Let’s walk through the process assuming you have zero technical knowledge.
Step 1: Set up Citra Go to the Citra website and download the "Canary" build. Install it.
Step 2: Find the base game Search for "Dragon Ball Heroes Ultimate Mission X CIA" (note: we are not linking directly). Ensure it’s the Japanese version—file size should be ~2.1GB.
Step 3: Get the patch Google "GBAtemp Dragon Ball Heroes Ultimate Mission X English patch." Look for a forum post titled "[Release] Dragon Ball Heroes: Ultimate Mission X English Patch v1.2". Download the attachment.
Step 4: Apply the patch
Step 5: Verify The start screen should now say "Press START" instead of Japanese. If it doesn’t, check that your Citra region is set to Japan (Config > System > Region).
As this is a fan project, it is not perfect. Version 0.9.2 has a few quirks:
If you want to play Ultimate Mission X in English, follow these guidelines. Note: This requires a homebrewed 3DS or the Citra emulator. We do not condone piracy; you must own a legal Japanese copy of the game.
Step 1: Obtain the Base Game You need a Clean ROM of Dragon Ball Heroes: Ultimate Mission X (Title ID: 00040000001D1500). Dump this from your own cartridge using GodMode9 on a hacked 3DS. dragon ball heroes ultimate mission english patch
Step 2: Locate the Patch Search for "Dragon Ball Heroes Ultimate Mission X English Patch v1.2" on dedicated rom-hacking forums like GBAtemp or Romhacking.net. Look for a user named "Kryptonian" or references to the "Epoch Translation Project." Do not download from ad-filled "ROM sites."
Step 3: LayeredFS (Citra) vs. Luma (3DS)
Step 4: Manage Expectations Once installed, you will see:
As of early 2025, the Dragon Ball Heroes arcade game in Japan is officially ending service. With the franchise pivoting to Dragon Ball Super Divers, interest in the old 3DS games is fading. The fan translation scene has largely moved on to Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot mods or Sparkling! ZERO. Let’s walk through the process assuming you have
Unless a dedicated coder picks up the torch to translate the remaining 5% of Ultimate Mission X, the "perfect English patch" is a myth. The current v1.2 patch is likely the best you will ever get.
Upon booting up the original Japanese cartridge, the barrier is immediate. The gameplay loop relies heavily on card stats, mission objectives, and menu navigation. While you can button-mash your way through some fights, the RPG elements—leveling up your team and unlocking new missions—are locked behind Kanji.
This is where the English patch comes in.