Everyday I see people posting questions on how to System Transfer using the DSiWare downgrade so I figured why not make a guide that people can follow instead. Plailect's guide on the specifics of the DSiWare downgrade part is great (https://3ds.guide/dsiware-downgrade) but I'll try and cover the System Transfer & Restoration process a bit more indepth.
Some Things to Clear Up
Source 3DS = The 3DS which is already hacked
Target 3DS = The 3DS you want to hack
Original 3DS Family = o3DS/o3DS XL & 2DS
'New' 3DS Family = n3DS & n3DS XL
Transferring up = From old 3DS family to 'New' 3DS family
Getting Started
If you're not on the latest firmware you'll have to use ctr-httpwn to access System Transfer, this requires a Homebrew entry-point:
The System Transfer
Now this process is slightly different depending on if the transfer involves going from o3ds/2ds -> n3ds, but basically this is what we're trying to achieve:
Now lets begin.
Now to restore the Source 3DS
Remember that SD card backup we made earlier? Copy that back onto the SD card and place it in your source 3DS.
I've done this about 4 times without a hitch.
If I've missed something/made a mistake or am unclear please tell me
Some Things to Clear Up
Source 3DS = The 3DS which is already hacked
Target 3DS = The 3DS you want to hack
Original 3DS Family = o3DS/o3DS XL & 2DS
'New' 3DS Family = n3DS & n3DS XL
Transferring up = From old 3DS family to 'New' 3DS family
- DSiWare downgrading a second 3DS will not remove a9lh from the source 3DS
- If backed up correctly the source 3DS will be exactly the same as it was before the DSiWare downgrade
- If transferring within the same family, both will have functional NNID's when we're done.
- If transferring up a family, only the target n3DS will have a functional NNID.
Getting Started
- Make sure you've followed Plailect's guide TO THE WORD up to "Section V - System Transfer"
- If you're transferring a up 3DS family, I would recommend using a microSD to SD adapter in the original 3DS
- Ideally both the source SD & target SD are the same size (saves some time transferring)
- The Target 3DS must have no NNID attached to it; if there is Format System Memory in System Settings > Other Settings > Page 5.
- On the source 3ds you want to make a nand.bin backup first, then make a backup of the SD card & save it somewhere on your PC.
- To make a nand.bin backup, enter Hourglass9 by holding down start on boot. Then proceed to SysNAND Backup/Restore > SysNAND Backup > Press A to Backup.
- On the target 3ds also make a SD card backup.
If you're not on the latest firmware you'll have to use ctr-httpwn to access System Transfer, this requires a Homebrew entry-point:
- https://3ds.guide/homebrew-launcher-(no-browser) OoTHax is the easiest to use (from my experience), but all require a gamecart/legit purchase.
- If you're on 11.0 and rocking a NEW 3DS you may be able to access browserhax - https://gbatemp.net/threads/how-to-...-your-exploit-games-ready-for-slowhax.450675/
The System Transfer
Now this process is slightly different depending on if the transfer involves going from o3ds/2ds -> n3ds, but basically this is what we're trying to achieve:
Now lets begin.
- Both the source & target must be connected to WiFi
- System Settings > Other Settings > Page 4 > System Transfer
- Select the second option (Transfer from a 3DS system)
- On the Source 3DS select 'Send from this System' & select the target 3DS
- On the Target 3DS accept the transfer.
- If prompted selected PC Transfer (only for 2ds/o3ds->n3ds transfers)
- Move DSiWare titles when prompted
- When prompted take out the source SD card & put it in the Target 3DS
Now to restore the Source 3DS
Remember that SD card backup we made earlier? Copy that back onto the SD card and place it in your source 3DS.
- Hold start on boot to enter Hourglass9
- Then proceed to SysNAND Backup/Restore > SysNAND Restore (keep a9lh) > Folow the prompts & select the nand.bin you made earlier.
- Return to the main Hourglass9 screen and press Start to reboot.
- Everything should be as it was before the System transfer.
- By making a nand.bin backup then sd card backup of both 3DS's in a weeks time you won't lose a thing & the original source 3DS will have it's NNID back.
- System Settings > Nintendo Network ID Settings
- You'll get an error reading 'This NNID is not attached to this device', this is fine.
- While still on the error screen: Hold Y & X then press A, this should logout the NNID from the 3DS.
I've done this about 4 times without a hitch.
If I've missed something/made a mistake or am unclear please tell me
Last edited by clancy94,