PKSM

PKSM for Nintendo 3DS

PKSM is the free, open-source Pokémon save manager for a CFW-enabled Nintendo 3DS, with support for games from Generation I through Gen VIII.

Download PKSM 10.3.0See features

Free & open source · Nintendo 3DS · v10.3.0 · Custom firmware required

One app for years of Pokémon

A collection spread across cartridges, installed titles, Virtual Console releases, emulator saves and multiple generations can become difficult to manage. PKSM provides a single place to work with supported Pokémon saves directly on a CFW-enabled Nintendo 3DS.

It is designed for collectors, completionists, Living-Dex builders, breeders, challenge runners, preservation-focused players and experienced homebrew users who need more control than the original games provide.

Everything needed to manage a collection

Edit Pokémon in detail

Open any Pokémon and inspect its visible and hidden data in one place - species, form, nickname, ability, moves, stats, origin information, trainer data, encounter details, ribbons and markings. New Pokémon can be created in an empty box slot and refined through the same editor.

Stats, IVs & EVsMoves & abilityRibbons & markingsOrigin & trainer data

Expandable offline bank storage

PKSM includes its own local bank for storing Pokémon outside individual save files. Create storage groups, organize large collections and move Pokémon between a loaded save and any bank on the console. The bank can be resized to match the collection instead of being limited to a single game.

Generations I-VIIIResizable storageCross-gen transfer

Recover compatible events

The Event Injector ships with an offline database of Wonder Cards from past distributions. Browse available events, filter them by language, choose an injection slot and apply compatible distributions directly to a supported save.

Wonder CardsFilter by languageOffline database

Scan Pokémon from QR codes

Use the Nintendo 3DS camera to scan compatible QR codes generated by tools such as PKHeX, adding supported Pokémon files or Wonder Cards without transferring each file to the SD card by hand. The QR generation must match the loaded save.

Pokémon filesWonder Cards3DS camera

Edit bag contents

The Bag Editor gives direct access to supported item categories and quantities. Browse or search for an item, replace the selected entry and set the count with the buttons or the touch screen. Key Items and Z-Crystals cannot be changed through the standard editor.

Items & MedicineBerriesTMs

Automate with scripts

A script system handles operations that would otherwise need extensive manual editing: editing trainer info, adding TMs, reducing egg hatch cycles, injecting PKX and Wonder Card files, generating Living Dex collections, updating the Pokédex and performing controlled bulk changes. Custom scripts on the SD card can be launched too.

Living DexTrainer infoBulk changesCustom scripts

Access raw data with the hex editor

The integrated Hex Editor exposes the underlying bytes of a Pokémon file for values the standard editor does not cover. Selected bytes can be inspected, unlocked and modified with contextual descriptions where supported - intended for users who understand the data structures.

Raw bytesContextual labelsAdvanced

Open saves from the SD card

Extra Saves let PKSM work with compatible save files that are not attached to an inserted cartridge or installed title. Point PKSM to a save anywhere on the SD card and load it through the right game profile - TWiLight Menu++, forwarder, emulator and Checkpoint backups included.

SD card savesEmulator savesBackupsForwarders

Supported Pokémon games

PKSM 10.3.0 supports save management across the following titles and generations. The method used to access a save depends on the game, platform and installation format.

Generation I

  • Pokémon Red
  • Pokémon Green
  • Pokémon Blue
  • Pokémon Yellow

Supported through compatible Virtual Console saves.

Generation II

  • Pokémon Gold
  • Pokémon Silver
  • Pokémon Crystal

Supported through compatible Virtual Console saves.

Generation III

  • Pokémon Ruby
  • Pokémon Sapphire
  • Pokémon FireRed
  • Pokémon LeafGreen
  • Pokémon Emerald

Accessed through configured Extra Saves or compatible GBA Virtual Console injects.

Generation IV

  • Pokémon Diamond
  • Pokémon Pearl
  • Pokémon Platinum
  • Pokémon HeartGold
  • Pokémon SoulSilver

Through Nintendo DS cartridges, save backups, forwarders and Extra Saves.

Generation V

  • Pokémon Black
  • Pokémon White
  • Pokémon Black 2
  • Pokémon White 2

Through Nintendo DS cartridges, save backups, forwarders and Extra Saves.

Generation VI

  • Pokémon X
  • Pokémon Y
  • Pokémon Omega Ruby
  • Pokémon Alpha Sapphire

Through compatible cartridges, installed titles and save backups.

Generation VII

  • Pokémon Sun
  • Pokémon Moon
  • Pokémon Ultra Sun
  • Pokémon Ultra Moon
  • Let’s Go, Pikachu!
  • Let’s Go, Eevee!

Nintendo 3DS titles load directly; Let’s Go saves require a bridge between PKSM on 3DS and Checkpoint on Switch.

Generation VIII

  • Pokémon Sword
  • Pokémon Shield
  • The Isle of Armor
  • The Crown Tundra

Sword and Shield support is limited to version 1.3 save data through the Checkpoint bridge; compatibility may be unstable.

Compatibility notes

  • PKSM 10.3.0 is a Nintendo 3DS application. It is not a native Nintendo Switch application.
  • Generation I and II Virtual Console titles are normally detected automatically; other Virtual Console installs may need a custom Title ID in PKSM Settings.
  • Flash cartridges are not supported.
  • Games not listed above are not supported by the current Nintendo 3DS release.

Download PKSM for Nintendo 3DS

Choose one entry point. The .cia and .3dsx files are alternatives, not components that must be installed together - only one package is required.

PKSM.cia

RECOMMENDED

Installs PKSM as a standalone application on the Nintendo 3DS Home Menu. Use FBI or another compatible CIA installer; FBI 2.6.0 or newer can also scan an installation QR code.

Download PKSM.cia

PKSM.3dsx

For the Rosalina Homebrew Launcher instead of the Home Menu. Copy the file to the path below, creating the folders if they do not exist, then open PKSM from the Homebrew Launcher.

SD card path
sdmc:/3ds/PKSM/PKSM.3dsx
Download PKSM.3dsx

PKSM.elf

For advanced and development use, such as debugging through a loader that accepts ELF builds. Most users do not need this file - choose the .cia or .3dsx instead.

Download PKSM.elf

Installation

PKSM requires a Nintendo 3DS-family console with custom firmware. Legacy *hax entry points are not supported.

Before downloading

A Nintendo 3DS, 3DS XL, 2DS, New 3DS, New 3DS XL or New 2DS XL Custom firmware installed on the console A supported CFW or Rosalina-based Homebrew Launcher environment An SD or microSD card with enough free space An internet connection during the first launch, unless the required assets are installed manually
1

Confirm custom firmware

PKSM needs system access that standard userland homebrew entry points cannot provide. Complete the appropriate Nintendo 3DS custom firmware setup before installing.

2

Choose one format

Pick PKSM.cia for Home Menu installation or PKSM.3dsx for the Rosalina Homebrew Launcher. Do not download the source archives unless you plan to inspect or compile the project.

3

Install or copy

Install the CIA through FBI, or place the 3DSX file in the correct PKSM folder on the SD card.

4

Launch while online

The first launch downloads additional assets. PKSM closes if those assets are unavailable. After they are installed, core local features work without a constant connection.

Local control with practical safeguards

Editing and storage happen on your own console. A few sensible guardrails help protect your saves.

Automatic backups

PKSM can automatically back up the loaded game save and bank storage before changes are made, and automatic backup on load is enabled by default. Keep a separate, current backup before large transfers, scripts, trainer edits or hex editing.

On-device editing

Standard editing, local bank storage, the bundled event database and most scripts run on the Nintendo 3DS itself. Save management does not depend on a permanent hosted account or subscription. Some optional features need a network connection.

Self-hosted GPSS & legality

The original hosted Global PKSM Sharing Service has been discontinued. GPSS sharing, legality status and automatic legalization now require a configured local-gpss server. A legality result only indicates whether the data passes the configured analysis.

Powerful tools require deliberate use

PKSM gives direct access to data that the original games normally protect or hide. Keep unmodified backups, read script warnings, confirm that the selected save belongs to the expected game and generation, and avoid changing values without understanding their relationships. Do not assume a generated Pokémon is legal or transferable simply because it can be saved.

PKSM does not support cheating at the expense of other players. Significantly edited Pokémon should not be used in battles or trades with people who have not been told that modified data is involved.

What's new in PKSM 10.3.0

The latest Nintendo 3DS release improves compatibility and reliability across the application:

  • Wider compatibility with non-Luma environments
  • More reliable first launches and ExtData recovery
  • Correct loading of Generation IV and V Nintendo DS saves
  • Fixes for missing and unintentionally removed bag items
  • Game titles grouped and ordered by official release chronology
  • Faster navigation options for local-gpss
  • More consistent Wonder Card bundling
  • Updated build dependencies and development documentation
  • General stability improvements

Built by FlagBrew and the open-source community

PKSM began as a portable Pokémon save-management utility for Nintendo 3DS and developed into a broader cross-generation toolkit. Years of development added local bank storage, detailed Pokémon editing, Wonder Card injection, QR support, scripts, bag management, Extra Saves, Virtual Console compatibility, raw hex editing and locally hosted sharing and legality services.

Community contributions expanded game coverage, corrected data handling, improved translations, documented advanced workflows and kept the application useful long after the original hardware generation. The project is written primarily in C++ and released under the GNU General Public License v3.0, with its source code publicly available for inspection, modification and contribution.

Frequently asked questions

What is PKSM?

PKSM is a free, open-source Pokémon save manager for Nintendo 3DS. It provides tools for editing Pokémon, managing collections, transferring Pokémon between supported games, restoring compatible event distributions, running save scripts and working with external save files.

What can PKSM be used for?

PKSM can edit individual Pokémon, manage local bank storage, modify bag contents, scan compatible QR codes, inject Wonder Cards, run game-specific scripts and load supported saves stored on an SD card. Advanced users can also inspect raw Pokémon data with the built-in hex editor.

Which Pokémon games does PKSM support?

PKSM supports compatible main-series Pokémon saves from Generations I-VIII. This includes Nintendo 3DS titles, Virtual Console releases, Nintendo DS games, configured Generation III saves and selected Nintendo Switch saves accessed through supported bridge workflows. Exact functionality varies by game and generation.

Does PKSM work on Nintendo Switch?

PKSM is a Nintendo 3DS application and does not run natively on Nintendo Switch. Limited support for Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Eevee!, Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield is available through a bridge workflow using PKSM on Nintendo 3DS and Checkpoint on Nintendo Switch.

Is custom firmware required?

Yes. PKSM requires a Nintendo 3DS-family system with compatible custom firmware. Standard retail systems without custom firmware cannot install or run PKSM, and legacy userland homebrew entry points are not supported.

Which download should be installed?

The .cia version is recommended for most users and installs PKSM as a standalone application on the Nintendo 3DS Home Menu. The .3dsx version is intended for users who prefer to launch PKSM through the Rosalina Homebrew Launcher. Only one version is required.

Does PKSM require an internet connection?

An internet connection is normally required during the first launch so PKSM can download the assets it needs. After those assets are installed, most editing, storage, event and save-management features can be used locally. Optional network services require a configured connection.

Is PKSM free?

Yes. PKSM is free software released under the GNU General Public License v3.0. It can be downloaded, inspected, modified and redistributed under the terms of that license. There are no subscriptions or paid feature tiers.

Is PKSM safe to use?

PKSM includes automatic backup functionality, but any tool that modifies save data carries risk. Create a separate backup before editing important saves, moving large collections, running scripts, changing trainer data or using the hex editor. Save files should not be edited while open in another application.

Can PKSM damage a save file?

Incorrect edits, incompatible files, interrupted writes or misuse of advanced tools can produce invalid data or save corruption. Automatic backups reduce the risk, but they are not a substitute for keeping verified copies of important saves in a separate location.

Does PKSM make every edited Pokémon legal?

No. PKSM allows Pokémon data to be edited, but it does not guarantee that the result follows every legality rule for its game, encounter, generation or transfer history. Legalization and legality analysis require a configured local-gpss service, and even then a check only evaluates whether the data matches known game rules.

Can PKSM transfer Pokémon between generations?

PKSM can move supported Pokémon between game saves through its local bank system, and transfer processing can update relevant data when a Pokémon is moved into another generation. Not every species, form, move, item or data field is valid in every game, so some transfers may require manual review.

Can PKSM restore old event Pokémon?

PKSM includes an offline Wonder Card database for compatible event distributions. Available events can be filtered by game and language before being injected into a supported save. Coverage depends on the generation and event format, and some older events require supported files, scripts or alternative workflows.

Who develops PKSM?

PKSM is developed by FlagBrew with contributions from members of the open-source Nintendo 3DS and Pokémon save-research communities. Developers, translators, testers, documentation contributors and researchers have helped expand game support, improve stability and correct data handling.

Is PKSM affiliated with Nintendo or The Pokémon Company?

No. PKSM and FlagBrew are independent projects. They are not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Nintendo, Game Freak, Creatures Inc. or The Pokémon Company. Pokémon names, characters, games and related trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Take control of every supported save

Bring years of Pokémon into one practical workflow - edit with precision, organize collections outside individual games, recover compatible events and keep direct control over the underlying save data.

Download PKSM 10.3.0Read the FAQ