.3CT File Extension
TriCNES Emulator Playback File
| Developer | 100thCoin |
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What is a 3CT file?
A 3CT file is a tool-assisted speedrun (TAS) playback file used by TriCNES, a Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) emulator developed by 100thCoin. It stores instructions for switching between multiple NES game cartridges at specific CPU cycles during emulator playback. Unlike a normal gameplay recording, a 3CT file focuses on precisely timed cartridge changes that TriCNES reproduces while running the TAS.
More Information
The 3CT format is a plain-text format created specifically for TriCNES. The first line identifies how many cartridge files the TAS uses, followed by file paths to the required NES ROMs. The remaining lines contain pairs of numbers that tell TriCNES which cartridge to load before a particular CPU cycle, allowing the emulator to reproduce intercycle cartridge-swapping experiments and specialized TAS demonstrations.
TAS creators, emulator developers, and retro gaming enthusiasts who experiment with unusual NES behavior or precisely controlled cartridge swaps are most likely to encounter 3CT files. TriCNES also supports several other TAS formats, including .BK2, .FM2, .FM3, .FMV, and R08, but 3CT is its own format for runs that require cartridge switching between CPU cycles.
How to open a 3CT file
You can open 3CT files with TriCNES. In the emulator, choose TAS → Run .3ct TAS, select the 3CT file, load the required cartridge ROMs, and then start the TAS playback. All referenced ROM files must be available for the run to work correctly.