3DS Apps That The 3DS Hacks Guide Won't Tell You About

The 3DS Hacks Guide is the guide to follow regarding CFW setup for our beloved 3DSes, and even features a few apps preinstalled as a part of setup finalization.

If you're familiar with homebrew 3DS software to any extent, you've definitely heard of FBI, Anemone, Checkpoint, Universal Updater, and GodMode9. BUT, there's a few apps and services that I would recommend for users intending to use their new CFW 3DS longterm.

hShop - A full archive of the 3DS eShop, pre-closure. It features every piece of software that was formerly available on the eShop, as well as some fan translations, rom hacks, and extra homebrew tools and games. Everything is ready-to-use, but they also have an on-system app that allows you to download and install directly without the need to access the SD card!

NetPass - A service that allows the swapping of StreetPass data over the Internet! Using their app and servers, you can seamlessly send and receive StreetPass tags with anyone, anywhere in the world! Works for any game or app that uses StreetPass! Also available to download on Universal Updater!

Pretendo Network - An in-progress rebuild of the entirety of Nintendo Network. Installing their service allows you to create an ID through their servers and begin using their network to play games and meet 3DS users worldwide! This includes a massive project to bring the entire 3DS and WiiU library back online (unofficially tracked here), as well as rebuilding Miiverse, StreetPass Relay service, and friend services! A lot of the base service is already live for all users, and there are plenty of games that are currently under development, and several in beta stages of release.

These are my recommendations to get in on as soon as possible! If you have a homebrew 3DS that you use all the time, or one that you wish you used more, this is the way to do it.

~ Alex Amelia Pine