Hardware Buying a 3DS (old one broke)

[oMen86]

Hello, my old 3ds xl just stopped turning on one day and i'm looking at replacing it with another 3DS XL, I was just in the card forums and saw that there is compatibility for FW 9.x stuff now and was wondering if I should go through the effort of tracking down a FW4.5 3DS XL or just get a New "New" 3DS XL. Please correct me if my assumption about the 3DS firmware working on a wider range now for 3DS Roms.

Also since I'm here what card is recommended for me to invest in Sky3DS or Gateway?

Edit: forgot to mention I have a DSTwo which works fine for my older stuff.

 

[zoogie]

If you can track an old new 3dsxl, you can be guaranteed it will be <9.3 which means it can be downgraded to 4.5.

You could also try to get a new new 3dsxl but that's a little trickier to find a <9.3 one, and you need CN or Zelda OOT.
Check this thread for n3ds buying advice
http://gbatemp.net/threads/n3ds-xl-firmware-by-version-number.381479/

GW is better as you can play more games and have more homebrew options too numerous to mention. But sky is good at 'set it and forget it' worry free use on latest firmware.

 

[oMen86]

Im just looking at getting one off ebay that is below FW4.5
What exactly does the <4.5 do that the 4.5-9.3 can't do?

Can you explain the set it and forget it of the Sky?

 

[The Real Jdbye]

Im just looking at getting one off ebay that is below FW4.5
What exactly does the <4.5 do that the 4.5-9.3 can't do?

Can you explain the set it and forget it of the Sky?

Nothing, 9.x actually supports more things now.

 

[gamesquest1]

Nothing, 9.x actually supports more things now.

*9.2 or lower

 

[Wowfunhappy]

The New 3DS is just so much nicer than the Old 3DS, in so many small little ways. I wouldn't recomend that anybody buy an "Old" 3DS, at this point.

Although, note that I'm comparing the non-XL models. I'd imagine the XL's would be more or less the same, but I've never used an XL for an extended period of time (I don't like them at all)

 

[oMen86]

So getting this clear, the gateway works on 4.5 and you can downgrade the firmware of 4.5-9.2 (must be 9.2 not 9.3?) down to 4.5 even on the "new" 3ds.

On a side note I like the XL because i'm a big guy myself and the small one felt kinda fat and small for my hands, it kind of poked my palms like the ps1 & ps2 controllers did.

 

[Wowfunhappy]

New 3DS's cannot be downgraded to 4.5. You're stuck on 9.0-9.2. Using the Gateway is also a bit more annoying in general.

 

[oMen86]

New 3DS's cannot be downgraded to 4.5. You're stuck on 9.0-9.2. Using the Gateway is also a bit more annoying in general.

Then why recommend the newer ones if you can't downgrade, i thought the gateway was stuck on 4.5 and lower.

 

[sarkwalvein]

Then why recommend the newer ones if you can't downgrade, i thought the gateway was stuck on 4.5 and lower.

There is no need to downgrade.
Gateway is stuck on 9.2 maximum.
A New 3DS has way better 3D, but you also need a copy of Zelda OOT or Cubic Ninja to install the hack and make GW work.
Note: After you install all parts of the hack correctly you don't need Zelda OOT or Cubic Ninja anymore.
Emunand support in old 3DS goes up to FW9.7, but in New 3DS goes up only to FW9.5.
Etc.

EDIT: I would recommend a New 3DS because it is really worth it if you have to buy something new, but probably it is not worth it if you plan to upgrade.

 

[Wowfunhappy]

Then why recommend the newer ones if you can't downgrade, i thought the gateway was stuck on 4.5 and lower.

As sarkwaivein said, Gateway can be used on any firmware below 9.3. On the New 3DS, you do need to use a retail 3DS game (either Cubic Ninja or Ocarina of Time 3D) to install the exploit, which is a bit more annoying, but I think the advantages are worth it. The 3D is muuuuch nicer, games and applications load faster, and the system feels better put together and is more comfortable to hold. Plus a handful of New 3DS exclusive games, and the possibility of more to come in the future.