This new direct boot method seems to be exclusive to 9.x FW, since Sky3DS doesn't work with lower firmware revisions, so even if they were sitting on it, they weren't sitting on it for long. The team behind Gateway has standards, and I for one would prefer a properly tested product, so if they withheld their 9.x update, they must have had a reason to do so, BUT ...
They might have simply taken a look at how their competition does it. After all, finding a vulnerability of this caliber is no simple task, and aside from knowledge and proper equipment, one might need a bit of luck. It's entirely possible Gateway didn't have their own method of running their cartridge on 9.x.
I'm really curious as to how this will work, though. The 4.x exploit lets you put 3DS files on a MicroSD, and you're done. ROM switching is done with software, and Gateway doesn't have a button. Will this require two separate MicroSD cards (one for 4.x and one for 9.x)? Will we be able to switch between games on 9.x, or will it be something similar to Gateway's beginnings, when we had to flash a single game image onto a MicroSD? So many questions!
As for CIA, DevMenu or BBBMenu are nice concepts, but they're impractical to say the least. 3DS to CIA conversion is cumbersome to the point I won't be using it. I tried installing a theme compatible with my region, but it didn't work. Instead, it broke a theme I have bought, and now I can't seem to re-download my legally purchased theme, because the 3DS gives me an error when preparing the SD card (or whatever it is it does - anyone familiar with error code 009-4998).
I have one up-to-date 3DS, so I'm definitely looking forward to this, and I'm planning on getting the New 3DS, so I hope N3DS exclusives will be supported as well.
