Hacking Gateway 3DS - First 3DS Flashcart

[Rydian]

Why not more video on yt...

You're right, I should go make one!

Wait, it's not for sale yet, so I don't have one, so I can't make a video of it.

 

[Quicksilver88]

Well I have one pre-ordered at one of the reputable US distributors that I have used many times in the past. Really my biggest question is how will the save/restore function work. I e-mailed gateway and asked them to release more info about this and they did respond but said 'we will release more information when the features are complete'. So it was nice that they responded but I really want to know if they have a found a way to mirror the cartridge eprom to flash memory or if we will have to use something like the the r4 save dongle to backup and restore on the PC. I really hope they work out a mirroring function so we can just pull one sd card out and swap in another. The device should be shipping within a few more weeks so I guess we will know soon enough. I sort of doubt they will work out a region free break in hardware, but have hope that a scene group makes a rom tool that spoofs or changes the region code thru hex editing. Don't know why but the Euro groups have dumped a lot more ROMS than the US groups so hopefully that will change once the device is out.

 

[Quicksilver88]

woohoo ask and you shall recieve....looks like venom just dumped a whole bunch of the new releases for USA........I knew that would happen but figured not until the device was available.....

 

[DeMoN]

It seems they are beating around the bush whenever someone asks about the save issue. I don't have high hopes for this.

 

[Pedeadstrian]

It seems they are beating around the bush whenever someone asks about the save issue. I don't have high hopes for this.

Nowhere did they say they were going to have that feature available at launch, or anytime soon. They don't want to say "Yes, we'll have it done." then end up getting caught in a snag. Or they could just be trying to scam us. *shrug*

 

[stephysanrio]

Everything ok with that shop i posted above

How can they trust a web site that was made a few days ago? Or a month ago? Obviously they only made a web site to be a reseller like I said be careful as some people are just trying to cash in.

Buy from sites you have bought before to be on the safe side.
Gateway is new so they will link anyone/everyone who says that will purchase their products as long as they meet their requirements.

 

[Jean Karlo]

Nowhere did they say they were going to have that feature available at launch, or anytime soon. They don't want to say "Yes, we'll have it done." then end up getting caught in a snag. Or they could just be trying to scam us. *shrug*

^ This is why you should wait for reviews, Don't put your money into it. We still don't know what this flashcart is capable of. It may or not be capable of save files, It may or not Support new games (Which is unlikely).

I wonder if there are any AP in the games, (Like in Layton games)

 

[Pedeadstrian]

I wonder if there are any AP in the games, (Like in Layton games)

If there isn't any now, there will be after Gateway is released (if it even works).

 

[Jean Karlo]

If there isn't any now, there will be after Gateway is released (if it even works).

Without adding that these new games may require a Firmware update that will block the flashcart ... And i guess that we can't remove the update because then it would be unsigned code. So : We are screwed .

 

[unz]

Everything ok with that shop i posted above

Until Gateway earns MY trust, I don't give a damn who Gateway trusts. They have literally zero credibility at this point.
In fact, if you take a good look at the Australian reseller's website, you'll see it's a laughably amateurish effort.

http://gateway3ds.me

• Uses a personal .me domain for a commercial site.
• No ABN displayed on the site, even though the seller claims to be based in Victoria's metro area.
• AU$99.50 pricetag - hey kids! Can you say "Opportunistic price gouging"?
• Powered by Mario and Luigi.

 

[Quicksilver88]

Without adding that these new games may require a Firmware update that will block the flashcart ... And i guess that we can't remove the update because then it would be unsigned code. So : We are screwed .

Now these are all ifs....first off if Nintendo can detect it then they can block it, but if they can block it then with a firmware update the cart can likely be activated again (just like DS flashcarts have been doing for years). Also don't underestimate the power of scene groups. Just because the code has to be signed doesn't mean it can't be altered. Generally a signed code means the only launch executable and often times things can be tinkered with at the hex editiing level and still left intact enough to run, so updates could be potentially stripped if the new games aren't dependant on the firmware updates for new features. They have said the cart has some upgradeablility which means it has to flashable or it would have zero upgradeablility.

Also Nintendo is not nearly as aggresive at doing firmware updates as say Sony on PS3 and Vita. Generally a new Nintendo FW comes out, they block the flash carts, within days the cart is unblocked and then Nintendo just waits to do another update until they are ready. I don't forsee a different pattern as Firmware updates are annoying, run the small chance of breaking your hardware, and this 1st generation cart is going to be lucky to sell in the hundreads of thousands (really lucky) on an installed userbase of 30+ Million.

It seems they are beating around the bush whenever someone asks about the save issue. I don't have high hopes for this.

I know that is my biggest concern as well. Look we know it has eeprom on the catridge so if it comes down to using an R4 type device to save and restore backups that will be a pain but similiar tactics were used on the early GB/GBA/DS flash carts so you know it sort of comes with the territory. The key here is the cartridge slot has been hacked/cracked and you can bet other more experienced/reputable teams like R4 and Supercard will have products out in the coming months. I can envision ways to deploy multiple roms and multiple saves without truly cracking the 3DS wide open.

How about this.....SuperCard makes a dual DS/3DS card with a switch. So you flip the switch to go into DS mode and then they make a DS app that lets you switch 3DS roms and do eprom saves as restores to flash .sav files from the DS mode. Then you pop cart out, flip switch and back to 3DS mode. I see no reason why this wouldn't be possible with a little engineering. No way this will be the end of 3DS flash carts, this is only the beginning.

Also I think thru hardware it would be totally possible to mirror the eeprom to the SD everytime a write to the eeprom occurs. Then anytime the catridge is re-powered you just flush the eeprom and populate it from the flash file.....maybe gateway won't be this advanced but someone else will work it out if they don't

I know I am sort of flush compared to a lot of people but to me something that I can play around with the current library for $80 is pretty cheap. I already have a dozen or so 3DS games and just want something to try out the obsucre titles I likely wouldn't buy or haven't found at retail. The 3DS is not really much of an 'online' device for me so if I have to keep it at current firmware and offline for a while that would be fine as I have plenty of content to work thru inluding Lugi, DKCR, FE, and Prof Layton which I have purchased in recent months and haven't gotten to. Still trying to finish Kingdom Hearts so between the games I have and stuff I will mess around with on this cart it could be 4-6 months before I upgrade and by then other carts will be out or gateway will be updated. I have tablets, phones, laptops to do my social networking, browsing, and Consoles to play online.....the only thing I would miss are some eshop titles but again I wouldn't be offline forever....I guess its a trade off anytime you embrace 'mod' equipment and in some cases I will own two consoles/devices to have one OFW and one CFW....again I am older and have more resources than many so I understand not everyone can do this but in that case you just have to pick your poison!

 

[Deleted member 668561]

http://www.modchipcentral.com/store/product.php?productid=17954&featured=Y

its here for 80 bucks but it you need ONE micro sd PER 3DS GAME

 

[Jean Karlo]

Now these are all ifs....first off if Nintendo can detect it then they can block it, but if they can block it then with a firmware update the cart can likely be activated again (just like DS flashcarts have been doing for years). Also don't underestimate the power of scene groups. Just because the code has to be signed doesn't mean it can't be altered. Generally a signed code means the only launch executable and often times things can be tinkered with at the hex editiing level and still left intact enough to run, so updates could be potentially stripped if the new games aren't dependant on the firmware updates for new features. They have said the cart has some upgradeablility which means it has to flashable or it would have zero upgradeablility.

Also Nintendo is not nearly as aggresive at doing firmware updates as say Sony on PS3 and Vita. Generally a new Nintendo FW comes out, they block the flash carts, within days the cart is unblocked and then Nintendo just waits to do another update until they are ready. I don't forsee a different pattern as Firmware updates are annoying, run the small chance of breaking your hardware, and this 1st generation cart is going to be lucky to sell in the hundreads of thousands (really lucky) on an installed userbase of 30+ Million.

Yup, all this is just theory, It might as well be blocked forever, Or not blocked at all (unlikely), who knows. That's why i said ''I guess'', I wasn't sure of that one. Thanks for clearing it. But I stated it thinking that : It will look for NEW Firmware : Y , Instead of OLD Firmware : X. So even if the game itself doesn't have the firmware updater, the game would still be looking for NEW Firmware : Y, Even if it doesn't need ''new features''... But then again, as you said, this might be altered. I agree, nintendo has been more passive with piracy, But you never know, now Spotpass makes firmware updates without even asking for your consent. But in the last firmware update, near non flashcarts were blocked. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy with this flashcart, it's a GREAT first step into 3ds scene. As you say, it is going to sell a lot (more than a couple eshop games lol).

PD: Next time use the "Edit" Button.

 

[Chocolina]

from the usa--based resellers i just ordered mine from modchipcentral earlier today, total with shipping was like $83.50 over 50 cents cheaper than modchipdirect. Personally I wouldn't worry too much about trying to save the most money, they're all about the same price within less than a $2 difference. My advice is to get one with decent ship times.

I can't wait for the multiplayer and import implications this chip may serve. I have 2 3DS, but have no reason to buy 2 of the same game just to experience proper multi-player.

 

[Kagaminchan]

How can they trust a web site that was made a few days ago? Or a month ago? Obviously they only made a web site to be a reseller like I said be careful as some people are just trying to cash in.

Buy from sites you have bought before to be on the safe side.
Gateway is new so they will link anyone/everyone who says that will purchase their products as long as they meet their requirements.

Ok-ok, people keep saying about scam and so, just cancelled my paypal payment to this dudes.

 

[ImperialX]

Ok-ok, people keep saying about scam and so, just cancelled my paypal payment to this dudes.

Good choice. I wouldn't put my money down even to a reputable seller for this card until GBATemp has a review of it. Call me a skeptic but I don't believe anything until I see some truly reputable people confirm this is legit.

When Devin posts a review of it, or if Costello says he's tried it, I will believe it. So far what do we know about this cart? Costello says that someone he knows says this card works, and there is one single YouTube video made by someone we have no clue about. I think your money is safer in your wallet compared to pre-ordering something this vague...

 

[Kagaminchan]

I know, but i just want it ASAP. Coz russian post is evil =_= International shipments usually come in ~1 month. And it's kinda normal. Recently (2 monts ago!) i bought some clothes from China and recieve just now, lol. Postal service said what they have many-many problems with customs and international shimpments. So, in this country i will play on Gateway a month after release in better way

 

[Pedeadstrian]

I know, but i just want it ASAP. Coz russian post is evil =_= International shipments usually come in ~1 month. And it's kinda normal. Recently (2 monts ago) i bought some clothes from China and recieve just now, lol. Postal service said what they have many-many probles with customs and international shimpments. So, in this country i will play on Gateway a month after release in better way

Just remember that the creators of Gateway have suggested NOT to prepay until they say so.

 

[Deleted member 668561]

from the usa--based resellers i just ordered mine from modchipcentral earlier today, total with shipping was like $83.50 over 50 cents cheaper than modchipdirect. Personally I wouldn't worry too much about trying to save the most money, they're all about the same price within less than a $2 difference. My advice is to get one with decent ship times.

I can't wait for the multiplayer and import implications this chip may serve. I have 2 3DS, but have no reason to buy 2 of the same game just to experience proper multi-player.

This chip is supposedly single region as USA can only be on USA 3ds supports up to 4gb micro SD and you can only have one game on a single micro SD

 

[Pleng]

Just a point about the Game Manager thing, that they claim to be working on.

The only thing that confuses me slightly is that to implement a game manager, you need to use DS mode. Now the FAQ have stated that this cart is not able to load DS Roms due to this functionality being available in other carts. If it's not able to load DS Roms one could assume that there's no DS Mode. Therefore if there's no DS mode there really *is* no way to implement a game manager.

Unless the DS mode is available in the hardware configuration but just not currently made use of.