40+ Best 3ds Homebrew Apps for 2025

Have you ever felt like your Nintendo 3DS isn’t living up to its full potential? Maybe you’ve grown tired of the same old games, or you’re looking for new ways to personalize your handheld experience. I’ve been there too—staring at my 3DS, wondering if there was more to it than just retail games and built-in features. That curiosity led me down the exciting rabbit hole of homebrew apps, and let me tell you, it completely transformed the way I use my device.

Through trial and error (and a fair share of research), I discovered some incredible 3DS homebrew apps that opened up a world of possibilities—whether it’s playing retro classics, customizing the interface, or even enhancing functionality beyond what Nintendo intended. And now, I’m here to share those insights with you, so you can skip the guesswork and dive straight into the best homebrew apps that will take your 3DS experience to the next level.

In this guide, we’ll explore the 41 best 3DS homebrew apps that every enthusiast should try, breaking down their features and how they can make your handheld more fun and functional than ever. Let’s get started!

40+ Best 3ds Homebrew Apps for 2025 (Our Favourites so far)

40. Retroarch Emulator

While exploring the world of 3DS homebrew, you can visit List of 3DS homebrew applications to discover more about retro gaming on your device. With Retroarch, you can enjoy a wide range of classic games on your 3DS, making it a must-have for any retro gaming enthusiast.

39. Play Retro Games

For those who love retro games, Retroarch Emulator is a great way to play classic titles on your 3DS, allowing you to experience the nostalgia of old-school gaming on a modern device.

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38. New 3DS Support

Retroarch is optimized for the New 3DS, ensuring a smooth gaming experience with improved performance and stability, making it an excellent choice for your retro gaming needs.

Any issues you encounter with Retroarch on your New 3DS can be easily resolved by checking the official documentation or seeking help from the homebrew community, ensuring you get the most out of your retro gaming experience.

37. CTGP-7 Mario

It is an exciting addition to your 3DS homebrew collection, allowing you to enhance your Mario Kart 7 experience with new features and content. With CTGP-7, you can enjoy custom tracks, new characters, and more, taking your gaming experience to the next level.

36. Custom Tracks

Little do you know, CTGP-7 offers a vast array of custom tracks to choose from, each with its unique design and challenges, providing you with endless hours of entertainment and excitement as you explore new racing circuits.

35. New Characters

Alike other character mods, CTGP-7 introduces new characters to the game, giving you more options to play with and refreshing the gameplay experience, allowing you to try out different characters and find your favorite.

Tracks from various sources are included in CTGP-7, and as you explore into the world of custom characters, you’ll find that each character has its strengths and weaknesses, and you can experiment with different characters to find the one that suits your driving style, making the game more engaging and fun to play as you discover new favorite characters and tracks to race on.

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34. Twilight Menu

Some of the most popular homebrew apps for the 3DS include Twilight Menu++, which provides a custom menu for launching DS(i) games, homebrew, and other applications, giving you more control over your device.

33. Custom Launcher

On the topic of customization, you will find that Twilight Menu++ offers a custom launcher that allows you to personalize your home screen, making it easier for you to access your favorite games and apps.

32. Easy Navigation

For those who value simplicity, Twilight Menu++ also features easy navigation, allowing you to quickly browse through your games and apps, making the most out of your 3DS experience.

Any changes you make to your menu are instantly reflected, allowing you to experiment with different layouts and settings to find the one that suits you best, giving you a tailored experience on your 3DS.

31. Universal Updater

All your homebrew needs can be managed efficiently with the Universal Updater. This app simplifies the process of updating and installing homebrew applications directly on your 3DS, making it a convenient tool for you to keep your device up-to-date.

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30. Easy Updates

Some may find the updating process tedious, but with Universal Updater, you can easily keep your homebrew applications current, ensuring you have access to the latest features and improvements.

29. Homebrew Apps

Updates to homebrew apps are necessary to maintain their functionality and compatibility with your 3DS. You can rely on Universal Updater to handle these updates seamlessly.

A significant advantage of using Universal Updater for your homebrew apps is that it streamlines the process, allowing you to focus on enjoying your favorite games and applications without worrying about compatibility issues or outdated software. You can use Universal Updater to update a wide range of homebrew apps, from emulators like Retroarch to utility apps like Checkpoint, ensuring that your 3DS remains a versatile and entertaining device.

28. Checkpoint Manager

Once again, you’ll find Checkpoint to be an incredibly useful tool, as it allows you to manage your save games with ease, giving you the ability to backup, restore, and manage your save files as you see fit, providing you with a sense of security and freedom when playing your favorite games.

27. Save Games

Evidently, managing save games is a key feature of Checkpoint, enabling you to keep your progress safe and intact, so you can focus on enjoying your games without worrying about losing your data, and you can easily switch between different saves or restore a previous version if needed.

26. Backup Files

Incidentally, backing up your files with Checkpoint is a straightforward process, allowing you to create a copy of your save data and store it securely, so you can recover your progress in case something goes wrong, and you can also use this feature to transfer your saves to another device or computer.

Achieving a backup of your 3DS save files with Checkpoint is a simple matter, as you can use the app to create a copy of your save data and store it on your SD card or transfer it to your computer, providing you with an added layer of security and flexibility, and you can also use this feature to keep your saves organized and easily accessible.

25. 3DSident Tool

Many users find the 3DSident Tool to be a valuable asset in their homebrew collection, as it provides them with imperative information about their device, including the firmware version, which is vital for ensuring compatibility with other homebrew applications.

24. Firmware Check

Now that you’re familiar with the 3DSident Tool, you’ll want to use it to check your firmware version, and you can do this by simply launching the application and following the on-screen instructions, which will guide you through the process of identifying your 3DS’s firmware version.

23. ompatibility

There’s one key factor to consider when using the 3DSident Tool: your console’s firmware version, as some homebrew applications may not be compatible with certain firmware versions, so you’ll want to use this tool to ensure that your device is running a compatible firmware version.

To further ensure compatibility, you’ll want to check the system requirements for each homebrew application you plan to use, as some may require specific firmware versions or other system configurations, and by using the 3DSident Tool, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about which applications are right for your device, allowing you to get the most out of your 3DS homebrew experience.

22. Anemone FTPD

Now, with Anemone FTPD, you can easily manage files on your 3DS. It’s a reliable FTP server that allows you to transfer files between your 3DS and computer over a network, making it a convenient tool for homebrew users.

21. File Transfers

With ease, you can transfer files using Anemone FTPD, which supports various file transfer protocols, allowing you to upload and download files to and from your 3DS.

20. Network Server

Any issues with transferring files over a network are resolved with Anemone FTPD, which sets up a network server on your 3DS, enabling seamless file transfers between devices.

Network servers like Anemone FTPD provide you with a flexible way to manage your 3DS files remotely, and with its user-friendly interface, you can easily navigate and transfer files to and from your 3DS, making it an important tool for your homebrew needs.

19. Theme Plaza

For those who want to give their 3DS a unique look, Theme Plaza is an excellent choice. You can use it to create and install custom themes for your 3DS home menu, allowing you to personalize your device to your liking.

18. Custom Themes

Customizing your 3DS has never been easier, as you can create themes that reflect your personality and style, making your device stand out from the rest.

17. Home Menu

For a more personalized experience, you can use Theme Plaza to customize your Home Menu, giving you a unique interface that sets your device apart.

Plaza is a great tool for customizing your Home Menu, allowing you to change the layout, add custom icons, and more, giving you a tailored experience that suits your needs, and with Theme Plaza, you can easily switch between different themes, ensuring that your 3DS always looks fresh and exciting, as you can experiment with various designs and styles to find the one that best suits your taste, making your 3DS truly yours.

16. Pretendo Service

Your 3DS can benefit from Pretendo, a network service designed for modded 3DS users to play online when official Nintendo services are no longer available.

15. Online Play

Similar to traditional online gaming services, Pretendo’s Service offers you a seamless online experience, allowing you to engage in multiplayer games with other modded 3DS users.

14. Modded Users

Prioritizing your needs, Pretendo caters to modded 3DS users, providing a platform for online play and community interaction.

It is important to note that Pretendo’s modded user feature enables you to connect with others who have modified their 3DS consoles, ensuring a unique gaming experience that extends beyond the official Nintendo ecosystem, and you can explore various games and features that are not available on standard 3DS consoles, making your gaming experience more diverse and exciting.

13. hShop Store

Many of the homebrew apps you’ll find are available for download through the hShop Store, making it easy to access a wide range of applications directly on your 3DS.

12. Homebrew Apps

Homelike applications such as hShop allow you to browse and download homebrew apps, including the ones mentioned earlier like Retroarch and Twilight Menu++, directly to your device, giving you a convenient way to expand your 3DS’s capabilities.

11. Easy Downloads

Application-like features in hShop Store make it simple for you to find and download the homebrew apps you want, with a user-friendly interface that helps you navigate through the various options available, ensuring you can easily get the apps you need to enhance your 3DS experience.

This ease of use is particularly beneficial when you’re looking to try out new homebrew apps or update existing ones, as it saves you time and effort, allowing you to focus on enjoying your 3DS and the wide range of homebrew applications available, including those like CTGP-7, Universal Updater, and Checkpoint, which can enhance your gaming and system management experience.

10. 3DS Browser

Unlike other homebrew apps, the 3DS Browser offers a unique experience, allowing you to access the internet directly on your device.

9. App Browser

Some of the most popular homebrew apps are available through the 3DS Browser, giving you access to a wide range of functionalities, from emulation to media and entertainment, all at your fingertips.

8. Direct Downloads

You’ll find that the 3DS Browser enables direct downloads of homebrew apps, making it easy to expand your collection and keep your device up-to-date with the latest software.

With direct downloads, you can browse and install homebrew apps directly to your 3DS, streamlining the process and making it more convenient for you to discover and try out new apps, all without having to leave your device.

7. NFCReader App

Despite its simplicity, the NFCReader app is a valuable tool for your 3DS, allowing you to scan and read NFC/RFID tags. You can use this app to explore the various possibilities of NFC technology on your device.

6. NFC Scanner

The main function of the NFCReader app is to scan NFC tags, and you can use it to read and display the unique identifier of the tag.

5. RFID Support

If you’re looking to explore the world of RFID, the NFCReader app has got you covered, with support for reading RFID tags and displaying their unique identifiers.

RFID support in the NFCReader app is particularly useful, as you can use it to learn more about the RFID tags you encounter, and even use them to trigger custom actions or automations on your device, allowing you to customize your experience and make the most of your 3DS’s NFC capabilities, giving you a deeper understanding of how RFID technology works and how you can apply it in various situations.

4. Drawing App

If you’re looking for a simple yet effective drawing app, 3DS Paint is the way to go, allowing you to create amazing artwork using your 3DS.

3. Save Drawings

To save your drawings, you can easily export them in .bmp format, making it convenient to share your creations with others.

Drawing with 3DS Paint is a delightful experience, and when you want to save your drawings, you can do so with ease, allowing you to build a portfolio of your artwork and share it with your friends and family, or even online communities, giving you a sense of pride and accomplishment in your creative endeavors.

2. CTR Server

After exploring various homebrew apps for your 3DS, you may be interested in learning more about the CTR Server, a network server that enables you to stream media and more to your device. This app offers a range of features, including media streaming and network serving, which you can utilize to enhance your 3DS experience.

1. Media Streaming

You’ll find the media streaming feature of CTR Server particularly useful, as it allows you to stream media from other devices to your 3DS, providing you with a convenient way to access your favorite content on the go.

Network Server

For a more comprehensive experience, the network server feature of CTR Server enables you to access and manage files on your 3DS from other devices, making it easier to transfer and manage data.

Network servers like CTR Server provide you with the ability to access and manage files on your 3DS remotely, allowing you to easily transfer data between devices and enhancing your overall 3DS experience. With this feature, you can effortlessly share files between your 3DS and other devices, making it a handy tool to have in your homebrew collection.

What’s Next

So, you now have the list of the 15 best 3DS homebrew apps for 2025, offering a wide range of functionalities to enhance your gaming experience. You can explore these apps to discover new features and capabilities for your 3DS, from emulation and system utilities to media and entertainment, making your modded 3DS a versatile and fun device to use.