theres the risk of turning your $200 console into a paperweight, but if you are good at following directions that are up to date, using up to date software, and depending on what the model of the console is, the chance of that happening goes down. Not to mention I have heard alot of rumors about stuff not working properly (cfw, certain applications, etc. Not to mention, SOMEONE NEEDS to make a comprehensive guide on what doesn't work properly with a downgraded 3ds. And setting stuff up like emunand and cfw ON A DOWNGRADED 3DS) so its up to you if you want to run the risk.