It's here!

​

Info

@Normmatt has created a way to run B9S .firm files from bootrom via a DSi Flashcard and a magnet! This works on every 3DS on any firmware version.

For installation without a PC, user @TheCyberQuake has created a pack which will automatically install B9S and copy over essential starter homebrew from the flashcard's SD to the 3DS's. This will mainly be used for PC-less B9S installations. If you have a PC with you, use 3ds.guide. Read more here: https://gbatemp.net/threads/481141/

How does this work?

This works because of a flaw in the bootrom. Before the bootrom boots the NAND, it checks to see if Start+Select+X is held down, and if the shell is closed. If these requirements are met, it will boot an NDS cartridge from the bootrom. This give that cartridge bootrom access. You might be wondering how you'd hold down buttons while the shell is closed, and why you need a magnet. If you put a magnet in a specific spot on the 3DS, it will go into sleep mode. Using this, you can boot the NDS cartridge with the buttons held down while in sleep mode! Using a reflashable flashcard, you can boot B9SInstaller using the flashcard, and easily install it on your 3DS.

The 2DS doesn't need a magnet since a switch puts it to sleep instead of a magnet.

What does this mean?

1. Any 3DS model on any firmware can be hacked with minimal effort
2. You can unbrick any 3DS model from any type of brick.
   - Remember, you don't need a NAND backup for this. Just do a CTRTransfer.
   - This does not apply to MCU bricks.
3. Even consoles with fried NAND, or even the NAND chip physically removed, can use this

This is incredibly impressive stuff, and will most likely be released soon! edit: now!

FAQ

Q: Can Nintendo patch this?
A: Nope! Not without a new hardware revision.

Q: My flashcard is blocked by my firmware! Can I still use this?
A: Yes! The flashcard blacklist is not enabled on the bootrom.

Q: Why can't this work with my flashcard?
A: The installation requires you to flash NTRBoot to the flashcard's nand. Most DS flashcards, such as the original R4, have a ROM, which is not flashable.

Q: Can I install NTRBoot on my flashcard without another 3DS system?
A: If you can run NDS roms on your 3DS with it, then yes. If it's blocked on your 3DS version, then you'll need another 3DS system to use it.

Q: Will my 3DS flashcard work?
A: No, only the NDSi flashcards listed above.

Q: Will any other flash cards work?
A: Only the ones listed in the OP. However keep in mind that flashcards such as the DSTT, Supercard DS2 and R4 SDHC Dualcore are planned to be supported in the future.

Q: I tried to do this with my cartridge and it didn't work?
A: It doesn't work with regular DS cards.

Q: Can I unbrick from a ____ brick?
A: Considering the card has access to the bootrom, yes! This can unbrick any brick (except MCU), unless you've taken a knife to the motherboard.

Q: Can I install B9S on the latest firmware with this?
A: Again, since the card has access to the bootrom, you can do this easily! Just plug in your flashcard, boot up using the magnet and button combination, and install.

Q: Does this work on the New Nintendo 2DS XL?
A: Yes!

Release
Guide
Free NTRBoot Flashing
Free B9S Installations

Here is SciresM's post about this

Please see SciresM's presentation on bootromhax.​

 

[Snooli]

The more and more we wait, the more I think this falls neither in the released when ready to be released nor released EoL, but in the 33c3 bragging rights category.

 

[hurrz]

The more and more we wait, the more I think this falls neither in the released when ready to be released nor released EoL, but in the 33c3 bragging rights category.

What does EoL mean?

I think we just have to be patient. The devs got private lives as well and they work on this project when they got the(ir FREE) time to do so. Don't expect them to hurry up because of the community, I suppose they already do it as fast as it is healthy for them.

As long as there is no further information, good luck for the devs and good patience for the community!

 

[Snooli]

What does EoL mean?

I think we just have to be patient. The devs got private lives as well and they work on this project when they got the(ir FREE) time to do so. Don't expect them to hurry up because of the community, I suppose they already do it as fast as it is healthy for them.

As long as there is no further information, good luck for the devs and good patience for the community!

EoL = end of life (aka official support is over)

 

[Gamer4647]

What does EoL mean?

I think we just have to be patient. The devs got private lives as well and they work on this project when they got the(ir FREE) time to do so. Don't expect them to hurry up because of the community, I suppose they already do it as fast as it is healthy for them.

As long as there is no further information, good luck for the devs and good patience for the community!

End of Life. Basically, when the 3DS is ditched and there are no further updates, like DSi, Wii, and Wii U. EoL is admittedly the easiest point to run homebrew, as there is no longer a need to downgrade as vulnerability patches stop and further exploits are made without any attempts to stop them. But of course, it's also the time most people would jump ship.

Edit: Would of replied sooner, but I was doing something else.

 

[RedBlueGreen]

What does EoL mean?

I think we just have to be patient. The devs got private lives as well and they work on this project when they got the(ir FREE) time to do so. Don't expect them to hurry up because of the community, I suppose they already do it as fast as it is healthy for them.

As long as there is no further information, good luck for the devs and good patience for the community!

While this is true, the fact that we've received NO new info whatsoever makes it seem like it'll never be released. Especially when there's at least some form of implementation in the PoC video.

 

[TheCyberQuake]

While this is true, the fact that we've received NO new info whatsoever makes it seem like it'll never be released. Especially when there's at least some form of implementation in the PoC video.

From what I saw on another thread, Normmatt is currently on parole for something. Part of the parole involves him being unable to work on NDS stuff. That may include ntrboothax as it uses a NDS flashcart to work. These events may be unrelated, but it may be the reason we haven't heard anything about it currently.

New Zealand is such an odd place. They think Norm's profits from AKAIO were used for the DSXL which was used in the subsequent.......issue...... with authorities and there are some notes in the AKAIO source (confessions, if you will)

Sorry guys my parole states I can't work on anything NDS related.

 

[Quantumcat]

From what I saw on another thread, Normmatt is currently on parole for something. Part of the parole involves him being unable to work on NDS stuff. That may include ntrboothax as it uses a NDS flashcart to work. These events may be unrelated, but it may be the reason we haven't heard anything about it currently.

Can't he give his work so far to someone else to finish?

 

[VashTS]

Can't he give his work so far to someone else to finish?

Realistically, we need someone else with the know-how to get cracking on this. The exploit is there, just a matter of how the hell its done. I dare say it doesn't even sound that complicated on the 3ds side of things. Really you need to know how to write code for a NDS flashcart to get this working.

 

[stl25]

Sadly it seems that this may never come to fruition.

 

[failzers]

That's why you release ASAP and leave the NDS card for other people to do

 

[RedBlueGreen]

From what I saw on another thread, Normmatt is currently on parole for something. Part of the parole involves him being unable to work on NDS stuff. That may include ntrboothax as it uses a NDS flashcart to work. These events may be unrelated, but it may be the reason we haven't heard anything about it currently.

Didn't see his actual confirmation. Thanks for posting.

 

[jerbear64]

From what I saw on another thread, Normmatt is currently on parole for something. Part of the parole involves him being unable to work on NDS stuff. That may include ntrboothax as it uses a NDS flashcart to work. These events may be unrelated, but it may be the reason we haven't heard anything about it currently.

That's pretty unfortunate, to be honest. I was hoping this would come out before the New 2DS XL comes out in America; I preordered one and ideally I'd take it out of the box and immediately throw Boot9Strap and Luma on it.

Well, at least we have a month until then.

 

[zoogie]

Didn't see his actual confirmation. Thanks for posting.

That's pretty unfortunate, to be honest. I was hoping this would come out before the New 2DS XL comes out in America; I preordered one and ideally I'd take it out of the box and immediately throw Boot9Strap and Luma on it.

Well, at least we have a month until then.

Seems like he was just joking, notice the laughing face. He obviously still works on DS related stuff since he published ntrcardhax recently.

Also, I have an ntrboothax beta so obviously he's still working on that stuff right now. (don't PM me - it's a private beta I can't share).

 

[annson24]

Seems like he was just joking, notice the laughing face. He obviously still works on DS related stuff since he published ntrcardhax recently.

Also, I have an ntrboothax beta so obviously he's still working on that stuff right now. (don't PM me - it's a private beta I can't share).

Thanks for the assurance.

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

 

[stl25]

I don't know what to believe. Guess we will see. My crystal ball is broken.

 

[TheCyberQuake]

Seems like he was just joking, notice the laughing face. He obviously still works on DS related stuff since he published ntrcardhax recently.

Also, I have an ntrboothax beta so obviously he's still working on that stuff right now. (don't PM me - it's a private beta I can't share).

This^
I wasn't stating anything as absolute fact people. I was merely saying if it were true (they seemed half joking half serious if you include the context of posts around it in the thread, so it's hard to tell) then it may be why.
It could also just be the fact that nothing of note has really happened recently. Even if they are working on it, it may just be difficult to get it working on other cards. Just be patient, it will be released, whether in the very near future or a month or more later.

 

[Starzcream]

I foresee this thread being defunct.

 

[Patxinco]

Come on, i said it before, @Normmatt is probably tired of hearing lots of people whinning and complaining about the "release date".

Is gonna come when it's done, so stop it!!!

 

[The Catboy]

So having compared the boards of the new builds to the old builds of the Ak2i (I knew saving my dead cart would come in handy.) It seems these "new" builds from ak2i are basically 1.1 clones. This shouldn't be a shock to anyone since the Acekard team vanished years ago and most likely sold their designs and boards to someone to continue manufacturing them. Since the boards seem to work completely the same as the old builds, even to the point with there firmware update and AKAIO can't tell the differences. I think it's safe to say that it doesn't matter if it's a 1.1 clone or the original build.
Plus if you are holding your breath of an original build, you are going to pass out. Those most likely haven't been made for several years now.

 

[RedBlueGreen]

Come on, i said it before, @Normmatt is probably tired of hearing lots of people whinning and complaining about the "release date".

Is gonna come when it's done, so stop it!!!

There's a difference between whining about a release date and complaining because there haven't been any public updates.

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

Seems like he was just joking, notice the laughing face. He obviously still works on DS related stuff since he published ntrcardhax recently.

Also, I have an ntrboothax beta so obviously he's still working on that stuff right now. (don't PM me - it's a private beta I can't share).

Are you allowed to share what flashcard you're using it on (if it's functional) or if it can work with stuff besides AK2i/DSTwo?