExeFS (optional)
  • RomFS (optional)
• CTR File Archive (CFA)
  A file that typically contains a game's manual, Download Play child CIA, gamecard system update files, or DLC contents. Regions:
  • NCCH header
  • ExeFS (optional, no ARM11 code)
  • RomFS (optional)
• CTR Cart Image (CCI)
  Used on game cards. Usually ends in three extensions:
  • .3ds for gamecard dumps
  • .cci for development images
  • .csu for updating titles on developer units.
• CTR System Utility/Update (CSU)
  Used for updating developer units. Same format as CCI.
• CTR Importable Archive (CIA)
  Can be installed on a developer unit or retail console with signature patches (e.g. via Custom/Modified Firmware). Regions:
  • Certificate chain
  • Ticket
  • Title metadata
  • Contents
  • Meta region (optional)
• ROM Spec File (RSF)
  Used when [re]building CCI, CIA & NCCH containers.

NCCH regions

• NCCH Header
  Contains information such as title ID, product code, encryption method, etc.
• Extended Header (ExHeader, ExtHeader)
  Contains information about accessible services, system modules, etc.
• Logo Region
  Contains the "Nintendo 3DS" logo animation when launching an application. On titles for versions below 5.0.0-11, this is inside the ExeFS.
• Plain Region
  Contains information about the SDK version and other tools used.
• Executable Filesystem (ExeFS)
  Contains the code, banner, and icon. On titles for versions below 5.0.0-11, the Logo is also included.
• Read-Only Filesystem (RomFS)
  Contains an application's assets (textures, models, scripts, etc.)

Others/unsorted

• NCSD
  Container format for the 3DS NAND and gamecard images (CCI).