CN : Cubic Ninja
OOT : Zelda Ocarina of Time
HBL : Homebrew Launcher

Notice for gateway users : you can also use this tutorial to use your gateway on your N3DS without CN/OOT.

You need :
- A 9.0-9.2 n3ds obviously
- The latest gateway firmware if you're planning to use mset. (you can find it on their site)
- The HBL starter kit : https://smealum.github.io/ninjhax2/starter.zip
- The latest ninjhax version of FBI : https://gbatemp.net/threads/release-fbi-open-source-cia-installer.386433/
- A cia version of the cia manager you want to install (for example FBI or BigBlueMenu)
- Emunand9Tool : https://gbatemp.net/threads/release-emunand9tool-open-source-emunand-formatter-manager.405921/
- Encrypted 9.0-9.2 and 9.5 firmware.bin: can't link it here, but search "firmware9.2.bin" on google (with the quotes) and download the Cakes.zip folder. The md5 of the firmware9.2.bin should be 87aea2e8c30a533fd9f319683b3a0793 and b99adf0adb279712367c06eb83ba9ae6 for the 9.5 one.
- (only for cakes) The cetk file : http://nus.cdn.c.shop.nintendowifi.net/ccs/download/0004013820000002/cetk
- an Internet connexion (use the tubehax dns to prevent background update downloading)


I Installing a cia manager on your sysnand

Method 1 : with CakesFW

1. Extract the starter kit on your micro-sd card root.
2. Copy the "3ds" folder from the FBI one on your micro-sd card root.
3. Downlad the latest Cakes here : Copy the 3ds folder, the cakes folder and the Cakes.dat file on your micro-sd card.
4. Copy the cia you want to install on your micro-sd card.
5. Copy the cetk and the firmware9.2.bin in the cakes folder, rename firmware9.2.bin firmware.bin
6. Setup Browserhax : https://gbatemp.net/threads/yellows8s-browserhax-thread.398132/
7. Start the HBL with browserhax.
8. Select Cakes
9. select Patches, choose "Disable signature checks" only for now.
10. Boot the cfw.
11. Once you're back in the menu, immediatly start the HBL again
12. This time, choose FBI.
13. Use FBI to install the cia manager of your choice.


Method 2 : with Pasta CFW

1. Extract the starter kit on your micro-sd card root.
2. Copy the "3ds" folder from the FBI one on your micro-sd card root.
3. Dowload the PastaCFW files : http://jheberg.net/captcha/pastacfw-for-ninjhax2-90-92/ . Copy the PastaCFW folder in the 3ds folder.
4. Copy the cia you want to install on your micro-sd card.
5. Setup Browserhax : https://gbatemp.net/threads/yellows8s-browserhax-thread.398132/
6. Launch the HBL with browserhax.
7. Choose the PastaCFW
8. Once you're back in the menu, immediatly start the HBL again
9. This time, choose FBI.
10. Use FBI to install your prefered cia installer

Reminder :

Q: I'm getting a "DESCRIPTION_DATABASE_DOES_NOT_EXIST" / "DESCRIPTION_INVALID_DATABASE" error!
A: You likely haven't installed anything from eShop or other locations before. You will need to go to the "Nintendo 3DS/<id0>/<id1>/dbs/" directory on your SD card and create empty "title.db" and "import.db" files. Then, go to System Settings -> Data Management -> Nintendo 3DS -> Software on your 3DS and let it repair the database files.

II. Setting up the emunand.


Method 1 : with Emunand9Tool
1. Put the 3DS folder of Emunand9Tool on your sdcard root
2. Launch the HBL then select Emunand9Tool
3. Select EmuNAND Manager Options -> Dump SysNAND to NAND.bin
4. Once it's done, press B twice, then select to unmount the micro-sd card
5. Backup your micro-sd card content on your computer and put your nand backup somewhere safe.
6. Put back your micro-sd card in your console then press B
7. Select Complete EmuNAND Setup and confirm
8. Once it's done, press start to reboot and restore your micro-sd card content.

Method 2 : with the Gateway Launcher (use this if you have a gateway, it also work without it)
You need :
- The latest Gateway firmware available on their site
1. Copy the launcher.dat file on your micro-sd card root
2. Extract the GW_3dsx.zip archive on your micro-sd card root
3. Backup your micro-sd card content on your computer
4. Launch the HBL and select Gateway. (if you have the gateway inserted on your console, remove it first)
5. In the gateway menu, select "Format Emunand"
6. Then select "Backup System nand"
7. Finally, press down + B to shut down the console
8. Restore your micro-sd card content and put your nand backup somewhere safe.

III Booting into the emunand
To boot into your emunand :

Cakes
If you choosed the Cakes method in the first part you can just continue to use it :
- Download the latest fimware.bin here (first link, rename it firmware.bin)
- Dowload the slot0x11key96.bin on that iso site (Google "CakesFW - Open Source CFW with emunand support!") and put it on your micro-sd card root
- In the cakes menu check the emunand patch.

Reinand :
- Download this on extract it on your micro-sd card root : http://jheberg.net/captcha/reinand-n3ds-emunand-96/
- Download the latest fimware.bin (you can find the link in the reinand github), rename it firmware.bin and put it in the rei folder
- Select Reinand in the HBL


Gateway
If you have a gateway, just select Boot Gateway Mode in the Gateway menu. (if you have the gateway inserted when you choose Gateway in the HBL, it will skip the menu and directly boot into it)
Or you can use rxTools (some features still don't work on n3ds, refer to this : https://gbatemp.net/posts/5705403/).

rxTools
If you want to use rxTools, you need :
- rxTools nightly : http://jheberg.net/captcha/rxtools-2015-11-19-265d53e/
1. Create a firm folder inside the rxTools folder, copy the firmware9.5.bin in it
2. Rename the firmware 9.5.bin 0004013820000002.bin. Then copy the rxTools folder on your micro-sd card root
3. Copy the rxTools folder from the ninjhax folder in your "3ds" folder.
4. Then start rxTools from the HBL. Press a key at the end of the data installation to boot into your emunand.



Be aware that both Gateway and rxtools only support emunand up to 9.5 at the moment

IV Updating the emunand

With Cakes/Reinand :
1. Change your sysnand (and only your sysnand) language.
2. Boot into your emunand. If if it's not in your main language, that's mean you are not in your emunand (or you changed the language of the wrong nand), so don't continue or you will update your sysnand, or worse.
3. Go the system settings (it should still be on your main language), and don't exit it until the update is done. Disable the tubehax dns if you have it, then start the update.


With Reinand
1. Boot into Emunand, and go to the system settings.
2. Make sure it says Rei in front of the version number to be sure that you are in emuNAND. If it does don't exit the systems setings until the update is done. If it doesn't, don't continue or you will update your sysnand, or worse.
3. Disable the tubehax dns if you have it, then start the update.

With rxTools/Gateway :
Follow this : https://gbatemp.net/threads/tutorial-how-to-update-emunand-on-a-n3ds.393701/


V Start the CFW without internet.

1. With menuhax

This method only work if your emunand are unlinked (to unlink the nand, format your sysnand with the micro-sd card out)
Install menuhax using browserhax : https://github.com/yellows8/3ds_homemenuhax/releases
To uninstall menuhax just change your sysnand theme.
Notice : You can use this if you want to coldboot on the CFW (or Gateway) of your choice : http://gbatemp.net/threads/ctrbootmanager-3ds-boot-manager-loader-homemenuhax.398383/

2. With a downgraded mset

To downgrade your mset :
- Copy the mset_region.cia from the GATEWAY ULTRA 3.X\MSET4.5 installers for New 3DS REGION SPECIFIC !!!\your_region folder on your sd card. (and the bluecardfix if oyu have a gateway)
- Launch Pasta then FBI
- Switch the destination to nand.
- Install mset_region.cia. (If you have a gateway install the bluecardfix too)
- Go to the system settings. If the nnid settings are gone, that means the operation was successfull.
Then to setup the MSET rop :
- Start FBI then press select
- Choose "CakesFW N3DS 9.X" if you're using Cakes , "rxTools3.x N3DS 9.X" for rxTools, and "Encrypted Gateway N3DS 9.X" for Gateway.
- You can now start the cfw from System Settings -> Other Settings ->Profile -> DS Profile

 

[AileenLumina]

The tutorial is online! ^-^

 

[Tahaha]

I'm a little confused because I thought CIA managers were installed on the emunand, no? If I'm installing on the sysnand, then I'm installing the CIAs to the sysnand, which is less secure than doing everything on the enumand, right?

 

[vonfnas]

I have a N3DS, but I haven't used it in quite some time. And when I have used it, I've used my Gateway-3DS.
What can I gain by installing CFW on a N3DS? It would be awesome to be able to use most of the Gatway-3DS features without having to use my Gateway-3DS card, like emunand and running games installed via a .cia-file. Will this allow me to do that?

 

[AileenLumina]

I have a N3DS, but I haven't used it in quite some time. And when I have used it, I've used my Gateway-3DS.
What can I gain by installing CFW on a N3DS? It would be awesome to be able to use most of the Gatway-3DS features without having to use my Gateway-3DS card, like emunand and running games installed via a .cia-file. Will this allow me to do that?

Absolutely!

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

I'm a little confused because I thought CIA managers were installed on the emunand, no? If I'm installing on the sysnand, then I'm installing the CIAs to the sysnand, which is less secure than doing everything on the enumand, right?

When you format emuNAND in the Gateway menu, it will copy everything that is on sysNAND to the emuNAND. (Check out my new tutorial, everything is explained there clearly. )

 

[Tahaha]

When you format emuNAND in the Gateway menu, it will copy everything that is on sysNAND to the emuNAND. (Check out my new tutorial, everything is explained there clearly.

I see that now. It's like you're using the sysnand to create an image to turn into the emunand? Then wiping the sysnand. Cool.

 

[peteruk]

I have followed a couple of guides and used this one, i am on 9.0 sysNAND and 9.5 emuNAND, i have themehax setup to boot straight to HBL from power on, in the menu i have FBI, Pasta, RXtools

Both nands are seperated and i use RXtools to boot into emunand

This is my problem (and a problem i have had regardless of which guide i follow) i install devmenu in Pasta the first time and unwrap and works (seperated nands at this point to make sure emu has devmenu in it) but after a reboot, or some time devmenu and for example CN installed in pasta/sysnand both dissapear.... if i attempt to reinstall devmenu using hbl to pasta to webhax to fbi i get the error message

Could anyone please offer me some advice on how i can stop devmenu from dissapearing in the first instance and secondly how to overcome the error when trying to reinstall any cia again in pasta

Thanks in advance

 

[VerseHell]

Which error?

 

[peteruk]

Which error?

install failed]devmenu_2x.cia
Source: SOURCE_APP_WRITE_CIA (0x6)
Module: MODULE_NN_AM (0x20)
Level: LEVEL_STATUS (0X19)
Summary: SUMMARY_INVALID_STATE (0x5)
Description: DESCRIPTION_DATABASE_DOES_NOT_EXIST (0x2 <<cant read rest as off side of screen
Press Start to continue.

As stated, devmenu.cia and any other .cia dissapears from pasta and sys then if try again to install devmenu i get the above error always


EDIT: ok so i found this on the FBI thread

Q: I'm getting a "DESCRIPTION_DATABASE_DOES_NOT_EXIST" / "DESCRIPTION_INVALID_DATABASE" error!
A: You likely haven't installed anything from eShop or other locations before. You will need to go to the "Nintendo

3DS/<id0>/<id1>/dbs/" directory on your SD card and create empty "title.db" and "import.db" files. Then, go to System

Settings -> Data Management -> Nintendo 3DS -> Software on your 3DS and let it repair the database files.


I have done this before and it fixes it and allows me to install devmenu and cn in pasta, but after some time it dissapears on its own again, is there anyway to stop this happening please ?

 

[tivu100]

install failed]devmenu_2x.cia
Source: SOURCE_APP_WRITE_CIA (0x6)
Module: MODULE_NN_AM (0x20)
Level: LEVEL_STATUS (0X19)
Summary: SUMMARY_INVALID_STATE (0x5)
Description: DESCRIPTION_DATABASE_DOES_NOT_EXIST (0x2 <<cant read rest as off side of screen
Press Start to continue.

As stated, devmenu.cia and any other .cia dissapears from pasta and sys then if try again to install devmenu i get the above error always


EDIT: ok so i found this on the FBI thread

Q: I'm getting a "DESCRIPTION_DATABASE_DOES_NOT_EXIST" / "DESCRIPTION_INVALID_DATABASE" error!
A: You likely haven't installed anything from eShop or other locations before. You will need to go to the "Nintendo

3DS/<id0>/<id1>/dbs/" directory on your SD card and create empty "title.db" and "import.db" files. Then, go to System

Settings -> Data Management -> Nintendo 3DS -> Software on your 3DS and let it repair the database files.


I have done this before and it fixes it and allows me to install devmenu and cn in pasta, but after some time it dissapears on its own again, is there anyway to stop this happening please ?

If you have a linked NANDS, if you access Data Management -> Nintendo 3DS -> Software on SYSNAND, it will delete your CIA, if I am not mistaken. Will be Okay with unlinked NANDs.

 

[peteruk]

If you have a linked NANDS, if you access Data Management -> Nintendo 3DS -> Software on SYSNAND, it will delete your CIA, if I am not mistaken. Will be Okay with unlinked NANDs.

mine are unlinked buddy, but still was dissapearing

however since using the folder this afternoon and reinstalling it has been ok

so i hold hope that it is all good now

thank you @tivu100 for replying to me all the same

 

[VerseHell]

So didn't they just dissapear because you formated your sysnand ? You say "keep", so I assumed it was something else.

 

[peteruk]

So didn't they just dissapear because you formated your sysnand ? You say "keep", so I assumed it was something else.

no buddy, after i formatted sysnand to seperate nands i then again re-added the folder and installed through pasta, but this morning they (devmenu & CN) were gone again

But since re-doing it again this afternoon they have stayed and not disapeared

 

[djalmafreestyler]

no buddy, after i formatted sysnand to seperate nands i then again re-added the folder and installed through pasta, but this morning they (devmenu & CN) were gone again

But since re-doing it again this afternoon they have stayed and not disapeared

@tivu100
What about the db files that must be created at least for O3DS, I'm not sure but maybe you need this too (dbs folder and the title.bin, import bin inside of ID2 in Nintendo 3DS Folder) and go to system settings -> Data Management -> Nintendo 3DS -> Software and delete.

 

[bk1325]

Which micro-sd card is the guide referring to? The micro-sd for my N3DS or for gateway?

 

[tivu100]

Which micro-sd card is the guide referring to? The micro-sd for my N3DS or for gateway?

So you have Gateway, exploitable N3DS, which means you may also have either CN/OOT. You are set.

Regarding the mSD, this is for the 3DS. Because this guide is for people who don't have anything but the exploitable N3DS.

 

[bk1325]

So you have Gateway, exploitable N3DS, which means you may also have either CN/OOT. You are set.

Regarding the mSD, this is for the 3DS. Because this guide is for people who don't have anything but the exploitable N3DS.

I currently have a normal 3DS I've been using for quite a while but I bought a N3DS quite a while back just never got to using it. It's on 9.0, I don't have Cubic Ninja or OOT. Just trying to get things setup so I can use emuNAND and Gateway on the N3DS. If this is the wrong place feel free to point me in the right direction.

 

[tivu100]

I currently have a normal 3DS I've been using for quite a while but I bought a N3DS quite a while back just never got to using it. It's on 9.0, I don't have Cubic Ninja or OOT. Just trying to get things setup so I can use emuNAND and Gateway on the N3DS. If this is the wrong place feel free to point me in the right direction.

If you are only looking for to use the Gateway on the exploitable N3DS, so do these modified steps (by me) taken from steps on the guide:

1. Copy the boot.3dsx downloaded from http://smealum.github.io/3ds/ onto your micro-sd card root (Also put CN.cia & Gateway's launcher.dat on the root of SD).
2. Copy the "3ds" folder from the FBI one on your micro-sd card root.
3. Dowload the PastaCFW files : http://jheberg.net/captcha/pastacfw-for-ninjhax2-90-92/ . Copy the PastaCFW folder into the "3ds" folder.
4. Copy the cia you want to install on your micro-sd card.
5. Setup Browserhax : https://gbatemp.net/threads/yellows8s-browserhax-thread.398132/
6. Launch the HBL with browserhax.
7. Choose the PastaCFW
8. Once you're back in the menu, immediatly start the HBL again
9. This time, choose FBI.
10. Install Cubic Ninja.
11. Start CUBIC NINJA, choose "Create", then "QR code", and finally "Scan QR code".
On your PC, go to the GATEWAY ULTRA 3.X\Save Games for New 3DS\Cubic\your_region folder and scan the QR code.
12. Now you can enter Gateway Menu on your exploitable N3DS.
Now that you can enter Gatewat Menu, I think you already know how creating EMUNAND, unlink NANDS, how to back up... so I will leave you at this.

Additionally, to use Themehax/HomeMenuHax:

1. Go to Home Menu Settings (the House icon on top left of the bottom screen) -> Change Theme -> Wait for the data to be created -> Exit back to Home Menu. Right now, it's not supporting custom themes (at least for common users) so better leave/restore it default.
2. Download the latest unofficial Themehax 1.3 here :https://gbatemp.net/threads/release-homemenuhax.398124/page-23#post-5717329 . This is untethered version so you don't need internet access in case you need to reinstall later.
3. Copy "themehax_installer" folder from inside the zip you just downloaded, into "3DS" folder on your mSD
4. Start HBL using Browserhax.
5. Install ThemeHax (you can configure how you want trigger Themehax by just following on-screen instructions. If leave default, when turn on the 3DS, you need to hold L to trigger HBL). Now you are free to delete browserhax by reset the browser.

Due to you choose to use Gateway, the sequence to boot Gateway Menu is complicated:

Turn on N3DS & Holding L (in case you leave ThemeHax at default settings) to launch HBL -> choose and boot Pasta CFW & Holding L again to launch HBL which is now in Pasta Mode -> Launch Cubic Ninja & Load Gateway Menu!

With CFW (I use rxTools), all you need is turn on holding L and you boot into CFW (RX) mode. The set up process may look complicating, but the result is more satisfying than Gateway flash cart without CN/OOT.

***Side note:
I. At the moment, ThemeHax/HomeMenuHax only supports booting CFW with: 1. SYSNAND and EMUNAND on the same firmware version, if NANDs are linked. 2. EMUNAND on different firmware version from SYSNAND, if NANDS are unlinked.

II. N3DS EMUNAND only supports up to 9.5. SYSNAND always need to be <9.3 (please be extra careful when updating. Always make back up!)!!!

 

[bk1325]

If you are only looking for to use the Gateway on the exploitable N3DS, so do these modified steps from the guide:

1. Copy the boot.3dsx on your micro-sd card root. Also put CN.cia on the root of SD. gateway's launcher.dat
2. Copy the "3ds" folder from the FBI one on your micro-sd card root.
3. Dowload the PastaCFW files : http://jheberg.net/captcha/pastacfw-for-ninjhax2-90-92/ . Copy the PastaCFW folder in the 3ds folder.
4. Copy the cia you want to install on your micro-sd card.
5. Setup Browserhax : https://gbatemp.net/threads/yellows8s-browserhax-thread.398132/
6. Launch the HBL with browserhax.
7. Choose the PastaCFW
8. Once you're back in the menu, immediatly start the HBL again
9. This time, choose FBI.
10. Tnstall Cubic Ninja.
11. Start CUBIC NINJA, choose "Create", then "QR code", and finally "Scan QR code".
On your PC, go to the GATEWAY ULTRA 3.X\Save Games for New 3DS\Cubic\your_region folder and scan the QR code.
12. Now you can enter Gateway Menu on your exploitable N3DS.

Awesome thanks!

 

[bk1325]

If you are only looking for to use the Gateway on the exploitable N3DS, so do these modified steps (by me) taken from steps on the guide:

1. Copy the boot.3dsx on your micro-sd card root. Also put CN.cia & Gateway's launcher.dat on the root of SD.
2. Copy the "3ds" folder from the FBI one on your micro-sd card root.
3. Dowload the PastaCFW files : http://jheberg.net/captcha/pastacfw-for-ninjhax2-90-92/ . Copy the PastaCFW folder into the "3ds" folder.
4. Copy the cia you want to install on your micro-sd card.
5. Setup Browserhax : https://gbatemp.net/threads/yellows8s-browserhax-thread.398132/
6. Launch the HBL with browserhax.
7. Choose the PastaCFW
8. Once you're back in the menu, immediatly start the HBL again
9. This time, choose FBI.
10. Install Cubic Ninja.
11. Start CUBIC NINJA, choose "Create", then "QR code", and finally "Scan QR code".
On your PC, go to the GATEWAY ULTRA 3.X\Save Games for New 3DS\Cubic\your_region folder and scan the QR code.
12. Now you can enter Gateway Menu on your exploitable N3DS.
Now that you can enter Gatewat Menu, I think you already know how creating EMUNAND, unlink NANDS, how to back up... so I will leave you at this.

Additionally, to use Themehax/Homebrew:

1. Go to Home Menu Settings (the House icon on top left of the bottom screen) -> Change Theme -> Wait for the data to be created -> Exit back to Home Menu. Right now, it's not supporting custom themes (at least for common users) so better leave/restore it default.
2. Download the latest unofficial Themehax 1.3 here :https://gbatemp.net/threads/release-homemenuhax.398124/page-23#post-5717329 . This is untethered version so you don't need internet access in case you need to reinstall later.
3. Copy "themehax_installer" folder from inside the zip you just downloaded, into "3DS" folder on your mSD
4. Start HBL using Browserhax.
5. Install ThemeHax (you can configure how you want trigger Themehax by just following on-screen instructions. If leave default, when turn on the 3DS, you need to hold L to trigger HBL). Now you are free to delete browserhax by reset the browser.

Due to you choose to use Gateway, the sequence to boot Gateway Menu is complicated:

Turn on N3DS & Holding L (in case you leave ThemeHax at default settings) to launch HBL -> choose and boot Pasta CFW & Holding L again to launch HBL which is now in Pasta Mode -> Launch Cubic Ninja & Load Gateway Menu!

With CFW (I use rxTools), all you need is turn on holding L and you boot into CFW (RX) mode. The set up process may look complicating, but the result is more satisfying than Gateway flash cart without CN/OOT.

***Side note:
I. At the moment, ThemeHax/HomeMenuHax only supports booting CFW with: 1. SYSNAND and EMUNAND on the same firmware version, if NANDs are linked. 2. EMUNAND on different firmware version from SYSNAND, if NANDS are unlinked.

II. N3DS EMUNAND only supports up to 9.5. SYSNAND always need to be <9.3 (please be extra careful when updating. Always make back up!)!!!

Went ahead and followed the steps, I've run into a roadblock.

After booting into Cubic Ninja I start get the QR Code loaded, I get the first few Gateway install screens then the 3DS freezes on a black screen and the gateway card with a green LED.

Any idea what could cause this and how I could get it fixed?

 

[tivu100]

Went ahead and followed the steps, I've run into a roadblock.

After booting into Cubic Ninja I start get the QR Code loaded, I get the first few Gateway install screens then the 3DS freezes on a black screen and the gateway card with a green LED.

Any idea what could cause this and how I could get it fixed?

I am tot too familiar with Gateway, you should ask in the Flashcart & Custom Firmware section.

Btws, did you try "blue card fix" in Gateway zip?

You may also be interested in "Downgraded MSET" to launch Gateway. Please note "Format System Memory" on N3DS with downgraded MSET = Bricking.