Hacking some question before i buy a 3DS

[Magus]

sorry, to bother you guys once again but i've decided to go today to buy a new 3DS and i wanted to make sure to get everything right

1) which is better, NEW 3DS or the NEW 3DSXL? i wanted to get the MH4 bundle, does it comes both in non-xl and xl versions?

2) i heard some NEW 3DS have a better screen, is there a way to know how to get one with the better screens?

3) i would love to save the money on the charger, can i charge the 3DS using an USB cable like the one i use to charge my smartphone?

4) will i be forced to update firmware as soon as i connect to the internet?

5) someone here before told me that these model of the MH4 bundle are supposed to be on 9.2

QW4013 (MH4 UE) - Confirmed
QW4012 (MH4 UE) -Confirmed
QW4011 (Monster Hunter 4 ultimate edition) - Confirmed

in case they don't have the bundle, which other model are supposedly on 9.2, where can i find the model number anyway?

 

[dkabot]

sorry, to bother you guys once again but i've decided to go today to buy a new 3DS and i wanted to make sure to get everything right

1) Both are nice, it's up to preference and region (America only gets XL). Bundle is XL, if you can find it.

2) Only way to know is to know the difference and look at the screen.

3) You can get a USB charging cable, but it's a completely different cable to any phone and also completely unofficial.

4) Not forced, but it'll download updates in the background if you're connected. Takes a reboot with a certain button combo to remove the nag after. (Though a format is not necessary, in case you find old threads that say otherwise.)

5) There's a thread on which, and the serial may or may not be on the box (I know America does and Japan doesn't.)

 

[Magus]

i'm in europe in case that helps, also where is that thread with the list of serial? all i could find was one similiar thread on another forum called maxconsole

 

[Ra1d]

QW4013 (MH4 UE) - Confirmed
QW4012 (MH4 UE) -Confirmed
QW4011 (Monster Hunter 4 ultimate edition) - Confirmed

That guy forgot to tell you that those are US consoles that he confirmed.

The only European Monster Hunter 4 Console that has been confirmed with 9.2 or lower is this "QEH1020 (MH4 UE) - Confirmed" , there's also this console "QAH1000" high chance that it's 9.2 or lower, but no one has confirmed it yet.

Here's the thread with all serial numbers http://gbatemp.net/threads/n3ds-xl-firmware-by-version-number.381479/

 

[Magus]

Multiple Versions:
(Please confirm these versions using SIX numbers of the serial)

QEH1015 (Black) (9.0/9.4)

what does this mean? that if i buy a QEH105 it could be anything from 9.0 to 9.4?

 

[Osmosis]

1) which is better, NEW 3DS or the NEW 3DSXL? i wanted to get the MH4 bundle, does it comes both in non-xl and xl versions?

There is only the New3DSXL. There is no New3DS like the old models. Just XL. So N3DSXL.

2) i heard some NEW 3DS have a better screen, is there a way to know how to get one with the better screens?

Uh... no comment. Just don't believe the hype. But if anyone asks why you want to check the UPC on the box just tell them "Certain models have a better screen" and that should shut them up.

3) i would love to save the money on the charger, can i charge the 3DS using an USB cable like the one i use to charge my smartphone?

Certain retailers sell a USB>3DS cord which can be used to charge on any PC or USB power adapter. Or just buy a power adapter. The USB cords are kind of short compared to the gray nintendo ones.

This is what you're looking for:
http://www.amazon.com/USB-Charger-Cable-Nintendo-3DS-DS/dp/B0099HP4OC

Try to find one from EU. It only charges. This does NOT hack the system. That's something else... which you won't need to know for now.

4) will i be forced to update firmware as soon as i connect to the internet?

Um, it'll ask, but don't. Especially if you want to use a Gateway. The moment your system is above 9.2 you can't install Gateway 3DS on your system.

5) someone here before told me that these model of the MH4 bundle are supposed to be on 9.2

Check the UPC codes. Got bad news, most of the limited editions and bundled systems are more recent and probably have above 9.2. Either check your UPCs or try to avoid the limited editions and bundles.

QW4013 (MH4 UE) - Confirmed
QW4012 (MH4 UE) -Confirmed
QW4011 (Monster Hunter 4 ultimate edition) - Confirmed

As poster above said, those are US UPC codes. Scroll down to the EU list and find the right ones for you.

Make sure you scroll down to the EU versions. Here's the UPC list:
https://gbatemp.net/threads/n3ds-xl-firmware-by-version-number.381479/

in case they don't have the bundle, which other model are supposedly on 9.2, where can i find the model number anyway?

Make sure you scroll down to the EU versions. Here's the UPC list:
https://gbatemp.net/threads/n3ds-xl-firmware-by-version-number.381479/

Are you wanting to use Gateway 3DS? If yes, then 9.2 or below is essential.

To install the Gateway 3DS you will also need Cubic Ninja or Zelda-OOT. Cubic Ninja is better and cheaper.

Sky3DS only plays games. No homebrew or ROM dumping or firmware backup.

Try to get a 64-128GB micro SD card for the N3DSXL. The Gateway or Sky3DS you will want to make sure you get a 32GB Class 10 microSD. Try to avoid any micro SD that isn't Class 10, this means UHS-1 or UHS-3 cards.


Decisions, decisions, decisions...

Decide what you want to do, then worry about what you'll need to do it. If you just want a New3DSXL to play MH4U and you don't want anything special, then you won't have to worry about much. Powersaves Pro will be plenty for cheating and savegame backup.

If you want more, first consider the Gateway 3DS but if all else fails, the Sky3DS will work on any firmware. It just doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the Gateway.

SO YOU NEED:

​

N3SDXL (9.2 or below for Gateway)​

AC Adapter / USB adapter​

64-128GB mSD Class 10 (try to avoid UHS, but it -MUST- be at least class 10)​

​

Easiest option:​

​

Powersaves Pro (highly recommended)​

​

Best option:​

​

Cubic Ninja Game Cartridge (needed for Gateway)​

Gateway 3DS​

​

If you just want to update firmware and not install Gateway but want to play 3DS games:​

​

Sky3DS​

Powersaves Pro​

Hope that helps. Again, decide what you want, THEN find what you'll need. Don't go wasting your time and money and end up getting the wrong thing.

 

[Magus]

the idea was to get one for MH4 and then upgrade to a gateway later on

i wouldn't mind getting a sky3DS instead but i heard the thing doesn't run region locked game or eshop games and i'd really love to play shit like Rhythm tengoku 3DS when it hits

 

[Osmosis]

the idea was to get one for MH4 and then upgrade to a gateway later on

i wouldn't mind getting a sky3DS instead but i heard the thing doesn't run region locked game or eshop games and i'd really love to play shit like Rhythm tengoku 3DS when it hits

Then you need to get a Gateway 3DS. So you'll also need a actual cartridge of Cubic Ninja or Zelda-OOT.

DO NOT UPDATE YOU SYSTEM FIRMWARE!!!

No reason to hunt down a 9.2 firmware system if you just update anyways.

SO YOU WILL NEED:

N3DSXL w/9.2 or below firmware (check link in post above, make sure to scroll to EU)
Gateway 3DS
Cubic Ninja / Zelda OOT
x2 micro SD card (one for N3DSXL, and one for Gateway. Try a 64GB/32GB combo. Use the 64GB on the N3DSXL)
USB Cable (check link in post above)

THERE IS NO "UPGRADE LATER" OPTION. IF YOU UPDATE FIRMWARE, YOU'RE SCREWED.
YOU WILL HAVE TO "SIT/WAIT" ON FIRMWARE 9.2 UNTIL GATEWAY IS INSTALLED. THEN GATEWAY WILL MAKE A FAKE FIRMWARE THAT WILL LET YOU UPDATE PATCHES AND ACCESS ESHOP, ETC.

You go above 9.2, kiss Gateway goodbye F-O-R-E-V-E-R.

Sky3DS doesn't play eShop or .CIA or .3DZ. It only plays 1:1 copies of .3DS ROMs. Nor does Sky3DS do what the Gateway can do. The good news is Sky3DS works on any firmware and 3DS system. But you might want a Powersaves Pro if you get a Sky3DS.

 

[Captain Charisma]

Can we play regoen free games on N3DS XL via Sky3DS? I'm a huge Taiko no Tatsujin fan, but the Wii U and 3DS versions, I have no way of playing these. Also how about dlc for taiko songs on 3DS, how would it be possible to download those if I have a European N3DS?

 

[dkabot]

Can we play regoen free games on N3DS XL via Sky3DS? I'm a huge Taiko no Tatsujin fan, but the Wii U and 3DS versions, I have no way of playing these. Also how about dlc for taiko songs on 3DS, how would it be possible to download those if I have a European N3DS?

Theoretically, there's a few ways this could be done. If it's a cart game...

• You could use a Sky3DS or imported cart with an imported console
• You could use a Sky3DS or imported cart with NTR-CTW on any console.
• You could use an imported cart or ROM with a Gateway on any console.

If it's a downloadable title (either the game itself or any DLC) then it's down to...

• You could buy it legitimately on a foreign imported console.
• You could use a CIA with a Gateway on any console.

Unfortunately, between region lock and Gateway not supporting 9.5 (since this is a N3DS) that's pretty much your entire set of options there, discounting one (region swapping, which is too complex at the moment and won't grant access to downloadable anything as it stands).

 

[Osmosis]

Can we play regoen free games on N3DS XL via Sky3DS? I'm a huge Taiko no Tatsujin fan, but the Wii U and 3DS versions, I have no way of playing these. Also how about dlc for taiko songs on 3DS, how would it be possible to download those if I have a European N3DS?

Short answer: No.

You must DL the same region as your N3DSXL. So if EU N3DSXL you must DL the EU .3DS ROM. If US... then US version of .3ds ROM.

The other problem with Sky3DS is that you will get banned without a private header. To get a private header you will either need Gateway or the Powersaves Pro. Or Nintendo will ban hammer you.

And if you're using a Sky3DS chances are you can't use a Gateway. So Sky3DS + Powersaves Pro is recommended.

Otherwise, get a Gateway + Cubic Ninja.

 

[Captain Charisma]

I've got OoT3D, and the serial version is confirmed to work with Gateway. I still have my N3DS on 9.0. I think I'm gonna opt for a Gateway and save dongle.
Thanks for the replies guys, if Gateway guarantees me to play Taiko, even without the DLC I'm happy with that!

 

[dkabot]

I've got OoT3D, and the serial version is confirmed to work with Gateway. I still have my N3DS on 9.0. I think I'm gonna opt for a Gateway and save dongle.
Thanks for the replies guys, if Gateway guarantees me to play Taiko, even without the DLC I'm happy with that!

With a Gateway, you can play with DLC so long as you can find a CIA of it. However you cannot legitimately purchase said DLC, if that sways your morals.
If you do get a Gateway, though, a save dongle is a pointless affair (Edit says I'm a fool and you do to install, just not to dump games after.). You can install games themselves as CIAs to use the console header, and if you want to deal with cart headers you can dump the cart on the console (woo Gateway launcher) to get them.

 

[Captain Charisma]

With a Gateway, you can play with DLC so long as you can find a CIA of it. However you cannot legitimately purchase said DLC, if that sways your morals.
If you do get a Gateway, though, a save dongle is a pointless affair. You can install games themselves as CIAs to use the console header, and if you want to deal with cart headers you can dump the cart on the console (woo Gateway launcher) to get them.

Do I need a save dongle to install Gateway on my N3DS, has it been updated that you don't need it? I've never used Gateway before.

 

[dkabot]

Do I need a save dongle to install Gateway on my N3DS, has it been updated that you don't need it? I've never used Gateway before.

Gah, my own mistake, I apologize.
Oot you need a dongle to install, had Cubic Ninja on the mind.

 

[Captain Charisma]

Gah, my own mistake, I apologize.
Oot you need a dongle to install, had Cubic Ninja on the mind.

Its only £5 more for a save dongle offer they have with Gateway cart. Thanks very much guys!

 

[The Real Jdbye]

sorry, to bother you guys once again but i've decided to go today to buy a new 3DS and i wanted to make sure to get everything right

1) which is better, NEW 3DS or the NEW 3DSXL? i wanted to get the MH4 bundle, does it comes both in non-xl and xl versions?

2) i heard some NEW 3DS have a better screen, is there a way to know how to get one with the better screens?

3) i would love to save the money on the charger, can i charge the 3DS using an USB cable like the one i use to charge my smartphone?

4) will i be forced to update firmware as soon as i connect to the internet?

5) someone here before told me that these model of the MH4 bundle are supposed to be on 9.2

QW4013 (MH4 UE) - Confirmed
QW4012 (MH4 UE) -Confirmed
QW4011 (Monster Hunter 4 ultimate edition) - Confirmed

in case they don't have the bundle, which other model are supposedly on 9.2, where can i find the model number anyway?

I went with the non XL. I have a regular 3DS XL and comparing them side by side I still prefer the non XL n3DS. The original 3DS had a tiny screen, the n3DS is just right. It's much sharper than the XL, but doesn't feel tiny like the original 3DS did. It's lighter, so more comfortable to use in any position, even holding it with one hand, it's more portable. and you get the added benefit of faceplates.

Only the XL can have different screens -- the difference isn't very big anyway so it's not a concern for me. Pretty sure there is no easy way to tell the difference without looking at the viewing angles. But you probably won't be playing games with the 3DS pointed away from your face, so it doesn't really matter, it's just some people are OCD about it. I have honestly not noticed any problems with viewing angles even once.

You can get a USB charger for it cheaply, just a couple bucks from eBay/China/DealExtreme etc.
I have a retractable one and it's what I normally use because I keep it in my pouch so it's always at hand. Very convenient as long as you have a laptop next to you. Otherwise the cable is a bit too short to be playing on it while it's charging.

It will try to download the update but you won't be forced to install it unless you want to use eShop. You can block updates with a proxy server, OpenDNS or in your router settings. There are several guides floating around. You still won't be able to use the eShop for the time being though, but you can install game updates as CIA.

There is only the New3DSXL. There is no New3DS like the old models. Just XL. So N3DSXL.

Umm, n3DS exists. He lives in Europe.

 

[bjaxx87]

There is only the New3DSXL. There is no New3DS like the old models. Just XL. So N3DSXL.

He's from Europe. There is a regular sized N3DS with swappable faceplates.

Magus: I own an European MH4U N3DS XL:

New 3DS XL (MH4U) (EUR)
QEH10201XXX X
9.2.0

 

[Purple_Shyguy]

Whichever one you decide to go for, cross your fingers.

Nintendo handhelds are always a lottery on whether the screen is a piece of shit or not.

Ive had 7 3DS/N3DS (buying and selling) and every single one has had a varying range of brightness/colours being washed out/contrast too high/messed up HUE's and horrible yellow tints.

 

[Osmosis]

I've got OoT3D, and the serial version is confirmed to work with Gateway. I still have my N3DS on 9.0. I think I'm gonna opt for a Gateway and save dongle.
Thanks for the replies guys, if Gateway guarantees me to play Taiko, even without the DLC I'm happy with that!

Gateway it is!!! You won't regret it... It does DLC and everything. Just a bit harder to install.


SO DO NOT UPDATE YOUR FIRMWARE!!!!!!