Homebrew On a Ver 9.0.0-20U n3DS with a Gateway3DS at GW3D 9.0.0-20U. Should I switch to custom firmware?

[thejellydude]

Hi guys,

I haven't used my 3DS much since Fire Emblem: Fates came out. I've got some free time again, and I'm looking to give the system some love again. What's the best way to refresh the unit? Should I just update the Gateway card, or should I go for a full blown custom firmware? Thanks for any and all help!

 

[bobfacemoo]

Install A9LH since you're on perfect firmware. It is literally just a click of a button on N3DS.

https://plailect.github.io/Guide/

 

[zac122]

People will tell you to switch over to a9lh with luma3ds(highly suggested Tbh. Very solid setup); however, if you like your gateway then there's no big hurry to switch over. It's definitely worth doing imo, but that's not for us to decide.

The benefits of switching though are pretty great. Extra layer of brick protection from a9lh(nand restoration without hardmod), Luma3ds options(you'll have to look for yourself on that. There's a lot), no need for emunand=more space on microsd, updating sysnand to latest version and keeping your cfw, lots of good stuff. Oh and the big one, loading your cfw just milliseconds into the boot process, and a 100% boot rate(Menuhax had a bad habit of failing miserably)

 

[bobfacemoo]

People will tell you to switch over to a9lh with luma3ds(highly suggested Tbh. Very solid setup); however, if you like your gateway then there's no big hurry to switch over. It's definitely worth doing imo, but that's not for us to decide.

The benefits of switching though are pretty great. Extra layer of brick protection from a9lh(nand restoration without hardmod), Luma3ds options(you'll have to look for yourself on that. There's a lot), no need for emunand=more space on microsd, updating sysnand to latest version and keeping your cfw, lots of good stuff. Oh and the big one, loading your cfw just milliseconds into the boot process, and a 100% boot rate(Menuhax had a bad habit of failing miserably)

Even if OP wants to keep gateway he can, using the gateway arm9loaderhax.bin from their site. Just has to remember NOT to update in gateway mode because it will brick.

 

[BARNWEY]

You should definitely install A9LH, and then you could use just Gateway or you could use Luma CFW alongside your Gateway.

 

[thejellydude]

Thanks for the advice! I'll try to get that done today. Also looking into exploiting my WiiU, so this should be a fun day.

 

[thejellydude]

Okay, started to work on this, and the guide you attached is pretty lengthy. You mentioned it being as simple as the click of one button. Is there an alternative method that I'm missing?

 

[GalladeGuy]

Okay, started to work on this, and the guide you attached is pretty lengthy. You mentioned it being as simple as the click of one button. Is there an alternative method that I'm missing?

It may seem long but it doesn't take very long to setup. Just remember, no matter what you do, DO NOT INSTALL GATEWAY'S ARM9LOADERHAX CLONE!

 

[evandixon]

Use this guide to get Gateway working once you follow Plailect's guide:
https://gbatemp.net/threads/tutorial-using-luma3ds-with-gateway-on-v2-a9lh.431691/

Just be sure to use Luma to update sysnand, if you don't keep using emunand.

 

[thejellydude]

Okay, I followed the guide to the end. I now have Luma and a9lh. What do I need to do now to transfer over my ROMS and Savs to the new setup? Also, should I update to the latest firmware? I noticed the firmware didn't change at all after the install. (I'm used to seeing something like GW3D 9.0.0-20U)

 

[CreAtor135]

Okay, I followed the guide to the end. I now have Luma and a9lh. What do I need to do now to transfer over my ROMS and Savs to the new setup? Also, should I update to the latest firmware? I noticed the firmware didn't change at all after the install. (I'm used to seeing something like GW3D 9.0.0-20U)

When you boot up System Settings do you see "Sys 9.0.0-20U"?

 

[thejellydude]

It says that in the settings menu.

 

[CreAtor135]

It says that in the settings menu.

That means you're in LumaCFW.

 

[thejellydude]

Fantastic! So I shouldn't update anything at this point, correct? And do I need to convert my ROMs to .cias? I don't know if that will maintain my saves.

 

[zac122]

If you want to install the games on your SD card then yeah you'll have to convert them to cia format. If you plan to continue using the gateway for your high seas pillaging then just leave them as is I guess.

 

[thejellydude]

It's looking like I'll have to take some time to convert the .savs as well. Thanks for all the info guys, I really appreciate it.

 

[CreAtor135]

It's looking like I'll have to take some time to convert the .savs as well. Thanks for all the info guys, I really appreciate it.

You can still just stick with your Gateway if you don't feel up to it.

 

[thejellydude]

Is there any benefit to sticking with my Gateway though? Seems like I could migrate everything to the system, then have my slot 1 card be for DS games, correct?

 

[GalladeGuy]

Is there any benefit to sticking with my Gateway though? Seems like I could migrate everything to the system, then have my slot 1 card be for DS games, correct?

You can do that. There really aren't any advantages to Gateway.

 

[TheBroCode]

I definitely recommend the A9LH/Luma3DS setup, plus once you're finished you'll still be able to make use of the Gateway card and add an option to boot into Gateway mode when you want.