Hacking Downgrade

[IsaacCTK]

Now before you ask "why would you do that" it's because I like messing around and an emunand makes it safer. I was simply wondering if I grab firmware for an older version how to I install it in 2025?

 

[Kwyjor]

it's because I like messing around and an emunand makes it safer

If you're determined to "mess around" enough, I'm sure you can get your unit into a state where no one will have any idea what is going on or how to help you. That seems to happen often enough these days even with people who don't like "messing around". When that day comes I hope you at least start a thread with a descriptive subject line.

I think the old CTRTransfer images for 11.5 are still archived somewhere.

 

[The Catboy]

I don't think you are going to find many willing to help since there's not much to gain from downgrading your system. There are files out there and you should be able to downgrade CTRTransfer and older images. I have no idea if any of this stuff is well archived since most aren't interested in archiving it

 

[IsaacCTK]

If you're determined to "mess around" enough, I'm sure you can get your unit into a state where no one will have any idea what is going on or how to help you. That seems to happen often enough these days even with people who don't like "messing around". When that day comes I hope you at least start a thread with a descriptive subject line.

I think the old CTRTransfer images for 11.5 are still archived somewhere.

My goal is to *somehow* get the emunand to before themes were added (mostly for the classic 3DS feel). My plan is to use Sysdowngrader by Palitect to do it. I'll see how it goes

Post automatically merged: May 23, 2025

I don't think you are going to find many willing to help since there's not much to gain from downgrading your system. There are files out there and you should be able to downgrade CTRTransfer and older images. I have no idea if any of this stuff is well archived since most aren't interested in archiving it

I've noticed lol. It isn't really practical but hopefully I figure something out

 

[Dionicio3]

A friend made a guide to do it on sysNAND, though it could probably be somewhat easily adapted to emuNAND. Even if you're only messing with emuNAND, I'd still recommend having an ntrboot card on hand just in case https://mariomasta64.me/3ds-downgrade/

 

[KleinesSinchen]

Please backup your SysNAND (yes, even if you do not want to downgrade SysNAND). Afterwards backup the complete SD card (since there is an EmuNAND present you should even backup it additionally on sector level, not only file level).

SysUpdater can downgrade do any version. Please do not downgrade New 3DS consoles below v9.x and New 2DS XL below v11.5. Do not flash old series firmware on New series consoles or vice versa.
====

I've downgraded to v1.0 and up and down to pretty much every version in testing a Luma3DS regression some years ago and can tell you that you have to expect problems. Trouble with Home Menu save data (backup SD) is almost certain.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[IsaacCTK]

Please backup your SysNAND (yes, even if you do not want to downgrade SysNAND). Afterwards backup the complete SD card (since there is an EmuNAND present you should even backup it additionally on sector level, not only file level).

SysUpdater can downgrade do any version. Please do not downgrade New 3DS consoles below v9.x and New 2DS XL below v11.5. Do not flash old series firmware on New series consoles or vice versa.
====

I've downgraded to v1.0 and up and down to pretty much every version in testing a Luma3DS regression some years ago and can tell you that you have to expect problems. Trouble with Home Menu save data (backup SD) is almost certain.

Good luck and have fun!

I'll make sure to back up the sysnand just in case. Mostly because I have no clue how these old softwares react with the different types of nand. I have an Old 3DS that was originally on 3.0 back in 2012 so Im not worried about any hardware issues. My hope is to get either 1.0, 3.0, or 8.0 to work on an emunand. Wish me luck.

Post automatically merged: May 23, 2025

A friend made a guide to do it on sysNAND, though it could probably be somewhat easily adapted to emuNAND. Even if you're only messing with emuNAND, I'd still recommend having an ntrboot card on hand just in case

Since i do not have that I might try it just being extra careful to only mess with the emunand and make a sysnand backup first

 

[leerz]

it will work, even up to firmware 2.1 but things will break if you mess something on that fw

remember that we used to downgrade to fw 2.1 just to get OTP. (even lower to some testers)
the safest you can go low is 9.2
just keep a backup of your rawnand and you should be fine

 

[tactical-waffle]

please keep us posted so I can live my nostalgia vicariously through you without breaking any of my 3DSs XD

 

[tmnr1992]

it will work, even up to firmware 2.1 but things will break if you mess something on that fw

remember that we used to downgrade to fw 2.1 just to get OTP. (even lower to some testers)
the safest you can go low is 9.2
just keep a backup of your rawnand and you should be fine

If I remember correctly, if the console did not originally ship with firmware version 2.1 or lower, and it went to sleep mode or got turned off while in the downgraded firmware, it would brick. If that also applies to emunand then it would make it very impractical to use on a daily basis.

 

[tactical-waffle]

If I remember correctly, if the console did not originally ship with firmware version 2.1 or lower, and it went to sleep mode or got turned off while in the downgraded firmware, it would brick. If that also applies to emunand then it would make it very impractical to use on a daily basis.

iirc thats a new 3ds thing but don't quote me

 

[TheSunGodNika]

My goal is to *somehow* get the emunand to before themes were added (mostly for the classic 3DS feel). My plan is to use Sysdowngrader by Palitect to do it. I'll see how it goes

Post automatically merged: May 23, 2025

I've noticed lol. It isn't really practical but hopefully I figure something out

For any 3DS version before themes, any version below `9.0.0-20` is a must.

Themes and other modern 3DS menu things were added on that major system version, if you want to know.

The system update to take note for downgrading is 8.1.0-19.

Fair warning if you have a New 3DS system though:

New 3DS systems outside of Japan never got this firmware, so if you're using a USA/EUR/CHN/TWN system of the New 3DS line of systems, it's recommended to edit the EmuNAND to boot O3DS firmwares

This version of the legacy project "OTPHelper" by the creator of GodMode9 when converted to a .firm will unbrick your EmuNAND after using sysUpdater on there to downgrade (Get the files using 3DNUS btw), so tread with caution.

(Old 3DS systems can be downgraded just fine otherwise)

 

[Visualwit]

I downgraded the emunand on my o3ds to it's manufacture firmware, 4.5.0-10U. Using SysUpdater.

 

[IsaacCTK]

I downgraded the emunand on my o3ds to it's manufacture firmware, 4.5.0-10U. Using SysUpdater.

I would love a step by step, seeing as I really don't wanna mess up my sysnand yk. Mine is 3.0 but I've heard 4.0ish is as low as an emunand can go. I don't know enough to confirm it but it'll be awesome to see my 3DS at launch.

Post automatically merged: May 27, 2025

For any 3DS version before themes, any version below `9.0.0-20` is a must.

Themes and other modern 3DS menu things were added on that major system version, if you want to know.

The system update to take note for downgrading is 8.1.0-19.

Fair warning if you have a New 3DS system though:

New 3DS systems outside of Japan never got this firmware, so if you're using a USA/EUR/CHN/TWN system of the New 3DS line of systems, it's recommended to edit the EmuNAND to boot O3DS firmwares

Using software I took my firmware and when converted to a .firm will unbrick your EmuNAND after using sysUpdater on there to downgrade (Get the files using 3DNUS btw), so tread with caution.

(Old 3DS systems can be downgraded just fine otherwise)

Luckily mines an o3DS with a build date of March 2012. I've been contemplating between 4.0 (the oldest version emunand supports).

 

[Kwyjor]

but it'll be awesome to see my 3DS at launch.

You say you "really don't wanna mess up my sysnand"; would it really be that awesome just to see something you can easily see in a video on Youtube before you forget about it entirely..? Just sayin'.

 

[IsaacCTK]

You say you "really don't wanna mess up my sysnand"; would it really be that awesome just to see something you can easily see in a video on Youtube before you forget about it entirely..? Just sayin'.

Yes, yes it will be

Post automatically merged: May 28, 2025

please keep us posted so I can live my nostalgia vicariously through you without breaking any of my 3DSs XD

We'll see how it goes lol

 

[IsaacCTK]

please keep us posted so I can live my nostalgia vicariously through you without breaking any of my 3DSs XD

I have great news. I put the update folder on the root of my SD and booted sysupdater on my emunand. From there it downgraded perfectly and everything works fine. One thing is Rosalina doesn't work on the 4.0 emunand so you can install cias via GM9 or just use it stock.

 

[Bwian]

How do you make an emunand these days?

 

[TheSunGodNika]

How do you make an emunand these days?

WIth GodMode9, you can easily make one (Under HOME Menu -> More options...)

You'll need to back up your card before using it though, as that it formats the card to create the partitions necessary to run EmuNAND