Hacking Emulation Hardware HELP N3DS Stuck on GBA Emulator

[Torimaki]

Hey guys,


I have a weird problem with my New 3DS XL and I’m trying to figure out if anyone has seen this before.


The console boots straight into open_agb_firm every time I turn it on. It looks like it replaced the CTRNAND boot.firm, because I can’t boot into Luma or GodMode9 from the SD at all. It just ignores the SD completely.


I also tried ntrboot with an R4 that I know works (tested it on another 3DS and it boots SafeB9SInstaller just fine), but on this console it does nothing. The sleep mode is completely disabled too – closing the lid or using a magnet doesn’t do anything, probably because it’s stuck in GBA mode from open_agb_firm.


Here’s what I’ve done so far:

• Reformatted SD cards (FAT32, 32k clusters) and put the correct boot.firm and boot9strap files on them.
• Tested the same SD and flashcart on another 3DS (works fine there).
• Checked the magnet position multiple times.
• Tried CTRTransfer scripts through GodMode9 but obviously I can’t get into GM9 in the first place.

At this point, I’m guessing the only way to fix this is by doing a hardmod and reflashing the NAND, since it seems like it never even gets to the stage where it checks SD or ntrboot.


Has anyone run into this exact situation? Is hardmod really the only option here, or am I missing something?


Thanks in advance to anyone who’s seen this before or can confirm what needs to be done.

 

[KleinesSinchen]

What happens without SD inserted?

If it still boots into openagbfirm... well...
There was a case where someone replaced B9S in BOOT0 with openagbfirm. Very bad idea of course. This can not happen accidentally as it requires confirming a random button sequence while GodMode9 turns the screen red for warning.

Not going into standby mode is normal during this GBA mode.

This is fixable with ntrboot because ntr cart is checked before reading the NAND when holding the button combo+magnet. Take an empty, FAT32 formatted SD and follow the guide:
https://3ds.hacks.guide/installing-boot9strap-(ntrboot).html

Problem is that ntrboot can fail for many reasons, all with the same outcome. Examples:

• Bad or corrupted SD
• Bad filename boot.firm.firm
• Bad SD reader
• Contact issues on gamecart reader
• Weak magnet
• Wrongly placed magnet
• bad ntrboot car

 

[Loftman]

Hey my little brother replaced B9S in BOOT0 with openagbfirm. Is his 2ds cooked?

 

[Kwyjor]

Hey my little brother replaced B9S in BOOT0 with openagbfirm. Is his 2ds cooked?

You will find the answer in one of the posts in this thread. Guess which one?

 

[Loftman]

You will find the answer in one of the posts in this thread. Guess which one?

Thanks for the very helpful response, not into the whole nodding thing, he's done everything above and still. Not working so I'm wondering is it cooked or can his 2ds be salvaged or dose he have to buy a knew one.

 

[Kwyjor]

he's done everything above and still. Not working

Are you saying he's tried to use an ntrboot cart?