It appears that users are being banned from 3DS online services, en masse. There's no direct cause right now, and seemingly no linking factor. This post is meant as an announcement for users, to be wary, and that GBAtemp will keep you updated as soon as more info rolls in. If you have been banned, please post in the thread below, and we will try to keep tabs on the situation. To be extra sure, it can't hurt to turn off your 3DS's wireless capabilities, so you might as well do that for now.

Edit 1: it appears that e-Shop access isn't restricted if you are banned.

Edit 2: A caller to Nintendo reported that the company said this ban is due to "unauthorized software usage".

Edit 3: @LinkSoraZelda is collecting info. Contact him if you are banned.

Edit 4: Click and fill this out if you were BANNED.

Edit 5:

[11:28:19 PM] Clector: Curiously the page of that error in Nintendo Support website used to have this:Error Code: 002-0102 Situation: You receive the error code 002-0102 when attempting to connect online. What to Do: If you continue to experience this issue, please contact Nintendo by calling 1-800-255-3700. Representatives are available from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Pacific Time, 7 days a week.
[11:28:44 PM] Clector: Now it says this: What to Do: If you are experiencing this error code, your Nintendo 3DS family system has been banned due to unauthorized system modifications, play of unauthorized versions of one or more games, and/or connecting to the official game servers in violation of our terms of service. This ban is effective immediately and requests to remove the ban will not be processed.

Thanks to @Joom

Edit 6: Aurora Wright is taking another poll here

Edit 7: Not a lot is known but

There are bans happening, they are happening in all regions.
All models in the 3ds family seem to be candidates for banning.
There is no indication they will be anything other than permanent.
A game or DLC may end up being a cause but there is no one game or DLC that ties banned users together.
The cause or causes are as yet unknown, though it does seem to be related to modifications. Reports of unmodified consoles being banned are as yet unproven.
The banning is tied to something you can modify, thus you can unban. Doing it while the causes are unknown is likely only going to burn a working token though.
There are semi public tokens out there, Nintendo knows how to browse a forum as well as you so don't be surprised if they also get banned.
It does not seem to be limited to a given base firmware version, it does not seem to be limited to any one custom firmware type. There is some speculation that older hacking methods are not being hit as hard but nothing to confirm this yet.
The data collection could have happened this morning, or it could have been months in the making.
A simple check to see is checking your friends list, by itself it will not ban you.
Some are turning their wifi off. It is doubtful this will be of much use and being banned does not seem to come with any downsides that wifi being off will not also mimic.
You may have escaped a ban thus far but it could happen at any point. It could be that they stop in the future, it has happened on other consoles, but you would be living in hope rather than any particularly well founded logic.
The bans are done on the side of Nintendo's servers rather than your 3ds so there is also that.

If you hack your devices/games then their online functionality may be troubled. This has been known for decades, Nintendo seems to have finally caught up with that.

Please continue to share information with the thread or the links in previous edits.

Update 5/30

HOW TO HELP AVOID BANS (we think)​

If I was to guess from the information we have gathered since the ban wave, it seems likely that they are looking for TitleIDs that don't exist. Homebrew shows up in the activity log as the Download Play app, and fake CIA's show up as just ??????. That last one is what I'm guessing they are looking for.

If you are not banned yet or before you unban yourself, go into your friends list, choose settings, and turn off the option to "show friends what game you are playing." This will prevent you from playing games online with friends, so turn it back on when you wanna game with someone, but ALWAYS keep it off when running custom CIAs. Next, go into system settings -> internet settings -> spotpass, and turn off BOTH options. One is auto download software, the other sends system information to Nintendo. Also, make sure you don't have your favorite title set to something stupid like FBI or any other non-Nintendo CIA.

Its VERY likely that these options are what tipped off Nintendo, but we aren't 100% certain yet. The amount of banned people that had one of these options turned on was over 80% for each. If I was to assume that some of those people overlap, its very possible (but not confirmed) that 100% of banned people in the survey had at least one of those options turned on. I personally had all of them off and I have TONS of reasons for Nintendo to ban me.... yet I am not banned (yet).

Another bit of advice: Only run custom CIAs when offline, and after you close them, run a "legit" game like Smash Bros. or something before shutting down or going back online. This way your most recent title won't show up as a fake CIA

Current Theories as to what causes a ban
​

* SpotPass Settings: 8 users out of 46 users that were banned have SpotPass completely shut off, or SpotPass only (no friends list visibility)
* Firmware Version (Luma, Nintendo): Literally all reports ranged from 10.2+, I can get exact numbers for this if you'd like, but all firmwares were affected.
* Firmware Type (A9LH, B9S): 44 of the 126 B9S users that answered were banned, pattern was mirrored for A9LH users as well.
* Homebrew Titles such as FBI, HBL, Luma Updater, Themely, and freeShop: Literally about 98% of users both banned and unbanned had some combination of these applications installed. However the common ones were: FBI, HBL, LumaUpdater and NTR.
* Save Modification: Equal amounts of users on both sides have reported save modification in some form, either with PKSM or another save editor
* System Transfers: 188 users said that they had not previously system transfered, 61 of those users were banned; 16 users said they transferred from a hacked console, only three of them received a ban; 13 said they transferred from a stock system and likewise were banned. The rest of our sample did not answer this question.
* Activity Log Information: A majority of those who have not been banned have said they had NOT cleaned their activity logs. I can get exact numbers for this too on request.

This information is just what I've found. Like I said, there could be variables or things we haven't even checked for yet. But these are things that I feel should be disproven, at least with the current dataset we have.

• From the information that we've gathered from some people that have used a packet sniffer such as WireShark, the following data is sent to Nintendo's online gaming servers as soon as the 3DS connects to the internet:
  • Amount of time spent online (timer stops when either the system is disconnected from the internet, or connection drops out, then starts the timer again in a new session when it reconnects to the internet).
  • The game being played and amount of time spent on it during that session.
  • The console's unique hexadecimal ID used in the LocalFriendCodeSeedB, along with it's RSA-signed signature.
  • The console's serial number in which is broadcasted from the SoC and is hard coded in the SoC.
  • Friend Code generated on the Nintendo 3DS system, if one has been generated.
  • Internet connection status (either online or offline).
  • The Nintendo Network ID, if there is one linked to it.
  • Even if the sending of SpotPass Information is switched off, or even hiding your currently playing games. It does not prevent the system from sending currently playing information to Nintendo's online gaming servers, it only hides it from your friends in your friend list (like being invisible on the forum, while mods and admins can still see you). Why? Because even people without a Friend Code on their system have been getting banned too!

• The following data is NOT sent to Nintendo's online gaming servers:
  • The data from the Nintendo 3DS's Activity Log. Oddly enough, while Nintendo does explicitly state that they collect Activity Log data, they're actually referring to their own server's Activity Log, which always tracks every console's online activity, and keeps a record of them that is stored forever. And is only collected in increments of data through a timer and a currently playing list.
    
  • Games or apps that have not been played, regardless if they're legitimate or not. You only get tracked when you're online and using that game or app.
  • Using games or apps while offline. Even though it is stored on the 3DS console's Activity Log, that data is NOT sent to Nintendo's online gaming servers.
  • Custom Firmware. Though we can't rule out the possibility of them releasing a 3DS update in the future that adds such function to collect MD5 hashes of files and FIRM data and send them to Nintendo online gaming servers (which would also be updated in a maintenance).

• Things that people think what happens with consoles, but really doesn't:
  • "LocalFriendCodeSeedB is transferred to the system upon doing a system transfer". This is false, the LocalFriendCodeSeedB remains on the system and does not move to another system.
  • "The console generates a LocalFriendCodeSeedB upon first startup". Again, this is false, the LocalFriendCodeSeedB is made during the manufacturing process at Foxconn. It is generated at the factory, flashed to the NAND flash memory storage, then created as an account on Nintendo's online gaming server and Nintendo eShop server immediately when being manufactured. It is absolutely impossible to generate a LocalFriendCodeSeedB and be able to connect to Nintendo's online gaming server and/or Nintendo eShop server, even if you knew the RSA generation key for it. You'd end up with Error Code 002-0102 "This console's online services have been restricted by Nintendo" if you even tried (the error can either mean two things: The hexadecimal ID doesn't exist on the server, or the request to access the hexadecimal ID has been denied which in other words... banned). So a LocalFriendCodeSeedB generator will NEVER happen! Because it's not worth doing, if it can't connect.
  • Switching off "Currently Playing" information. Once again, this does not hide your online activity from Nintendo's online gaming server, it only hides it from your friends.
  • Switching off SpotPass. Nope, this too doesn't hide your online activity from Nintendo's online gaming server, it only opts-out of receiving SpotPass data, sorry.

So pretty much the bottom line is, if anyone has been using custom apps and/or titles not installed through Nintendo eShop while online in the past, guess what? You're screwed! And it is only a matter of time before your console's unique hexadecimal ID in the LocalFriendCodeSeedB is banned from Nintendo's online gaming server. This will mean, your console can't access the Friend List or play any online functions in games.

If you have been online while using custom apps and/or titles not installed through Nintendo eShop and haven't been banned yet, that's because Nintendo hasn't caught up to you yet. They're still going through each unique hexadecimal ID's Activity Log on their server, and by Activity Log, I mean the Activity Log on their server, not the 3DS console's activity log. And it will be only a matter of time before you're banned too.

Thanks to @Platinum Lucario @MadMageKefka and @ShadowEO !

 

[Deleted User]

If that's the world you want to live in, where anything you do is controlled by a big company and your rights to do anything are limited, be my guest.

"I illegally acquired a company's games and they banned me for it, THE JEWISH BIG COMPANYS11111"

I'm not getting into an argument with you, I just want you to realize what you are saying

 

[AndreCasarini]

Don't know if this was mentioned by anyone already, but to add to the discussion.
I'm from brazil, and I'm on a MH Whatsapp group, in the group some people that never used any CFW(some don't even know what it is), were playing on their cartridges, not on e-shop games, also got banned.

 

[Orbiting234]

So here's a question: when online banned, does that only block you from actually gaming online or does it prevent you from getting in-game DLC too? If it is the former I can live with it. The latter would suck though.

 

[CortexVacua]

Erm, no. some games have online functionality that isnt PvP or PvE. Like why the hell should I be banned from wonder trade? Pokemon can detect an invalid pokemon.

Because if you can edit saves, your console is modified and is able to cheat and pirate games. Seeing how they have the right to ban you for whatever they want it is a clever move on their part to avoid further risks/damages.

 

[Redferne]

If that's the world you want to live in, where anything you do is controlled by a big company and your rights to do anything are limited, be my guest.

So the big bad company forced you to hack your 3DS just so you go against the rules you agreed on?? They are really mean...

 

[Hozu]

I don't know. Personally I feel that out of region gaming is a legitimate purpose. I'm still buying their games after all. Not my fault they are too lazy/dumb to release them in all areas. Their region locking on the 3DS family was just asinine.

Region-locking originally came about because of contracts. Certain works may only be licensed to be used in certain countries.

 

[windwakemeupinside]

Not banned yet and I have done pretty much everything possible with it (save managers, freeshop, injected ROMS, NTR CFW, exc.) I guess time will tell if I've missed the banwave. I haven't been going on Nintendo's servers (playing online) in a long time, so maybe that's it? Who knows!

 

[Majickhat55]

You've posted in these forums about pirating Nintendo's software before. Do you really want to pretend to be the victim here?

I think he just means that no one wants to pay money for a product and then be regulated on how they use it, within "legal" means of course. They don't take your car when you run a stop sign just because you could do it again.... So yes, IMO Nintendo is a shitty company for not at the least saying, "Hey you used illegal software, we're banning you for a bit to get your shit together. See you in 30 days on an unmodified system". Then they wouldn't get 100 pages of hate. It's a piss poor way to treat customers, legality/ToS be damned.

 

[TheDarkGreninja]

https://gbatemp.net/threads/play-ze...r-free-without-cfw.469520/page-4#post-7296719

you might want some context. This was for my second Wii U, my Japanese one that I use to play DQ10 on.

 

[BL4Z3D247]

So obviously just having your system modified isn't the reason as I have two modified consoles(B9S). One is a 2DS and my other is a N3DSXL, neither is banned. Both are connected to the internet, friends list works, browser works, eShop works. No error codes.

Do I have to play games online or something in order for them to know? Because that's one thing I don't do.

 

[TheDarkGreninja]

So the big bad company forced you to hack your 3DS just so you go against the rules you agreed on?? They are really mean...

If I have the freedom to do whatever I want with my system then I will. I'm not going to bend over to Nintendo.

 

[PluckyJokerhead]

Just got banned. Only thing that I can think of that triggered it was having Pokemon. Spotpass data sending bs was off, haven't played online in like 2 years, etc.

 

[demounit]

If I have the freedom to do whatever I want with my system then I will. I'm not going to bend over to Nintendo.

and then they have the freedom to ban you. please go away.

 

[whateverg1012]

I decided YOLO and went online on my N3DS.... NOT BANNED

My O3DS was banned tho, and that had spotpass on and the feature to let friends see what I am playing on, my N3DS did not.

 

[The Stormcloak Lion]

I got a 002-0102 error, so yeah, I am banned.

I can still access the eShop, Miiverse, and, all that stuff, but, so far, I can't play online.

No huge loss for me, anyway. I hate playing online, anyway.

I have been using NTR, installing .CIAs, my New 3ds is 11.4 with b9s, I used nothing but single-player cheats.

I also have Hyrule Warriors Legends and other Nintendo Network games, but, unless anything else substantial happens, I am hardly bothered.

Look, while Nintendo is perfectly within legal bounds to protect their IPs and consoles, they are going to make even some legit users rebel against this Draconian overseeing of their overall ecosystem, and, if they keep fanning the flames, in the long run, they better anticipate a world of panic, especially when I want to buy their games and systems.

Sometimes, I feel the executives at the Big N are children in grown up bodies, just like Donald Trump.

 

[LunarD3ATH]

If that's the world you want to live in, where anything you do is controlled by a big company and your rights to do anything are limited, be my guest.

You're really not making a good case for yourself. The fact of the matter is, this is how the world operates. If you can't handle a potential ban from online services without crying bloody murder, you must have some serious issues dealing with your local government.

Plain and simple: Nintendo can and HAS done this. Complaining to others here changes nothing. Your moral stance on Nintendo's actions change nothing. Your comments on this forum change nothing. The only way you can effect change is to hire yourself a lawyer and get cracking some books.

No one here likes that Nintendo has done this. Pretty sure 99% of everyone on this post has CFW'd their system, for starters. That doesn't mean we're oblivious to reality, though. We see things how they are. You need to face facts.

 

[pharredd]

not sure if this was mentioned earlier in the thread but according to this video it's linked to spotpass being on



how true is this?

 

[TheDarkGreninja]

"I illegally acquired a company's games and they banned me for it, THE JEWISH BIG COMPANYS11111"

I'm not getting into an argument with you, I just want you to realize what you are saying

I'm not talking about piracy.

While I have seen no end of one sided and overreaching contracts I am not seeing any scope for someone to argue against a "our nice luxury service/network, use a device within our parameters or we may revoke access". Functionally it seems similar to "track day for unmodified aston martins", I turn up with one I crowbarred a big old American V8 into and then complaining I can not join in.

I'd argue that this is different, if I came to a competitive game of smash or pokemon with a modified system Nintendo would be completely justified, but if I just modified it for myself and never used it competitively I'd argue it to be fine.

Last post, goodbye.

 

[Clydefrosch]

my brothers system was banned. his setup was identical to mine (bootstrap and luma), however he had FE running since yesterday, i had just downloaded it and started it up once.
im not banned (yet).
i guess at least some spotpass was on on both our consoles for the last months and i had sending info option on too.

two more systems that have not been used for a while apart from updating to bootstrap, have not yet been banned. they, however, also dont have nnids on them at all. (they're old backup systems)

i mean, i'm not surprised, spotpass is sending out if you're using stuff like fbi and freeshop to other people and if nintendo has any access to the data they should be able to see what system has ever sent a nonauthorized game icon or game name

gonna check if mine gets banned eventually. not really all that hung up about it, specially since i rarely ever played online anyway. oh well

 

[CortexVacua]

If I have the freedom to do whatever I want with my system then I will. I'm not going to bend over to Nintendo.

No one is taking your freedom away dude. They are taking away your access to THEIR SERVICES bc they don't want you to be able to cheat or pirate. Crying over this is pathetic. You argue about it like you are entitled to be able to play on THEIR SERVERS.