Beyond retail games, keys are needed to decrypt system applications, downloadable content (DLC), and game updates.
Open a plain text editor like (Windows) or TextEdit (macOS).
For to run encrypted 3DS games, you need a high-quality aes_keys.txt file placed in the correct system folder. How to Set Up aes_keys.txt
When you dump your legally purchased physical cartridges ( .3ds or .cci formats) or digital titles ( .cia format) to your computer, they remain encrypted. Citra cannot read the game data without the proper cryptographic keys to decrypt the files on the fly. Decrypted vs. Encrypted ROMs
Citra uses keys to perform real-time decryption of Nintendo 3DS software. These keys are hardware-specific secrets developed by Nintendo and are not legally allowed to be distributed with the emulator software.
Enable Linear or Bicubic filtering to smooth out low-resolution pixelated textures.
: Once completed, your keys will be saved to your SD card under sdmc:/gm9/out/ .