Q: What's the point of this thread if you aren't going to tell me what the best CFW is?
A: I made this thread to help you decide what CFW will serve you the best. It's made to be mostly unbiased and just stick to the facts. I am not trying to favour one CFW over the others, because I want you to decide what CFW works for your needs.
Q:Why didn't you mention Signature patching or this basic feature?
Because any basic feature like Signature patching is not worth mentioning. They all support it, so it's not worth mentioning with every single CFW.
Q: But why did you leave out
this feature?
A: I am just trying to cover the most need to know features and select features that make each CFW stand out. Quite honestly if I listed every single detail for every single CFW, this page would turn into a wiki, which is not what this thread was intended for. I do include the links for you to research any feature I didn't include.
Q: Why not just use Luma3DS?
A: Luma3DS is amazing and more than deserving of its place as one of the most used CFW's. But it's not the only CFW out there, which is why I wanted to cover all CFW's fairly. I would heavily suggest using Luma3DS if your feel it fits your needs, but one glove does not fit all. Which is why I would heavily suggest trying out all CFW's to determine what works best for you.
Q: Why did you include SaltFW?!?
A: Because it's still a CFW. Yes, it's a stripped down version of Luma3DS and it isn't embarrassed to state it, which is why it's called a "Slim Alternative Firmware." It's not made to replace Luma3DS, but compliment it as a slimmed down version for people who just want a bare-bones basic CFW. A CFW that simply gives you all the patches you could ever need and nothing more. I included it because there's no reason for me not to include it.
Q: Why didn't you include Supercard's "freegame" CFW?
A: I won't be adding a Supercard's "freegame" CFW. Why? Because it's just a re-branded ReiNAND with several features stripped out of it (or it's based on an older version.) Which isn't the issue that I am upset with. I am not ok with them taking a GPL project and not even attempting to credit the original author nor release their source code. This also makes this CFW the second stolen CFW that they've pushed own on their card. So I won't be supporting them.
Q: Why didn't you include the Gateway 3DS CFW?
A: So I am not going to add the Gateway CFW. Now hear me out, I have been researching it for months now and just can't justify adding it. The only real benefit it seems to provide is cheats and .3DS support through an external flashcart. These are great features, but really don't equal out the other negative problems with the CFW. First, booting it on A9LH v2 is still a wonky mess, meaning you either need to use A9LH v1 or their own crappy A9LH install. Gateway 3DS still requires an EmuNAND, with no proper FIRM0/1 protection for the SysNAND. Gateway also doesn't have TWL patches, so you need install a whitelist. And it doesn't help that this CFW requires you to spend upwards to
$77.99 to use it. This is just not worth the high price for two exclusive features, when free CFWs are far more up to date, provide far better features, and of course are free. I don't hate the Gateway 3DS cart, but it just seems out of date and the high price tag is just not worth it.
Q: Why didn't you include mini-CFWs like ShadowNAND?
A: I am also not going to be adding a section for the mini-CFWs just yet, because there's nothing I can say about them at the moment. Once more of them start popping up or they find a way to add more features, I will add a section for them. For now, I am just going to remove the research tag for them.
Update: Since Luma3DS can not be copied directly onto the CTRNAND, there's no reason to include mini-CFWs.
Q: WHY DID YOU JUST COPY AND PASTE THE RXTOOL SECTION?!?!?
A: Because RXTools is an enigma.
Q: Is there one CFW you would suggest over another?
A: I am going to leave my personal preferences out of this thread. This thread is an attempt to stay as unbiased as possible and just stick to the facts.