3DS-CLI

3DS-CLI
3DS-CLI
General
Author	cmdada
Type	Operating Systems
Version	1.8
License	GPL-3.0
Last Updated	2026/06/23
Links
	Download
	Website
	Source

Run a real RISC-V Linux environment inside the Nintendo 3DS homebrew launcher.

3DS-CLI embeds mini-rv32ima, a compact RISC-V CPU emulator, into a 3DS homebrew app. It boots a Linux image from the SD card while still running inside the normal 3DS Horizon OS.

Features

Boots a RISC-V Linux image on real 3DS hardware through software emulation.
VT100-style terminal output on the top screen.
Custom bottom-screen touch keyboard.
D-Pad sends arrow keys.
Includes a prebuilt Linux image with BusyBox tools, a JavaScript runtime, and CLI Doom.
Can be used as a starting point for testing custom RISC-V Linux images, kernels, and Buildroot experiments on a 3DS.

Installation

Option 1: Universal Updater

Install directly on your 3DS via Universal Updater: find 3DS-CLI in the app and it will handle downloading and placing the files for you.

Option 2: Manual

Download 3DS-CLI_Install.zip from the latest GitHub release.
Unzip the archive.
Copy 3ds-cli.3dsx and Image into the 3ds/ folder on your SD card.
Launch 3DS-CLI from the Homebrew Launcher.
Wait for Linux to boot. On my SDXC card it takes about 2.2 seconds to reach the login prompt.
Log in as root with a blank password.

Controls

Button - Action:

L or Y - Zoom out

R or X - Zoom in

ZL - Toggle auto-follow cursor on/off

ZR - Toggle font (8x8 <-> 5x7 compact)

Circle Pad - Pan viewport (also disables auto-follow)

D-Pad - Send arrow keys to Linux

Start - Save Linux state, quit, and return to Homebrew Launcher

Key - Action:

SHF - Toggle shift (uppercase)

?#1 - Switch to symbol layer 1

\#+= - Switch to symbol layer 2

ABC - Return to alphabetic layer

CTL - Ctrl modifier — tap CTL, then tap a letter for Ctrl+key

TAB - Send tab

ESC - Send escape

ENT - Send enter

DEL - Send backspace

Credits

Built with devkitARM / libctru
Powered by mini-rv32ima by cnlohr

External links