Luma3DS is a program to patch the system software of (New) Nintendo (2)3DS handheld consoles "on the fly", adding features such as per-game language settings, debugging capabilities for developers, and removing restrictions enforced by Nintendo such as the region lock.

It also allows you to run unauthorized ("homebrew") content by removing signature checks. To use it, you will need a console capable of running homebrew software on the Arm9 processor.

• Custom Loader.
• Rosalina menu.
• Cheat Engine.
• Service Manager (SM) and PXI.
• Data protection.
• Removal of restrictions:
  • Launch custom Gameboy Advance Virtual Console games without using a homebrew emulator.
  • Region-free patches, without the need to perform region changes.
  • Run homebrews/unsigned codes.
  • Able to boot older flashcarts with homebrew such as NTR Launcher.
• Developer features, useful for debugging and writing homebrew.
• Optional features (enable from the config menu):
  • Default/Autoboot EmuNAND (dual boot firmwares).
  • Screen brightness.
  • Custom splash screen image/duration.
  • PIN lock.
  • Locale Emulation.
• And many more.

Installing

As of Luma3DS v8.0, boot9strap v1.2 or higher is required for usage and all previous entrypoints are no longer supported. Refer to this for information on how to update from arm9loaderhax, or start from here if you do not yet have arm9loaderhax or boot9strap.

Extract boot.firm from the archive with a tool like 7-zip (Windows/Linux) or Unarchiver (macOS) to the root of your 3DS' SD card.

If your 3DS will not power on after this step or you get an Unsupported Loader error, please try updating boot9strap.

Note: CTRNAND Luma3DS (optional) will allow you to boot your 3DS without having an SD card inserted.

Upgrading

You can manually update Luma3DS following the above steps, but it is recommended to use KunoichiZ's fork of Hamcha's LumaUpdate.

To install LumaUpdate, you must have FBI installed on your 3DS.

A detailed guide can be found at the official site.