I too, was concerned about the possibility of my 3DS actually bricking after using only original GW software, however, on GW3DS' official support forum they posted this:
___________________________________________________________________________
garyopa
Maxconsole Administrator
For those claiming they are LEGIT brick, here is what to do:
"First of all, we want to reinsure you that all Gateway users will receive full support. We care about our customers.
Exceptionally, the tone of this normally standard support request email might be a bit harsh because of the abuse claims made by clone producer staff pretending of bricks, which were proven to be just part of their marketing plan to make customers believe we also have issues with console bricking. To be clear, we already had dozen of claims which just were proven to be fake. Unfortunately this cost us time away from doing what we do best, bringing you constant updates to make your Gateway experience better and better.
We still answer every single request to be sure no genuine Gateway user is left out.
If your console is bricked, and you only used the files we provided on our website, then it is almost certain this is not related to Gateway, but we will gladly help you to thank you for your support and purchase. We mean it was probably just an accidental bricking, like it happens sometimes for mainstream Nintendo 3DS users or any device in fact who do not user any accessoryt. But we will fix it for you, gladly.
We will send you back your console repaired - most of the case - or a brand new console.
As you can imagine, we can read any Nintendo 3Ds like a book. If you send us a console that was bricked any other way - most likely using a clone product (MT card, 3DS Link, R4i 3DS etc.) - we will instantly see it, and you will be required a $100 shipping and handling fee to return your bricked console.
***
IMPORTANT: ALL returns must include your Nintendo 3DS, GATEWAY RED CARD and your SD CARD. Any incomplete return will be handled as above, with a $100 shipping and handling fee to return the console & accessories.
***
To send us your console, Gateway and SD card, please contact your vendor, and email us the tracking number and vendor's name. We will handle the rest.
Again, we want to apologize for the harsh terms of this email. We normally provide friendly and quick support. But the clone team is a very organized mafia which uses dozens of fake Gateway users to pretend their problem are theirs. We hate to make it complex for you, but their actions force us to act this way to find the right balance between proper support and still being able to work on updates to keep Gateway moving forward.
Thanks for your understanding! Again, we stand by you, and look forward to much more to come from us. First being sending you back your console good as new!
So again it shows the GW team does infact care..
"
___________________________________________________________________________
So, you should contact them if you have problems. Also, it would be good for everyone if you have a 3DS bricked by GW and posted your whole story here (including the shipping process, etc). It would be in everyone's interest to know if Gateway is lying, or not. Thank you.
___________________________________________________________________________
garyopa
For those claiming they are LEGIT brick, here is what to do:
"First of all, we want to reinsure you that all Gateway users will receive full support. We care about our customers.
Exceptionally, the tone of this normally standard support request email might be a bit harsh because of the abuse claims made by clone producer staff pretending of bricks, which were proven to be just part of their marketing plan to make customers believe we also have issues with console bricking. To be clear, we already had dozen of claims which just were proven to be fake. Unfortunately this cost us time away from doing what we do best, bringing you constant updates to make your Gateway experience better and better.
We still answer every single request to be sure no genuine Gateway user is left out.
If your console is bricked, and you only used the files we provided on our website, then it is almost certain this is not related to Gateway, but we will gladly help you to thank you for your support and purchase. We mean it was probably just an accidental bricking, like it happens sometimes for mainstream Nintendo 3DS users or any device in fact who do not user any accessoryt. But we will fix it for you, gladly.
We will send you back your console repaired - most of the case - or a brand new console.
As you can imagine, we can read any Nintendo 3Ds like a book. If you send us a console that was bricked any other way - most likely using a clone product (MT card, 3DS Link, R4i 3DS etc.) - we will instantly see it, and you will be required a $100 shipping and handling fee to return your bricked console.
***
IMPORTANT: ALL returns must include your Nintendo 3DS, GATEWAY RED CARD and your SD CARD. Any incomplete return will be handled as above, with a $100 shipping and handling fee to return the console & accessories.
***
To send us your console, Gateway and SD card, please contact your vendor, and email us the tracking number and vendor's name. We will handle the rest.
Again, we want to apologize for the harsh terms of this email. We normally provide friendly and quick support. But the clone team is a very organized mafia which uses dozens of fake Gateway users to pretend their problem are theirs. We hate to make it complex for you, but their actions force us to act this way to find the right balance between proper support and still being able to work on updates to keep Gateway moving forward.
Thanks for your understanding! Again, we stand by you, and look forward to much more to come from us. First being sending you back your console good as new!
So again it shows the GW team does infact care..
___________________________________________________________________________
So, you should contact them if you have problems. Also, it would be good for everyone if you have a 3DS bricked by GW and posted your whole story here (including the shipping process, etc). It would be in everyone's interest to know if Gateway is lying, or not. Thank you.