If you’ve hacked your 3DS and installed custom firmware, you may have found yourself with a lot of games that you don’t want or need. Maybe you installed a bunch of games to try them out, but only ended up liking a few. Or maybe you downloaded some games that you thought would be fun, but they turned out to be duds. Whatever the reason, if you’re looking to clear up some space on your 3DS, deleting games is a great way to do it.
However, deleting games on a hacked 3DS is not as simple as it is on a regular 3DS. That’s because when you install a game on a hacked 3DS, it is not actually installed to the system’s internal memory. Instead, it is installed to the SD card that you are using with your 3DS. This means that if you want to delete a game, you need to delete it from the SD card.
Fortunately, deleting games from the SD card is relatively easy. First, you need to remove the SD card from your 3DS. Once you have removed the SD card, you can insert it into your computer. Once the SD card is inserted into your computer, you can open the file manager and navigate to the folder where the games are stored. Once you have found the folder, you can simply delete the games that you want to remove. Once you have deleted the games, you can reinsert the SD card into your 3DS and the games will be gone.
Navigating the 3DS’s System Settings
The 3DS’s System Settings menu is where you can make changes to the console’s settings, including the date and time, language, and parental controls. To access the System Settings menu, tap the “Settings” icon on the HOME menu.
The System Settings menu is divided into several categories, including:
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| User Management | Manage user accounts, parental controls, and friend settings. |
| Theme Settings | Change the console’s theme, wallpaper, and sound effects. |
| Data Management | Manage saved data, screenshots, and other data on the console. |
| Internet Settings | Configure the console’s Wi-Fi and Internet settings. |
| Other Settings | Change miscellaneous settings, such as the brightness and volume levels. |
To navigate the System Settings menu, use the D-pad or Circle Pad to highlight an item and then press the A button to select it. You can also use the L and R buttons to scroll through the categories.
Identifying Installed Games
Identifying the games installed on your hacked 3DS is essential before you can delete them. Here are the steps to locate your installed games:
Accessing the Homebrew Launcher
Power on your hacked 3DS and wait for the Homebrew Launcher icon to appear on the main menu screen. Select the icon to launch the Homebrew Launcher.
Navigating the Homebrew Menu
Once the Homebrew Launcher is open, use the D-pad or analog stick to navigate the menu. Look for an application called “FBI” (Forwarder and Browser Injector) or “Universal Updater.” These applications allow you to manage installed games and applications.
Viewing the Installed Games List
Select “FBI” or “Universal Updater” from the Homebrew menu. Once the application loads, you will be presented with a list of all the installed games and applications on your 3DS. Alternatively, you can access the list of installed games directly from the 3DS menu by holding the “Start” button while on the main menu screen.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Power on your hacked 3DS. |
| 2 | Launch the Homebrew Launcher from the main menu screen. |
| 3 | Navigate to “FBI” or “Universal Updater” in the Homebrew menu. |
| 4 | View the list of installed games and applications. |
Selecting Games for Deletion
Identifying Unwanted Games
To begin the process of game deletion, it’s crucial to identify which titles you no longer desire on your hacked 3DS. Consider the following factors when making your selection:
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Frequency of Play: Start by removing games that you’ve played very little or not at all. These titles are occupying valuable storage space and aren’t adding to your gaming experience.
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Personal Preference: It’s subjective, but think about which games you enjoy playing the most. Prioritize keeping those titles while discarding the ones you find less entertaining.
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Multiple Copies: If you have duplicate copies of the same game (e.g., multiple versions of a ROM), consider keeping only one and deleting the extras.
Assessing Storage Space
Once you’ve identified the games you want to delete, it’s essential to assess your storage space situation. The 3DS has limited storage capacity, so removing unwanted games can free up significant space for new titles or other content.
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Checking Capacity: Access the System Settings menu and navigate to "Data Management." Here, you can view the total storage space on your 3DS and how much is currently occupied.
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Deleting Large Files: If you have games that are particularly large in size (e.g., over 1GB), deleting them can make a заметная difference in your available storage. Prioritize removing these titles to free up more space.
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Consider External Storage: External storage (e.g., an SD card) can expand the storage capacity of your 3DS. If you have access to external storage, you may consider moving games that you don’t play often to free up space on the main system.
| Storage Capacity of 3DS Models |
|---|
| Original 3DS: 2GB |
| 3DS XL: 4GB |
| New 3DS: 10GB |
| New 3DS XL: 10GB |
| New 2DS XL: 10GB |
Confirming Removal of Game
1. Accessing the Game List
After selecting the "Manage 3DS Software" option, you will be presented with a list of installed games and applications on your 3DS.
2. Locating the Target Game
Navigate through the game list until you find the game you wish to delete. Use the directional buttons or the stylus to scroll through the list.
3. Selecting the Game for Removal
Once you have located the target game, press the "A" button to select it. A confirmation prompt will appear on the screen.
4. Completing the Removal Process
a) Reviewing the Confirmation Prompt: The confirmation prompt will display the title of the game you are about to delete. Carefully review this information to ensure that you are removing the correct game.
b) Selecting the "Delete" Option: If you are certain that you wish to proceed with the deletion, select the "Delete" option on the confirmation prompt.
c) Confirmation of Removal: The system will now ask for a final confirmation. Select "Delete" again to complete the removal process.
d) Progress Indicator: Once the deletion process begins, a progress indicator will appear on the screen, informing you of the remaining time until completion.
e) Removal Completion: When the removal process is complete, the game will be permanently deleted from your 3DS system. The process may take several minutes, depending on the size of the game.
| Confirmation Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Access Game List | Select “Manage 3DS Software” from the Home Menu. |
| Locate Target Game | Use directional buttons or stylus to scroll through the game list. |
| Select for Removal | Press “A” button on the target game to select it. |
| Review Confirmation Prompt | Verify the game title and select “Delete”. |
| Confirm Deletion | Select “Delete” again to complete the removal process. |
| Progress Indicator | Monitor the deletion progress on the screen. |
| Removal Completion | Game will be permanently removed from the system. |
Handling Save Data
When you delete a game, its save data is also deleted. If you want to keep your save data, you must transfer it to another 3DS before deleting the game. To do this, you can use the Save Data Transfer Tool in the System Settings menu.
| Steps for transfering save data using Save Data Transfer Tool |
|---|
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Game Updates
Game updates are installed on the 3DS SD card. When you delete a game, its game update is also deleted. If you want to keep your game updates, you must move them to another SD card before deleting the game. To do this, you can use the following steps:
- Insert the SD card from the 3DS into a computer card reader
- Open the “Nintendo 3DS” folder on the SD card
- Copy the “updates” folder to another location on your computer
- Delete the game from your 3DS
- Insert the SD card back into your 3DS
- Copy the “updates” folder back to the “Nintendo 3DS” folder on the SD card
Deleting Multiple Games Simultaneously
To remove multiple games at once, follow these steps:
- Navigate to the System Settings menu.
- Scroll down to Data Management and select it.
- Choose Nintendo 3DS Software from the left sidebar.
- Select the Manage Software option.
- Toggle the Select Multiple Games switch to enable selection of multiple titles.
- Use the D-pad or stylus to select the games you want to delete. When a game is selected, a checkbox will appear next to its icon.
- After selecting all the desired games, navigate to the bottom of the screen and select the Delete option.
- Confirm your selection by pressing the A button.
The selected games will be removed from your 3DS console. This process may take a few moments to complete, depending on the number of games being deleted.
Remember, all save data and other related files associated with the deleted games will also be erased. Therefore, it’s crucial to back up any important data before initiating the deletion process.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Enable Select Multiple Games option |
| 2 | Select desired games |
| 3 | Confirm deletion |
By following these steps carefully, you can efficiently remove multiple games from your hacked 3DS console, freeing up valuable storage space for future additions.
Uninstalling Games from Home Menu
Navigate to the game icon on the Home Menu using the D-Pad or Circle Pad. Press the X button to open the game menu. Select “Delete” and confirm the deletion to remove the game from your 3DS.
Using the Data Management Menu
Go to the System Settings menu and select “Data Management.” Select “Nintendo 3DS” from the left sidebar. Choose “Software” and select the game you want to delete. Select “Delete” and confirm the deletion.
Deleting Games Through CFW
Custom firmware (CFW) allows you to delete games directly from the game cartridge. Insert the game cartridge into your 3DS and launch CFW. Navigate to the “Games” section and select the game you want to delete. Press the appropriate button (usually X or A) to delete the game.
Troubleshooting Deletion Errors
Error: “The game cannot be deleted.”
This error usually occurs if the game is protected by parental controls. Go to the Parental Controls menu in System Settings and disable any restrictions that may be preventing the deletion.
Error: “The SD card is full.”
If the SD card is full, you will not be able to delete games. Free up space by deleting unnecessary files or transferring data to another storage device.
Error: “The game is being used by another application.”
Close any applications that may be using the game and try deleting it again. Alternatively, restart your 3DS to close all running applications.
| Error Message | Solution |
|---|---|
| “The game cannot be deleted.” | Disable parental controls or update the CFW |
| “The SD card is full.” | Free up space on the SD card |
| “The game is being used by another application.” | Close all running applications or restart the 3DS |
Restoring Deleted Games from Backups
If you have accidentally deleted a game from your hacked 3DS, you can restore it from a backup file. To do this, you will need a NAND backup of your 3DS console. You can create a NAND backup using a homebrew application such as Boot9strap or A9LH.
Once you have a NAND backup, you can restore it using the following steps:
- Copy the NAND backup file to your computer.
- Extract the contents of the NAND backup file to a folder on your computer.
- Locate the “cias” folder in the extracted NAND backup folder.
- Copy the “cias” folder to the root of your 3DS SD card.
- Boot into the Homebrew Launcher on your 3DS.
- Launch the FBI application.
- Select the “Import CIA” option.
- Navigate to the “cias” folder on your SD card and select the CIA file for the game you want to restore.
- Click the “Install” button.
- Once the installation is complete, the game will be restored to your 3DS.
| Error Message | Solution |
|---|---|
| “Error installing CIA” | Make sure that the CIA file is for the correct region and that your 3DS is on the latest firmware version. |
| “Error launching game” | Make sure that the game is compatible with your 3DS and that your 3DS is on the latest firmware version. |
If you are still having problems restoring a deleted game from a backup file, you can try the following:
- Delete the “cias” folder on your SD card and try again.
- Format your SD card and try again.
- Restore your 3DS to factory settings and try again.
Delete Unnecessary Homebrew Applications
Homebrew applications can take up significant storage space. Regularly review your installed homebrew apps and delete any that you no longer use. To uninstall a homebrew app, access the Homebrew Launcher, select the app, and press the “Uninstall” button.
Delete Save Data for Games You No Longer Play
Game save data can accumulate over time, especially for games with extensive campaigns. Delete save data for games you no longer play to free up valuable storage space. To delete save data, go to the System Settings menu, select “Data Management,” then “Nintendo 3DS.” Choose the game whose save data you want to delete and select the “Erase Save Data” option.
Use an External Memory Card
If your 3DS’s internal storage is full, consider using an external microSD card to expand its capacity. MicroSD cards are available in various sizes, so you can choose one that best fits your storage needs. To use an external memory card, insert it into the microSD card slot located on the back of the 3DS.
Tips for Optimizing Storage Space
Prioritize Digital Games
Digital games have the advantage of not requiring physical storage space. If you’re running low on space, consider purchasing digital games instead of physical cartridges.
Use Dedicated Homebrew Apps
Several homebrew apps are available that can help you manage and optimize storage space. Apps like “Disk Usage” and “Storage Space Analyzer” can provide detailed information about what’s taking up space on your 3DS.
Compress 3DS Games
Homebrew tools exist that allow you to compress 3DS games to reduce their file size. This can be especially useful for larger games that take up a lot of space.
Delete Unnecessary Files
In addition to games and save data, various other files can accumulate on your 3DS, such as screenshots, videos, and downloaded content. Regularly review these files and delete anything you don’t need to keep.
Use a Computer to Manage Storage
Connecting your 3DS to a computer can provide more flexibility for managing storage. You can use a file explorer to access and delete files, or utilize 3DS-specific software like “FBI” to perform more advanced storage management tasks.
Physical Storage Space
| Game Card | Physical Size |
|---|---|
| 3DS Game Card | 33 mm x 51 mm |
| DS Game Card | 33 mm x 40 mm |
Avoiding Unintended Game Deletions
Losing precious game saves due to accidental deletion can be disheartening. To prevent such unfortunate incidents, follow these essential tips when deleting games on your hacked 3DS:
1. Double-Check the Game Title
Before hitting the delete button, carefully verify the game title to ensure it’s the intended one. Avoid relying solely on the game icon, as different titles may share similar graphics.
2. Create a Backup
If you’re unsure about deleting a game, consider creating a backup copy of your save data using software like Checkpoint. This way, you can restore your progress if you regret the deletion.
3. Disable A9LH or Luma3DS Protection
A9LH and Luma3DS offer protection against potential game deletions by preventing the system from directly deleting CIA files. To ensure smooth deletion, temporarily disable these protections.
4. Use a Dedicated App
Instead of relying on the 3DS’s native game management system, utilize a dedicated app like FBI (Freaking Big Installer) or SVDT (Safe Delete Value Tool) for precise game deletion. These apps provide confirmation prompts to prevent accidental removal.
5. Scan for Corrupted Data
Corrupted game data can sometimes lead to unintended deletions. Regularly scan your 3DS for potential issues using tools like FBI or HBL (Homebrew Launcher) to eliminate such risks.
6. Clean Up Unused Games
Periodically review your game library and remove any titles you no longer play. Deleting unused games not only frees up space but also reduces the likelihood of accidental deletions.
7. Be Cautious When Deleting Multiple Games
If you need to delete multiple games simultaneously, proceed with caution. Use a dedicated deletion app and carefully verify each game’s title before proceeding to avoid any mishaps.
8. Protect Your 3DS from Unauthorized Access
Keep your 3DS out of the reach of children or others who may accidentally delete games. Consider setting up parental controls or password protection to prevent unauthorized access.
9. Regular Backups Are Crucial
Regularly backing up your entire 3DS system image is a failsafe measure in case of any unfortunate data loss, including accidental game deletions. Use a reliable backup tool and store backups securely.
10. Seek Professional Assistance if Needed
If you encounter any persistent issues with game deletion, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from online forums, support groups, or experienced hackers. They can provide valuable guidance to resolve your problem.
How To Delete Games On Hacked 3ds
Deleting games from a hacked 3DS is a relatively simple process. Follow the steps below:
- Power on your 3DS and access the Home menu.
- Scroll down to the “Settings” icon and tap on it.
- Select “Data Management” from the left-hand menu.
- Select “Nintendo 3DS” from the top menu.
- Select “Software” from the left-hand menu.
- A list of all the games installed on your 3DS will appear. Select the game you wish to delete.
- Tap on the “Delete” button and confirm your selection.
The game will now be deleted from your 3DS.
People also ask about How To Delete Games On Hacked 3ds
How do I delete games from my hacked 3DS without a computer?
To delete games from your hacked 3DS without a computer, follow these steps:
- Power on your 3DS and access the Home menu.
- Scroll down to the “FBI” icon and tap on it.
- Select “Titles” from the top menu.
- A list of all the games installed on your 3DS will appear. Select the game you wish to delete.
- Tap on the “Delete” button and confirm your selection.
How do I delete games from my hacked 3DS using a computer?
To delete games from your hacked 3DS using a computer, follow these steps:
- Connect your 3DS to your computer using a USB cable.
- Open the “FBI” application on your computer.
- Select the “Titles” tab.
- A list of all the games installed on your 3DS will appear. Select the game you wish to delete.
- Click on the “Delete” button and confirm your selection.
