Hacking 3DS hacking after eShop shuts down

[Ondrashek06]

So, to hack your 3DS, you need a copy of Pokémon Picross installed to your console via a free download from the eShop. That's cool, but it relies on the eShop being up and running, which it won't be after Nintendo shuts it down in March 2023.

As there will be no way to install Pokémon Picross without an existing hack, what would people who want to hack their 3DS do after the eShop shutdown?

 

[lone_wolf323]

So, to hack your 3DS, you need a copy of Pokémon Picross installed to your console via a free download from the eShop. That's cool, but it relies on the eShop being up and running, which it won't be after Nintendo shuts it down in March 2023.

As there will be no way to install Pokémon Picross without an existing hack, what would people who want to hack their 3DS do after the eShop shutdown?

theres still other ways like the ntr flashcart way. Nintendo aint screwing no one with shutting down the eshop.

 

[Ondrashek06]

theres still other ways like the ntr flashcart way. Nintendo aint screwing no one with shutting down the eshop.

Only the NTR one or also R4i? Also is there a way to hack a 3DS after eShop closes w/o extra hardware?

 

[lone_wolf323]

Only the NTR one or also R4i? Also is there a way to hack a 3DS after eShop closes w/o extra hardware?

ya. there is the one that exploits the internet data. there is soundhax if you have the right firmware version. So. youre not outta options.

 

[KleinesSinchen]

Needs compatible flashcart:
https://3ds.hacks.guide/installing-boot9strap-(ntrboot)

Needs friend code exchange still working for Seedminer in current form, but please read → this as well:
https://3ds.hacks.guide/installing-boot9strap-(usm)

Needs other 2|3DS with CFW:
https://3ds.hacks.guide/installing-boot9strap-(kartdlphax)
Universal Otherapp exploit chain just needs some primary userland homebrew exploit for starting. Unless the kernel vulnerability gets patched this won't change. A new browser exploit for example would be an option. Maybe some of the skilled developers have something in their drawers for when 3DS finally 200% reaches end of life.
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I don't see any problems regarding future CFW installation.

 

[Ondrashek06]

Needs compatible flashcart:
https://3ds.hacks.guide/installing-boot9strap-(ntrboot)

Needs friend code exchange still working for Seedminer in current form, but please read → this as well:
https://3ds.hacks.guide/installing-boot9strap-(usm)

Needs other 2|3DS with CFW:
https://3ds.hacks.guide/installing-boot9strap-(kartdlphax)
Universal Otherapp exploit chain just needs some primary userland homebrew exploit for starting. Unless the kernel vulnerability gets patched this won't change. A new browser exploit for example would be an option. Maybe some of the skilled developers have something in their drawers for when 3DS finally 200% reaches end of life.
=======

I don't see any problems regarding future CFW installation.

Interesting how there are so many exploits for the 3DS, yet still none for patched Switches without a stupid expensive modchip & soldering.

 

[Jayro]

I just keep an NTRBOOT R4i Flash cart in my 3DS hacking kit. That way I can hack people's 3DS systems on the go, without having to lug my laptop with me.

 

[KleinesSinchen]

Interesting how there are so many exploits for the 3DS, yet still none for patched Switches without a stupid expensive modchip & soldering.

It is a never ending spiral towards stronger, complex and more invasive DRM. This won't end unless people stop buying DRM infected devices (not gonna happen). The Switch security is more advanced and the brilliant researchers were unable to find any software only weaknesses.

I just keep an NTRBOOT R4i Flash cart in my 3DS hacking kit. That way I can hack people's 3DS systems on the go, without having to lug my laptop with me.

It's the fastest method. Copy+Paste stuff on console SD, ntrboot, done. And the unbricking capability is unmatched.

 

[zoogie]

There'll be other good, free software options by 3/2023, I'm almost certain of it.

 

[Ondrashek06]

It's the fastest method. Copy+Paste stuff on console SD, ntrboot, done. And the unbricking capability is unmatched.

I'm so thankful that my 3DS came with a R4i flashcard.

 

[KAR0TTENP0WER]

Got a question.

So some time ago i bought Pokemon Crystal on my unmodded 3DS (nintendo account is bound to my 3DS right?).
Would i need to buy all other VC titles to play them in the future?
I also got a modded 3DS, could i download those VC titles and play it without restrictions?

Could i mod my unmodded 3DS without losing nintendo account/3ds shop files?

 

[zoogie]

Got a question.

So some time ago i bought Pokemon Crystal on my unmodded 3DS (nintendo account is bound to my 3DS right?).
Would i need to buy all other VC titles to play them in the future?
I also got a modded 3DS, could i download those VC titles and play it without restrictions?

Could i mod my unmodded 3DS without losing nintendo account/3ds shop files?

(nintendo account is bound to my 3DS right?). No, you can system transfer.
Would i need to buy all other VC titles to play them in the future? Well, in an honest sense, yes.
I also got a modded 3DS, could i download those VC titles and play it without restrictions? Arr, I mean, aye matey!
Could i mod my unmodded 3DS without losing nintendo account/3ds shop files? Yes.

 

[Kwyjor]

Universal Otherapp exploit chain just needs some primary userland homebrew exploit for starting.

Freakyhax and Ninjhax still work, if I'm not mistaken – but I guess no one mentions those because of how uncommon the cartridges have become.

(Maybe now someone will make updated QR codes for ninjhax on E-region units?)

 

[jesterscourt]

Freakyhax and Ninjhax still work, if I'm not mistaken – but I guess no one mentions those because of how uncommon the cartridges have become.

(Maybe now someone will make updated QR codes for ninjhax on E-region units?)

--CUT--

Edit: I stand corrected, I must have been looking at forks and not the main GitHub repo.

 

[Kwyjor]

Ninjhax is supported on FW 4.0 - 9.2
Freakyhax is for FW up to 11.1

The latest FW is 11.15, so if you are fully up to date, I don't believe either option would work.

I'm not sure where you get that idea, but a lot of sites with information on these are badly outdated or at least poorly maintained – which is understandable, considering that they aren't used much anymore. Freakyhax uses whatever payload you have on the SD card. (Presumably it will even work with universal-otherapp.) And the 11.7U payload for Ninjhax will work right up to 11.15U. See for instance http://smealum.github.io/ninjhax2/ .

 

[zoogie]

Ninjhax is supported on FW 4.0 - 9.2
Freakyhax is for FW up to 11.1

The latest FW is 11.15, so if you are fully up to date, I don't believe either option would work.

Ninjhax2 works 9.0 to 11.15 except for Europe (missing cn payload b/c of 11.11E update). You can then run uloader .3dsx to boot safeB9Sintstaller and get b9s cfw. This method isn't covered in 3ds.hacks.guide because they prioritize free software methods, even if some of them take a bit longer.

Freakyhax works on 9.0 - 11.15, europe included, if you use the alternate otherapps (Note, it only goes to 11.13, but that firm is compatible with 11.15).

A good rule of thumb is that cart exploits *usually aren't patchable, but they may require a little bit of work and research to work on latest.

* Honestly, they never are. Nintendo really can't get away mandating exploit fixing updates for carts because that would make them reliant on the user having internet, a big no-no. Now, smash bros hax did get fixed, but only because of subsequent cart revisions that had exploit fix updates baked in. Previous versions of the SSBros gamecart stayed exploitable.

 

[Dionicio3]

Ninjhax2 works 9.0 to 11.15 except for Europe (missing cn payload b/c of 11.11E update). You can then run uloader .3dsx to boot safeB9Sintstaller and get b9s cfw. This method isn't covered in 3ds.hacks.guide because they prioritize free software methods, even if some of them take a bit longer.

Freakyhax works on 9.0 - 11.15, europe included, if you use the alternate otherapps (Note, it only goes to 11.13, but that firm is compatible with 11.15).

A good rule of thumb is that cart exploits *usually aren't patchable, but they may require a little bit of work and research to work on latest.

* Honestly, they never are. Nintendo really can't get away mandating exploit fixing updates for carts because that would make them reliant on the user having internet, a big no-no. Now, smash bros hax did get fixed, but only because of subsequent cart revisions that had exploit fix updates baked in. Previous versions of the SSBros gamecart stayed exploitable.

That's interesting that ninjhax still works. I recently acquired a Cubic Ninja cart, if I ever get another 3DS, I'll try it out

 

[ber71]

Not the most popular gadget, but a sky3ds would be handy to run cart based exploits.

 

[Kwyjor]

but only because of subsequent cart revisions that had exploit fix updates baked in. Previous versions of the SSBros gamecart stayed exploitable.

Gee, there were different cart revisions? Are these documented somewhere?

This will likely have important implications for all the dying carts that have been reported.

 

[zoogie]

Gee, there were different cart revisions? Are these documented somewhere?

This will likely have important implications for all the dying carts that have been reported.

Go here http://www.3dsdb.com/ and copy this into the Search bar: 00040000000EDF00
One thing that's not documented afaik, is what update version corresponds to what cart revision. The fixed update version is 1.1.3, I don't know what 0-10 cart revision that entails. Somewhere in the middle.

Note: cart revision is printed on the back of the cart, fourth digit from the right. Update version for the cart is on the game's title screen I think (that's before you download the latest update, of course).