3DS-CLI

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.

What it does

• Boots a RISC-V Linux image on 3DS hardware through software emulation.
• Displays standard VT100-style terminal output on the top screen.
• Provides a custom bottom-screen touch keyboard for typing commands.
• Includes a prebuilt 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

1. Download 3DS-CLI_Install.zip from the latest GitHub release.
2. Unzip the archive.
3. Copy 3ds-cli.3dsx and Image into the 3ds/ folder on your SD card.
4. Launch 3DS-CLI from the Homebrew Launcher.
5. Wait for Linux to boot. On my SDXC card it takes about 172 seconds to reach the login prompt.
6. Log in as root with a blank password.

Controls

• Bottom screen: touch keyboard
• START: exit the emulator and return to the Homebrew Launcher

Building

Install devkitPro with devkitARM and libctru, then run:

make

The app builds as 3ds-cli.3dsx.

Credits

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

License

GPL-3.0. See LICENSE.