For Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse on the 3DS, an "undub" refers to a fan-made modification that replaces the English voiceovers with the original Japanese audio while keeping the English text. There is no official "portable" version beyond the original 3DS hardware or emulation on portable devices like the Steam Deck via Citra. Undub Patch Installation
The most common way to play the undub on a 3DS is by using LayeredFS via Luma3DS custom firmware, which patches the game files on-the-fly without needing to rebuild the entire game file.
Patch Source: Look for the undub patch by creators like Canzah & Slow, which is frequently shared on forums like Reddit and GBAtemp. Manual Setup:
Place the patch files into the luma/titles/[TitleID]/ folder on your SD card.
For the USA version, the TitleID is 00040000000E5C00. For the EUR version, it is 0004000000141C00.
Hold Select while booting your 3DS to access the Luma configuration menu and ensure "Enable game patching" is turned on. Pre-Patched Versions (CIA)
If you prefer a single file (CIA) that is already patched, these are typically found on community sites like hShop or Internet Archive.
Merging Manually: If you have the original CIA and the patch, you can use tools like New Super Ultimate Injector or Generic 3DS Extractor+Rebuilder to extract the RomFS, replace the audio files (snd and moflex folders), and rebuild the CIA. Important Notes
DLC Compatibility: To make DLC work with an undubbed version, you may need to use Locale Emulation (setting it to "USA EN" or "EUR EN") within Luma3DS to prevent crashes or missing content.
Gameplay Benefits: SMT IV: Apocalypse is widely praised for its refined combat and fusion systems over the original SMT IV, though some fans prefer the story tone of the first game. [3DS] Shin Megami Tensei IV Undub patch by Canzah & Slow
Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse Undub is a fan-made modification for the Nintendo 3DS that restores the original Japanese voice acting while maintaining the official English text and interface. This "portable" feature is typically used on consoles with custom firmware (CFW) to experience the game with its native audio performances. Core Undub Features Original Audio Restoration
: Replaces all English voice files with high-quality Japanese voiceovers from the original Japanese release, Shin Megami Tensei IV: Final Complete Coverage
: Patches include voiceovers for all main story dialogue, cutscenes, and battle-specific lines. Subtitle Synchronization
: Retains the official English localizations for all text, though some patches may require specific configuration to fix minor audio-to-text timing delays. Compatibility shin megami tensei iv apocalypse undub 3ds portable
: Optimized for the North American (USA) and European (EUR) versions of the game, provided the correct TitleID is used for the patch folder. Portable Installation & Compatibility
The undub feature is designed for use on a physical 3DS or through high-performance handheld emulators like the Luma3DS LayeredFS : Most modern patches utilize the
method. This allows you to load modified files from the SD card without permanently altering the original game files. Locale Emulation : To ensure DLC compatibility
while using the undub, users often need to enable "Locale Emulation" in Luma3DS to match the game's expected region/language settings. Mod Integration
: Users can combine the undub with other "portable-friendly" enhancements, such as HD Texture Packs designed for high-resolution screens. Quick Setup Reference Requirement 3DS with Custom Firmware (Luma3DS) Patch Method Place files in /luma/titles/[TitleID]/romfs USA TitleID 00040000000E5C00 EUR TitleID 0004000000141C00 [3DS] Shin Megami Tensei IV Undub patch by Canzah & Slow
For SMT fans who prefer Japanese voice direction or who played SMT IV with undub, this is the definitive portable version. The 3DS screen’s lower resolution masks compression artifacts in the audio, and the game’s dark, philosophical tone lands better with the original cast. If you’ve finished the English dub once, the undub run feels like a new, more somber journey.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Lost half a star only due to patch hunting and setup friction.
Would you like step-by-step patching instructions or a comparison of key character voices between dub and undub?
Let’s be blunt: Atlus USA’s 2016 localization of Apocalypse was stellar in its script adaptation. The banter between Nanashi, Asahi, and Navarre lands with snappy, often hilarious, English voice work. However, for players steeped in the series’ identity—where voice actors like Kugimiya Rie (Asahi) and Sugita Tomokazu (Hallelujah) embody characters with manic, specific energy—the English dub feels like a polite translation of a scream.
The Undub surgically removes every English voice file and replaces it with the original Japanese audio. The text remains fully translated. The result? A game where Dagda’s nihilistic growl in Japanese carries a weary, ancient weight that his otherwise competent English counterpart misses by a half-octave. When Krishna begins his hypnotic sermon, you hear the original actor’s silk-and-venom cadence. It is, for many, the intended emotional texture.
Let’s get one thing out of the way: Atlus USA generally does a commendable job with localization. The English script for Apocalypse is snappy, and the translation navigates the complex lore of the SMT universe well.
However, the English voice acting has always been a point of contention among the fanbase. While some performances are solid, others lean heavily into "anime trope" deliveries that can feel jarringly out of place in a world that is supposed to be a devastated, lawless wasteland. The tone can sometimes shift from "existential dread" to "Saturday morning cartoon."
For a series that prides itself on a mature, oppressive atmosphere, a voice track that doesn't match that severity can break immersion. For Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse on the
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Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse on a portable 3DS, an "undub" refers to a fan-made modification that replaces the English voiceovers with the original Japanese audio while keeping the English text. Installation via Luma3DS LayeredFS
This is the most common method for portable 3DS consoles with
custom firmware. It does not require modifying the game file itself, but instead uses the console's "Game Patching" feature. Requirements : A hacked 3DS running Prepare the Files : Obtain the undub patch files (usually a folder containing subfolders). Locate Title ID : Determine your game's Region/Title ID. 00040000000E5C00 0004000000141C00 Copy to SD Card : On your SD card, navigate to luma/titles/ . Create a new folder named after your game's if it doesn't exist. Paste the folder inside this ID-named folder. Enable Patching : Hold the
button while booting your 3DS to enter the Luma3DS configuration menu. Use the D-pad to highlight "Enable game patching" to select it. Press to save and reboot. Fixing DLC Compatibility
Undubbed versions can sometimes cause DLC (Downloadable Content) to crash or fail to load due to region mismatches. Locale Emulation : Use a tool like the Luma3DS Locale Switcher or manually create a locale.txt file in the same luma/titles/[TitleID]/ Configuration : Inside the locale.txt file, type the region code (e.g., ) to match the DLC's origin. Pre-Patched CIA Files Alternatively, some community sources offer pre-patched .cia files that can be installed directly using the FBI homebrew app
. These "portable" versions are easier for beginners as they handle the file integration automatically upon installation. video walkthrough for the Luma3DS setup?
The Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse Undub is a fan-made modification for the Nintendo 3DS that replaces the English voice acting with the original Japanese audio while keeping all English text intact. This "undub" version is popular among fans who prefer the original performances but still require English menus and dialogue to navigate the game's complex systems. Key Features of the Undub Patch
Original Japanese Voiceovers: The patch fully restores the original Japanese audio for all voiced dialogue, including major cutscenes and battle shouts.
Full English Localization: All text, including menus, item descriptions, and subtitles, remains in English, ensuring the game is fully playable for English speakers.
LayeredFS Compatibility: Modern versions of the patch use the LayeredFS format through Luma3DS, allowing users to apply the mod by simply copying files to their SD card without modifying the original game files.
Multi-Region Support: While primarily designed for the USA version (TitleID 00040000000E5C00), it can be easily adapted for the European version (0004000000141C00) by renaming the patch folder.
DLC Compatibility: Users can utilize "Locale Emulation" through Luma3DS to ensure that downloadable content remains functional even with the undub patch applied. Core Game Improvements in Apocalypse Verdict For SMT fans who prefer Japanese voice
Whether playing the undub or the standard version, Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse features significant quality-of-life upgrades over the original SMT IV:
Streamlined Navigation: The overworld map now features a red flag icon to denote the next objective and allows for zooming in and out.
Enhanced Partner System: Players can now choose a specific "Main Partner" who levels up independently and provides automated support, such as healing or targeted attacks, during combat.
Revised Smirk Mechanic: The "Smirk" system has been rebalanced to make it more tactical and less reliant on random chance than in the previous entry.
UI Refinements: New filters for demon fusion search and shortcuts for casting utility spells like "Estoma" directly from the bottom screen have been added. Where to Buy
If you are looking for the original physical cartridge to apply the patch to, it is available from several retailers:
eBay: Often lists brand new, factory-sealed USA copies for around $63.99.
Mercari: Frequently carries brand new copies, sometimes discounted to approximately $62.00. Play-Asia: Occasionally has stock for around $72.99. [3DS] Shin Megami Tensei IV Undub patch by Canzah & Slow
Title for this playthrough concept: The Silence Between Prayers
Once you boot up your Shin Megami Tensei IV Apocalypse Undub 3DS Portable, you’ll immediately notice the difference.
Performance tip: On an original 3DS, keep the clock speed at default. On a "New 3DS," enable Luma’s clock boost for smoother frame rates in dense areas like Ginza or the Cosmic Egg dungeon. The undub files are slightly larger than their English equivalents, so ensure you have at least 200MB free on your SD card.
For the casual player? The English dub is fine. For the fan who appreciates the craft of Japanese voice acting—the subtle kansai dialect of Hallelujah, the guttural roars of Lucifer, the haunting softness of Asahi’s pleas—the Shin Megami Tensei IV Apocalypse Undub is the only version that matters.
Paired with the 3DS portable form factor, it turns a 50-hour apocalyptic thriller into a personal, immersive journey. Whether you are fusing a demon on a crowded subway or grinding Macca in a waiting room, hearing the authentic Japanese audio pulls you deeper into the chaos.