Nintendo 3DS

Nintendo 3DS setup — emuThreeDS core, system files, and performance tips

Provenance supports Nintendo 3DS emulation through emuThreeDS, a native core (not RetroArch-based). The 3DS is one of the most demanding systems to emulate and requires specific setup.

3DS emulation is iOS, iPadOS, and macOS only — it is not supported on tvOS (Apple TV).

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Basics

Detail	Info
Core	emuThreeDS (native)
BIOS required	No (but system files improve compatibility)
ROM formats	.3ds, .cia, .cxi, .app, .elf
Platform support	iPhone, iPad, Mac (not tvOS)
Max players	1 (local)

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System Files

emuThreeDS uses its own native folder structure (not RetroArch's). System files improve game compatibility and are required for some titles.

NAND and System Data

The 3DS core maintains a virtual NAND (internal storage) that some games require. System archives and shared fonts are among the files that can be placed here for better compatibility.

Access the core's file structure via the Web Server or Files app:

emuThreeDS/
├── nand/          # Virtual NAND storage
├── sdmc/          # Virtual SD card
├── sysdata/       # System data files
└── config/        # Core configuration

Encrypted vs Decrypted ROMs

• Decrypted ROMs (.3ds decrypted, .cia) work directly

• Encrypted ROMs may require AES keys placed in the sysdata/ folder

• Decrypted ROMs are recommended for the best compatibility

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Performance

3DS emulation is very demanding. Recommended hardware:

Device	Performance
iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max	Good — most games playable
iPhone 14 Pro / 13 Pro	Fair — simpler 3DS games playable
iPad Pro (M-series)	Good — best iPad experience
iPad Air (M-series)	Good
Older devices	Poor — expect slowdowns in most games

Optimization Tips

1. Close all background apps — 3DS needs maximum CPU/RAM

2. Use Low Power Mode cautiously — it can throttle performance

3. Avoid Sleep Mode throttling — keep the screen active during gameplay

4. Simpler games first — 2D titles (Kirby, Pokemon X/Y overworld) run better than 3D-heavy games (Monster Hunter, Zelda)

5. Reduce resolution if the core supports it — lower internal resolution improves frame rate

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Controls

The 3DS has unique inputs that map to on-screen controls:

3DS Input	Provenance Mapping
Circle Pad	Left analog stick
D-Pad	D-Pad
A / B / X / Y	Face buttons
L / R	Shoulder buttons
Touch Screen	Tap the bottom screen area
Microphone	Device microphone (enable in Settings → Privacy → Microphone → Provenance)
Gyroscope	Device gyroscope (for games like Ocarina of Time 3D)

Touch screen games require tapping on the bottom screen area of the display. Some games rely heavily on touch input (e.g., Professor Layton, Zelda: Phantom Hourglass).

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Dual Screen Layout

The 3DS has two screens. Provenance handles the layout automatically:

• Portrait mode — Screens stacked vertically (top screen above, bottom/touch below)

• Landscape mode — Screens side-by-side or with focus on the primary screen

Custom skins can change the dual-screen layout — check DeltaStyles for 3DS-specific skins.

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Known Limitations

Not all games are playable

3DS emulation is still maturing. Some games may have graphical glitches, audio issues, or crash. Check community compatibility lists for your specific game. The emuThreeDS core is actively being improved.

No tvOS support

The 3DS core is not available on Apple TV due to performance and input requirements (touch screen). Use iPhone, iPad, or Mac instead.

Online features not supported

3DS online services (Nintendo Network) are not emulated. Single-player and local features only.

Microphone not working

Go to your device's Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone → enable Provenance. Some 3DS games (like Nintendogs) require microphone input.

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Need help? Ask on Discord.