Question about micro USB port in the 3DS case

Keylogger · 2026-10-08T14:37:18+0100

Hello,

A long time ago (during the Gateway 3DS era), I had a New 3DS XL with a micro-USB port that protruded from the casing.
I can't remember what that micro USB port was used for but I'm sure it was not a capture card.
Maybe for 3DS could be unbricked??

Anyone knows what I am talking about?? And if that kind of modification still always exist?

SylverReZ · 2026-10-08T14:41:05+0100

Keylogger said:
A long time ago (during the Gateway 3DS era), I had a New 3DS XL with a micro-USB port that protruded from the casing.
I can't remember what that micro USB port was used for but I'm sure it was not a capture card.
Maybe for 3DS could be unbricked??

That could possibly be a capture card of sorts. Only way to find out is to attach it to your PC, go into "Device Manager" and check if there's any unknown or interesting devices listed. Using "Show hidden devices" in the 'View' tab is another way to tell.

If it was another charging port, well the charging LED will light up.

Kwyjor · 2026-10-08T16:32:21+0100

Keylogger said:
A long time ago (during the Gateway 3DS era), I had a New 3DS XL with a micro-USB port that protruded from the casing.

Didn't the New 3DS XL come out substantially after the end of the "Gateway 3DS era"?

I can't remember what that micro USB port was used for but I'm sure it was not a capture card.
Maybe for 3DS could be unbricked??

I've seen references to a mod that used a USB port to enable NAND access, but that was a very long time ago – probably before the creation of ntrboot – maybe even boot9strap and seedminer.

Needless to say, ntrboot makes 3DS recovery substantially easier and I think any benefits provided by such a mod are outweighed by the risks.

SylverReZ · 2026-10-08T16:53:26+0100

Kwyjor said:
Didn't the New 3DS XL come out substantially after the end of the "Gateway 3DS era"?

Right after ninjhax dropped followed by a slew of custom firmwares that took over "Gateway 3DS," and in-between that, you had the flashcart wars with Sky3DS.

KleinesSinchen · 2026-10-08T17:29:11+0100

Kwyjor said:
I've seen references to a mod that used a USB port to enable NAND access

Most likely this. Hardmod sometimes came with that. Usually the access went through a micro-USB→SD cable/adapter accessing the NAND (I guess eMMC) like any other SD.
Technically the method is still listed on [3ds.hacks.guide] Installing boot9strap (Hardmod). Not a good idea to do this anymore.

Big risk is that someone could just plug it into a charger or connect to PC USB port and fry the NAND chip. ~~Can't find the thread I was thinking of.~~ (see edit below)
Somebody had this problem when family members tried to charge their hardmodded 3DS via USB. Applying 5V on eMMC is no good. Before plugging in anything into that USB port I would open the system and verify if this goes to charging IC or to NAND.

Edit:
Took a while to find that thread again. [HELP]Bricked N3DS without NandBackup
XenForo search is useless unless you remember a very specific keyword from a thread; general search engines suck nowadays and even trying an LLM as last resort didn't help digging that up.

Question about micro USB port in the 3DS case

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