I already have a 4.5 3ds game its turbo 3ds i bought it for a $1 from a yard sale like 3 weeks ago.
How much more complex is rxtools cfw with sigs instead of ''noob friendly'' gateway? Complexion doesn't bother me too much its just that i am lazy about it sometimes
I have rxTools and Gateway on one 3DS XL so I'll give you my assessment of the situation.
3DS roms are scene released as .3DS files and are relatively easy to find on the interwebs. Gateway can run .3DS files, just unzip, copy to microSD and play. Minimum firmware requirements and region locking are not an issue. And generally Gateway team is very good with updates to allow access to eshop (O3DS only)
rxTools can not play .3DS files. A conversion to .CIA format is needed, which used to be a lengthy and difficult process, now it's not so bad providing you're pretty handy with a PC. rxTools once setup will allow you to install .CIA games.
But if the CIA files are out of region, they won't show up in your home menu and you must use FBi homebrew app to launch them (don't ever press the home button with games launched this way, your 3DS will freeze and you'll lose your progress)
It's possible to find games already constructed as .CIA files with region locking removed and decrypted to work on lower firmwares etc. from a place you will see people refer to as "that ISO site" but that will require you sign up to a forum.
Also you will be forced to download these CIAs from annoying filehosting websites that limit your gigantic 2-4 gigabyte CIA file download to 30kb/s while opening 7 trillion pop up ads. Ugh.
Not scared of the free route yet? Well, just wait until you see how long it takes to actually install these .CIA files! Even with a class 10 SD card inside your 3DS, you better pick up a good book, even better still, go and watch grass grow, it's faster than a CIA install!
I only use rxTools for playing GBA games, when I'm done with that, Gateway MSET gets reinstalled until next time i need to satisfy my GBA cravings.....