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EnglishWhat is CFW Guide (cfw.guide)?
Updated
CFW Guide is a collection of step-by-step hacking and homebrew guides for game consoles and iOS devices, hosted at cfw.guide. It is aimed at people who want to take a device from stock (unmodified) firmware to a custom firmware or jailbroken state, and it currently covers the PS Vita, Wii U, Switch, 3DS, DSi, Cemu (Wii U emulator), and iOS. Each guide is written to walk you through the whole process rather than assume prior experience, so it suits beginners who are willing to follow instructions carefully. The site notes that while the guides "should be safe," you alone are responsible for any damage to your console.
What platforms are covered
The site's navigation lists these guides:
| Guide | Platform | End goal described |
|---|---|---|
| Vita Guide | PS Vita | From stock to Ensō |
| Cemu Guide | Cemu (Wii U emulator on PC) | Installing Cemu and optimizing performance |
| iOS Guide | iOS devices | From stock to jailbroken |
| DSi Guide | Nintendo DSi | Homebrew setup |
| 3DS Guide | Nintendo 3DS | From stock to boot9strap |
| Wii U Guide | Wii U | From stock to Aroma |
| Switch Guide | Switch | From stock to Atmosphere |
Each entry is described as "a complete guide," meaning it starts from an unmodified device and ends at a defined custom firmware target (Ensō, boot9strap, Aroma, Atmosphere, etc.).
Who it's for
- First-time modders who want a single, linear path from stock to a working custom firmware, without piecing together forum posts.
- Returning users who need a refresher on a specific console and want the current recommended entry point (for example, boot9strap on 3DS or Aroma on Wii U).
- Emulator users who want Cemu set up and tuned on a PC.
It is less suited to people looking for advanced, device-specific troubleshooting, since the guides are structured as complete walkthroughs rather than reference documentation.
How to use it
- Pick the guide matching your exact device and model.
- Read the whole guide once before starting, so you know the required tools, files, and checkpoints.
- Follow the steps in order; the guides are written as a sequence from stock to the final state.
- Verify each stage as instructed before moving on, since later steps often depend on earlier ones succeeding.
Things to keep in mind
- The site explicitly states that you are responsible for any damage to your console, even though the guides are intended to be safe.
- The guides are community-maintained (credited to authors such as Plailect, emiyl, Team, and Nintendo Homebrew), so details can change as new firmware and exploits are released.
- The site accepts donations but does not present the guides as a paid product.
If you have a supported console or iOS device and want a structured, start-to-finish path to custom firmware or homebrew, CFW Guide is a reasonable first stop. Check that your specific model and firmware version are covered by the relevant guide before you begin.