Hacking IamA noob with many questions!

[Shaun Dreclin]

So I want to buy a New3DS! I'm not sure if I want the normal one or the XL, would probably have to hold both to know for sure. I want to use a flashcart, run homebrew and game backups, and generally make it do everything Nintendo wouldn't approve of.

1) Am I able to just go to the store and buy one, or do I need to get one with a specific firmware?

2) Is there a difference between N3DS and N3DSXL? (aside from the obvious physical differences)

3) Do regions matter? I'm In North America (Canada)

4) Can I update the console and the games without breaking stuff? I like keeping things updated.

5) Is there an all-in-one flashcart or do I need to buy one for NDS games and one for 3DS games?

6) Can backed up games play online like they could on NDS?

7) If I have homebrew/backups on my system, can I still use the E-Shop and play retail games online?

8) How's emulation going? I'd want to emulate NES, SNES, GB/GBC, GBA, and if it's possible N64.

9) Do I need to buy a specific game to make things work? That cubic ninja game is over 100 bucks D:

10) Is there anything else I should be asking? Sorry for the wall of questions, I know there's info out there but I don't know much about 3DS, hard to use FAQs without some base knowledge to build on haha



Apologies if this is in the wrong place, wasn't sure which board to post it on.

 

[Davidosky99]

So I want to buy a New3DS! I'm not sure if I want the normal one or the XL, would probably have to hold both to know for sure. I want to use a flashcart, run homebrew and game backups, and generally make it do everything Nintendo wouldn't approve of.

1) Am I able to just go to the store and buy one, or do I need to get one with a specific firmware?

2) Is there a difference between N3DS and N3DSXL? (aside from the obvious physical differences)

3) Do regions matter? I'm In North America (Canada)

4) Can I update the console and the games without breaking stuff? I like keeping things updated.

5) Is there an all-in-one flashcart or do I need to buy one for NDS games and one for 3DS games?

6) Can backed up games play online like they could on NDS?

7) If I have homebrew/backups on my system, can I still use the E-Shop and play retail games online?

8) How's emulation going? I'd want to emulate NES, SNES, GB/GBC, GBA, and if it's possible N64.

9) Do I need to buy a specific game to make things work? That cubic ninja game is over 100 bucks D:

10) Is there anything else I should be asking? Sorry for the wall of questions, I know there's info out there but I don't know much about 3DS, hard to use FAQs without some base knowledge to build on haha



Apologies if this is in the wrong place, wasn't sure which board to post it on.

1-you can't know but you can downgrade if you get one with firmware lower than 10.4
2-just the screen
3-they matter try getting the us
4-yes as long as you install a9lh(a very efficient hack)
5-no forget about 3ds flahscards and you have to buy a nds flashcard(r4i gold)
6-yes as long as you're not using a flahscard(again don't buy a 3ds flashcard)
7-yes as long as you have a9lh
8-every platform you can think of except nds and n64
9-no as long as you get one with fw lower than 10.4 which is probable
10-ask what you want it can't hurt

 

[Hking0036]

1-you can't know but you can downgrade if you get one with firmware lower than 10.4
2-just the screen
3-they matter try getting the us
4-yes as long as you install a9lh(a very efficient hack)
5-no forget about 3ds flahscards and you have to buy a nds flashcard(r4i gold)
6-yes as long as you're not using a flahscard(again don't buy a 3ds flashcard)
7-yes as long as you have a9lh
8-every platform you can think of except nds and n64
9-no as long as you get one with fw lower than 10.4 which is probable
10-ask what you want it can't hurt

You can downgrade up to 10.7, you just can't use browserhax.

 

[Davidosky99]

You can downgrade up to 10.7, you just can't use browserhax.

I know but it involves buying stupid flashcards(sky3ds) or games(cubic ninja/lot+powersaves) that he won't use ever again

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

You can downgrade up to 10.7, you just can't use browserhax.

I'm just mentioning the cheapest/most pratical way

 

[Hking0036]

I know but it involves buying stupid flashcards(sky3ds) or games(cubic ninja/lot+powersaves) that he won't use ever again

I don't think ocarina of time or super mystery dungeon are throwaway games, and it's cheaper than ever now. If op has a friend with it, he could even use vvvvvv. Powersaves is only something like $20 so it's still a good option compared to cn.

Also, you can play online on a flash cart, it just requires header fiddling to avoid a ban. CIAs are a lot better for that, but it's not impossible.

 

[Davidosky99]

I don't think ocarina of time or super mystery dungeon are throwaway games, and it's cheaper than ever now. If op has a friend with it, he could even use vvvvvv. Powersaves is only something like $20 so it's still a good option compared to cn.

Also, you can play online on a flash cart, it just requires header fiddling to avoid a ban. CIAs are a lot better for that, but it's not impossible.

Headers cost ca$h. Vvvvv was removed from eshop. Oot and super mystery dungeon require another hacked 3ds which I doubt he has or have access to otherwise he wouldn't be here. And he can install those games later as cias. And for the case his fw is higher than 10.7(it should be 10.4 or lower in retail pretty sure) its best to just get a red button sky3ds its the cheapest alternative

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

I don't think ocarina of time or super mystery dungeon are throwaway games, and it's cheaper than ever now. If op has a friend with it, he could even use vvvvvv. Powersaves is only something like $20 so it's still a good option compared to cn.

Also, you can play online on a flash cart, it just requires header fiddling to avoid a ban. CIAs are a lot better for that, but it's not impossible.

Oh and header fidling requires either a hacked 3ds or a powersave...

 

[Hking0036]

Headers cost ca$h. Vvvvv was removed from eshop. Oot and super mystery dungeon require another hacked 3ds which I doubt he has or have access to otherwise he wouldn't be here. And he can install those games later as cias. And for the case his fw is higher than 10.7(it should be 10.4 or lower in retail pretty sure) its best to just get a red button sky3ds its the cheapest alternative

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


Oh and header fidling requires either a hacked 3ds or a powersave...

Yes but you said you just couldn't do it. The point is op has options, albeit less than ideal it's their choice to make.

 

[pbanj]

it should also be noted that nes, gba, gb, gbc, and snes(i may be forgetting some) all can be run as injected virtual console games. try and get a new 3ds, it has more power(better for emulation) than the original 3ds(new has the c-stick built in and has new in the name).

i dont think anyone has bought a new system on 10.7 yet, the highest i have seen people get is 10.3 so no need for any game as browserhax can be used.

 

[regnad]

It's a crap shoot what your firmware is, but the odds are greatly in favor of it being one that you can hack without having to purchase anything other than a bigger SD card.

So just go buy one. I love my XL, but you'll be happy with either size.

After you bought one, get a bigger SD -- 32gb or 64gb is good. Then DON'T UPDATE, but look at system tools, and come back and tell us what the firmware version is. Then we'll tell you what to do next.

 

[Shaun Dreclin]

Wait, why shouldn't I get a 3ds flash cart? I already have a dsi and a ds flash cart, so if 3ds backups don't work there isn't much point in buying the new handheld haha

 

[CrispyYoshi]

I hope you don't mind me tweaking your answers a bit, Davidosky99:



1) Am I able to just go to the store and buy one, or do I need to get one with a specific firmware?
1-you can't know but you can downgrade if you get one with firmware lower than 10.4All firmwares are currently hackable, but anything at or higher than 10.6 (10.7 is latest) requires a copy of Cubic Ninja, Ocarina of Time, or Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon, as well as a Powersaves dongle for USA/EUR if you're going to use OoT/PSMD. If you know someone with a <=10.5 firm 3DS, you do not need the Powersaves. Any newly boxed 3ds (both o3ds/n3ds) that aren't directly from Nintendo are guaranteed to be <=10.5 firm.

2) Is there a difference between N3DS and N3DSXL? (aside from the obvious physical differences)
2-just the screenScreen, coverplates, hardmod solder locations... Probably more I'm not aware of, but softmodding them use the same process/have the same benefits.

3) Do regions matter? I'm In North America (Canada)
3-they matter try getting the us (Because OoT was re-printed for $20 in the USA (hack works on all OoT carts sans the demo) and is the cheapest solution to 10.6+ users. That and you can legitimately use NA eShop without a donor 3DS)

4) Can I update the console and the games without breaking stuff? I like keeping things updated.
4-yes as long as you install a9lh(a very efficient hack)an entrypoint like A9LH or Menuhax and set up a CFW for them. You cannot update your Sys(tem)Nand on Menuhax, but you can update Emu(lated)Nand, which exists on your SD card. You can update SysNand if you moved your EmuNand to SysNand after setting up A9LH, which is covered in the "recommended guide everyone posts".

5) Is there an all-in-one flashcart or do I need to buy one for NDS games and one for 3DS games?
5-no forget about 3ds flahscards and you have to buy a nds flashcard(r4i gold) <- I agree with this one actually. You need an NDS flashcart to play NDS games, and hacking for free has as much to offer as a flashcart does. You'll want an SD at or higher than 8gb, though. Sky3DS+ can work on latest firmware but you won't have as easy access to certain things like homebrew or region-free without setting up a CFW, so it's pointless anyway. Gateway3DS has a unique/nifty in-game ram-searching feature but doesn't support A9LH yet: There are workarounds, but it's just not worth it. DSTWO+ is a Gateway clone which will probably brick you and I highly advise against getting that one.

6) Can backed up games play online like they could on NDS?
6-yes as long as you're not using a flahscard(again don't buy a 3ds flashcard) either use private rom headers (special identification number attached to each physical game card you dump yourself and inject into another rom) for your flashcart. Otherwise, you'll be using your console's header, which Nintendo can see you didn't purchase the games from eShop (although they have yet to do anything about this.) They have banned people using public rom headers, though, but that was a while ago.

7) If I have homebrew/backups on my system, can I still use the E-Shop and play retail games online?
7-yes as long as you have a9lh or menuhax

8) How's emulation going? I'd want to emulate NES, SNES, GB/GBC, GBA, and if it's possible N64.
8-[For N3DS,] every platform you can think of except nds and n64. Otherwise, O3DS can use most emulators available but won't perform as well as N3DS due to emulators tending to rely on more power (which probably drains the battery really fast, too. Unsure.)

9) Do I need to buy a specific game to make things work? That cubic ninja game is over 100 bucks D:
9-no as long as you get one with fw lower than 10.5 which is probable. Otherwise, refer to Answer #1.

10) Is there anything else I should be asking? Sorry for the wall of questions, I know there's info out there but I don't know much about 3DS, hard to use FAQs without some base knowledge to build on haha
10-ask what you want it can't hurt

 

[Davidosky99]

I hope you don't mind me tweaking your answers a bit, Davidosky99:



1) Am I able to just go to the store and buy one, or do I need to get one with a specific firmware?
1-you can't know but you can downgrade if you get one with firmware lower than 10.4All firmwares are currently hackable, but anything at or higher than 10.6 (10.7 is latest) requires a copy of Cubic Ninja, Ocarina of Time, or Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon, as well as a Powersaves dongle for USA/EUR if you're going to use OoT/PSMD. If you know someone with a <=10.5 firm 3DS, you do not need the Powersaves. Any newly boxed 3ds (both o3ds/n3ds) that aren't directly from Nintendo are guaranteed to be <=10.5 firm.

2) Is there a difference between N3DS and N3DSXL? (aside from the obvious physical differences)
2-just the screenScreen, coverplates, hardmod solder locations... Probably more I'm not aware of, but softmodding them use the same process/have the same benefits.

3) Do regions matter? I'm In North America (Canada)
3-they matter try getting the us (Because OoT was re-printed for $20 in the USA (hack works on all OoT carts sans the demo) and is the cheapest solution to 10.6+ users. That and you can legitimately use NA eShop without a donor 3DS)

4) Can I update the console and the games without breaking stuff? I like keeping things updated.
4-yes as long as you install a9lh(a very efficient hack)an entrypoint like A9LH or Menuhax and set up a CFW for them. You cannot update your Sys(tem)Nand on Menuhax, but you can update Emu(lated)Nand, which exists on your SD card. You can update SysNand if you moved your EmuNand to SysNand after setting up A9LH, which is covered in the "recommended guide everyone posts".

5) Is there an all-in-one flashcart or do I need to buy one for NDS games and one for 3DS games?
5-no forget about 3ds flahscards and you have to buy a nds flashcard(r4i gold) <- I agree with this one actually. You need an NDS flashcart to play NDS games, and hacking for free has as much to offer as a flashcart does. You'll want an SD at or higher than 8gb, though. Sky3DS+ can work on latest firmware but you won't have as easy access to certain things like homebrew or region-free without setting up a CFW, so it's pointless anyway.

6) Can backed up games play online like they could on NDS?
6-yes as long as you're not using a flahscard(again don't buy a 3ds flashcard) either use private rom headers (special identification number attached to each physical game card you dump yourself and inject into another rom) for your flashcart. Otherwise, you'll be using your console's header, which Nintendo can see you didn't purchase the games from eShop (although they have yet to do anything about this.) They have banned people using public rom headers, though, but that was a while ago.

7) If I have homebrew/backups on my system, can I still use the E-Shop and play retail games online?
7-yes as long as you have a9lh or menuhax

8) How's emulation going? I'd want to emulate NES, SNES, GB/GBC, GBA, and if it's possible N64.
8-[For N3DS,] every platform you can think of except nds and n64. Otherwise, O3DS can use most emulators available but won't perform as well as N3DS due to emulators tending to rely on more power (which probably drains the battery really fast, too. Unsure.)

9) Do I need to buy a specific game to make things work? That cubic ninja game is over 100 bucks D:
9-no as long as you get one with fw lower than 10.5 which is probable. Otherwise, refer to Answer #1.

10) Is there anything else I should be asking? Sorry for the wall of questions, I know there's info out there but I don't know much about 3DS, hard to use FAQs without some base knowledge to build on haha
10-ask what you want it can't hurt

Im still on the opinion of op is getting a 3ds with less than 10.4 fw so he won't need games+PS / cn/sky3ds. Also a9lh is superior not menuhax(that awful thing)

 

[CrispyYoshi]

Im still on the opinion of op is getting a 3ds with less than 10.4 fw so he won't need games+PS / cn/sky3ds. Also a9lh is superior not menuhax(that awful thing)

You still don't need games on 10.5, as browserhax and menuhax were patched on 10.6. Be warned though, OP, that if you fail to downgrade and cannot access your home menu, you might have to update to latest firm, which will then require the hack-specified games.

I agree though: A9LH has more benefits than Menuhax, but it's not for everyone: It's a lengthy process that demands your attention and time, unless you want to risk a hardbrick.

 

[Davidosky99]

You still don't need games on 10.5, as browserhax and menuhax were patched on 10.6. Be warned though, OP, that if you fail to downgrade and cannot access your home menu, you might have to update to latest firm, which will then require the hack-specified games.

I agree though: A9LH has more benefits than Menuhax, but it's not for everyone: It's a lengthy process that demands your attention and time, unless you want to risk a hardbrick.

The risk is completely non existent if OP has eyes and is able to read and follow a guide without fucking around

 

[Froster]

Wait, why shouldn't I get a 3ds flash cart? I already have a dsi and a ds flash cart, so if 3ds backups don't work there isn't much point in buying the new handheld haha

You can have 3DS "backups" right on the sd (then on the Home Menu) for free so I don't see the point to buy a flashcart

 

[CrispyYoshi]

The risk is completely non existent if OP has eyes and is able to read and follow a guide without fucking around

Sorry, I need to re-clarify that A9LH does have more benefits than menuhax, but is a lengthy process that demands your attention and time, unless you want to risk a hardbrick.

 

[Davidosky99]

Wait, why shouldn't I get a 3ds flash cart? I already have a dsi and a ds flash cart, so if 3ds backups don't work there isn't much point in buying the new handheld haha

They're shit and useless compared to cias(games right on the home menu as they were legit)

 

[Shaun Dreclin]

I just checked and apparently I can only get the N3DSXL in Canada, they don't sell the normal size here.. RIP my small hands </3

So out of the box it should come with 10.5 or lower and I wont need any games to make it work.
I do have a friend who hasn't used his 3ds in a year or so, so I could probably use that with OOT if I'm forced to update for some reason.

Are there separate Canada/USA models or are they both just North American?

Didn't know I could put 3ds backups directly on the system, that's pretty awesome. Can 3ds homebrew/emus be loaded the same way?

For DS games I have an old DSTTi cart, would that be compatible with the N3DS or do I need to buy a new cart?

An entrypoint like A9LH/Menuhax (I'm guessing) is a bit of code that would run before the OS starts right? Once that's installed the entrypoint can inject it's own code to change how the OS behaves? What's a CFW then?

If A9LH is the more robust option I'll use it, I'm good at carefully following instructions
Regarding bricks, what are the chances of the system becoming non-recoverable, and where do I need to be extra careful?

For online play, a header is an identifier that is different for every purchased copy of a game, and nintendo has banned people for using public ones. But they haven't banned people (yet) for not using a header at all?
If I used a friend's retail cart to get its header and used that to play online, would they detect two people using the same header or is it more an issue when hundreds are using the same?

 

[Froster]

I just checked and apparently I can only get the N3DSXL in Canada, they don't sell the normal size here.. RIP my small hands </3

So out of the box it should come with 10.5 or lower and I wont need any games to make it work.
I do have a friend who hasn't used his 3ds in a year or so, so I could probably use that with OOT if I'm forced to update for some reason.

Are there separate Canada/USA models or are they both just North American?

Didn't know I could put 3ds backups directly on the system, that's pretty awesome. Can 3ds homebrew/emus be loaded the same way?

For DS games I have an old DSTTi cart, would that be compatible with the N3DS or do I need to buy a new cart?

An entrypoint like A9LH/Menuhax (I'm guessing) is a bit of code that would run before the OS starts right? Once that's installed the entrypoint can inject it's own code to change how the OS behaves? What's a CFW then?

If A9LH is the more robust option I'll use it, I'm good at carefully following instructions
Regarding bricks, what are the chances of the system becoming non-recoverable, and where do I need to be extra careful?

For online play, a header is an identifier that is different for every purchased copy of a game, and nintendo has banned people for using public ones. But they haven't banned people (yet) for not using a header at all?
If I used a friend's retail cart to get its header and used that to play online, would they detect two people using the same header or is it more an issue when hundreds are using the same?

1- Nope,they're both North Americans

2-Yeah some can do that.

3-iirc no,you'll need Acekard or R4i

4-A9LH it's a bit of code injected into FIRM 0 and FIRM 1,so it's loaded millisecond before the actual boot. While Menuhax is a payload that's loaded just when the Homemenu is booted. They're both kind of a 'coldboot',but a9lh has more features like brick recovery and such tho

5-Bricks are only user fault. You should be carefull on downgrades,while installing A9LH (if you're going to) and getting the otp,or while editing homemenu and OS.

6-I don't really know,never used Sky3DS or 3ds flash cards,but afaik you can't go online without a header.

7-Nah,I don't think so.

(Last 2 answers may be wrong 'cause,as I said, I don't know very much about flash cards.)

 

[Shaun Dreclin]

Is there any 3ds homebrew that needs a 3ds flashcart, or would it all be made for the old ds carts? Mainly thinking emulators here