Hacking downgrading stock N3DS 11.3 to 9.0

[_silencer_]

I've been using Gateway from the very beginning and decided to buy another N3DS on impulse because it was cheap, however I'd like to continue using the Gateway on this second unit because of its convenience and how easy it is to use (and more importantly because I paid for it at release)

So my question is fairly simple, how would you personally go about downgrading this to 9.0 so its compatible with Gateway? There are so many different exploits and guides out there that I'm not sure which one I should be using ... and many of them being out of date or no longer relevant.

I'm not interested in custom firmware or homebrew and well aware of https://3ds.hacks.guide/, I'm simply trying to replicate the same setup as my current N3DS and have EmuNAND. Please don't turn this into a bashing thread of why I should no longer be using Gateway and how its obsolete trash... I'm just looking for the best advice on how this can be done without too much stuffing around.

 

[DeadlyFoez]

I dont think you can downgrade from that firmware. I think you will brick it.

 

[AmandaRose]

You would need cfw to be able to downgrade

 

[Kubas_inko]

It is not easier to use than CFW btw.
You need CFW in order to downgrade.
You can try this to make your gateway function on higher FWs, but you still need CFW.

 

[The Catboy]

I know you don't want to hear this, but you are just making things far more complicated for yourself for no reason. You can technically use sysUpdater through soundhax+udsploit, but you will need to provide your own CIAs for 9.0/9.2 (we can not provide them,) and you are running a massive risk of bricking your system by doing so. I can not and will not in good conscience provide any advice in doing this process.

 

[_silencer_]

It is not easier to use than CFW btw.
You need CFW in order to downgrade.
You can try this to make your gateway function on higher FWs, but you still need CFW.

from that thread -> Requirements: SysNAND or EmuNAND on 11.2 or lower!

 

[The Catboy]

from that thread -> Requirements: SysNAND or EmuNAND on 11.2 or lower!

That's to get the emuNAND working with Gateway 3DS The guide provided is the safest method of running Gateway 3DS nowadays.

 

[Kubas_inko]

from that thread -> Requirements: SysNAND or EmuNAND on 11.2 or lower!

In that case, please forget about that, now super useless, card and use CFW, which is much easier to use once you set it up.

 

[_silencer_]

I know you don't want to hear this, but you are just making things far more complicated for yourself for no reason. You can technically use sysUpdater through soundhax+udsploit, but you will need to provide your own CIAs for 9.0/9.2 (we can not provide them,) and you are running a massive risk of bricking your system by doing so. I can not and will not in good conscience provide any advice in doing this process.

Quite understandable, I already have the CIA update files but hoping to get everyone's advice for the best method of accomplishing this.

 

[TurdPooCharger]

1. Hack the 3DS with B9S, Luma, and GM9 custom firmware.
2. Backup the SysNAND.
3. Make an EmuNAND.
4. Downgrade with 9.2.0 CTRTransfer
5. Transfer 9.2 SysNAND to EmuNAND.
6. Restore the SysNAND.
7. In EmuNAND, back up all your saves from Gateway using SaveDataFiler.
8. Delete the EmuNAND and smash Gateway with a hammer retire the 3DS flashcart.
   • *Or* Keep EmuNAND and help other 3DS users convert gateway saves into CIA saves.
9. Convert all *.3ds roms into *.cia files. Install onto HOME Menu with FBI.
10. Restore your saves with SaveDataFiler.

 

[_silencer_]

So after getting homebrew running Sysupdater just doesn't seem to want to initiate the downgrade. It keeps stopping at "Failed to get CIA information", however SafeSysupdater reports the CIA downgrade files are all okay.

I've tried using the ftbrony hammer B button method which is supposedly required for the downgrading process to work... is there something I'm missing or is downgrading only possible when CFW is enabled? or possibly not compatible with 11x OFW?

 

[Kubas_inko]

You are missing the CFW. Seriously. You are creating problems somewhere where they do not exist.

 

[TurdPooCharger]

You are missing the CFW. Seriously. You are creating problems somewhere where they do not exist.

You did your best @Kubas_inko. No point wasting our time and energy convincing @_silencer_ otherwise as he's dead set on it.

I'm keeping track of this thread whether he bricks or not.

 

[_silencer_]

You did your best @Kubas_inko. No point wasting our time and energy convincing @_silencer_ otherwise as he's dead set on it.

I'm keeping track of this thread whether he bricks or not.

You would be correct, but hopefully I don't actually end up bricking it . My only goal is to simply downgrade the console to the point that its compatible with Gateway (irrespective of everyone's criticisms and opinions of them over free CFW alternatives)

 

[Kubas_inko]

You would be correct, but hopefully I don't actually end up bricking it . My only goal is to simply downgrade the console to the point that its compatible with Gateway (irrespective of everyone's criticisms and opinions of them over free CFW alternatives)

You can't brick it, because, surprise surprise, CFW exists.

 

[_silencer_]

You can't brick it, because, surprise surprise, CFW exists.

So if I were to successfully install CFW and had access to GodMode9, would I still be able to enter GodMode9 (power on + holding start button) to restore a backup NAND if my unit were to soft brick whilst attempting to downgrade via SysUpdater?

@TurdPooCharger so far I have been unsuccessful in bricking my console

 

[Kubas_inko]

So if I were to successfully install CFW and had access to GodMode9, would I still be able to enter GodMode9 (power on + holding start button) to restore a backup NAND if my unit were to soft brick whilst attempting to downgrade via SysUpdater?

@TurdPooCharger so far I have been unsuccessful in bricking my console

Yes. But with godmode9, you can search for 9.0 ctrtransfer images and do it that way.

 

[_silencer_]

Yes. But with godmode9, you can search for 9.0 ctrtransfer images and do it that way.

What is the benefit of using CTRTransfer over SysUpdater?

 

[Kubas_inko]

What is the benefit of using CTRTransfer over SysUpdater?

It is not an outdated method.

 

[KleinesSinchen]

@_silencer_ It is quite understandable you want continue using what you have paid for (and what you are used to). I use outdated things all the time despite people laughing at me and no matter what they say. If you have a working Gateway setup and don't need newer games and/or online, I personally don't see a problem with that.
The problem is not you wanting to continue using the Gateway card, the problem is Gateway. They stopped supporting the card years ago and it is not compatible with recent firmware versions. The downgrade process with Sysupdater is dangerous (and unnecessary). If the downgrade fails, only an ntrboot card or hardmod can safe your 3DS.

To answer you question: CTRTransfer with GodMode9 is much safer because

• You would install B9S and be able to make a SYSNAND backup before doing anything else as a fallback solution.
• If anything goes wrong you can probably still boot GodMode9/Decrypt9 and try again/something different/restore the backup.