3DS Random Game Launcher

3DS Random Game Launcher
3DS Random Game Launcher
General
Author	selloa
Type	Utilities
Version	v0.2.1
License	MIT License
Last Updated	2026/05/23
Links
	Download
	Website
	Source

Can't decide what to play? Let your 3DS pick a random installed title and launch it.

The offline catalog in source/title_database.c maps title IDs to display names (8,700+ entries).

Originally created by einso as a proof-of-concept, this fork adds SMDH title resolution, filtering, persistent settings, and a rebuilt offline catalog. The project uses code from the devkitPro 3ds-examples app_launch template.

Installation

Via Universal Updater

Open Universal-Updater 3DS on your 3DS.
Search for "3DS Random Game Launcher".
Install the CIA (Home Menu icon) or 3DSX (Homebrew Launcher).

Manual installation (3dsx)

Download the latest .3dsx file from the Releases page.
Copy the .3dsx file to the /3ds/ folder on the SD card.
Launch from the Homebrew Launcher.

Manual installation (CIA)

Download the latest .cia file from the Releases page.
Install using FBI, Universal Updater, or another CIA installer.
Launch from the 3DS Home Screen.

User guide

The application picks a random eligible title from your library and launches it. It shows a readable name from the title's SMDH icon when available, with the offline catalog as fallback.

The user can reroll as many times as desired before launching.

Features include:

Filter what can be picked: native apps, Virtual Console, DSiWare, demos, DLC, patches, system titles, and more.
Scan SD card and/or NAND (both configurable).
Unlisted mode for homebrew and titles not in the database (requires a readable SMDH name).
Options saved to SD — your filters and preferences persist between sessions.

While viewing a pick, use L/R to page through game, detail, and technical info screens.

Controls

A - Launch the selected title

Y - Reroll

L / R - Change info page

X - Quick toggle unlisted/homebrew-only mode

SELECT - Options / filters

Start - Exit

In the options menu: Up/Down to move, A to toggle or restore defaults, B or SELECT to close (saves settings).

Screenshots

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Changelog

v0.2.1 2026/05/23

UI polish and build tooling update over v0.2.0.
Highlights
- Redesigned info screens — Details and Technical tabs use aligned label/value columns, section spacing, and wrapped long text with proper indentation
- Technical filter summary — two-column ON/OFF grid for active filters and sources at the bottom of the Technical page
- Cleaner chrome — inverted header/footer bar, L/R page tabs (Game / Details / Technical), and simplified Options header
- Banner generator — config-driven meta/banner-src/ pipeline plus build.ps1 / build.bat banners for store and CIA artwork
- Docs and release workflow — updated VERSIONING, tools, and meta README for v0.2.1 builds
Controls
- A — Launch selected title
- Y — Reroll
- L/R — Switch Game / Details / Technical pages
- SELECT — Options / filters
- X — Toggle homebrew-only mode (Game page)
- START — Exit
Install
- 3DSX: copy to 3ds/ on SD card, launch from Homebrew Launcher
- CIA: install with FBI or Universal Updater for a Home Menu icon
Universal Updater users on Universal-DB should see this update after the store refreshes.

v18-beta 2025/09/24

Added CIA file support.
Added greyscale color scheme.
Added homebrew mode, to disable database filtering.
Minor visual tweaks.

v1.0 2025/09/07

First release.

Credits

einso - Original concept and implementation.
DevKitPro team - For the 3ds-examples that made this possible (app_launch template).
3DS homebrew community - For keeping the scene alive.

External links