Hacking N3DS XL Firmware by version number

[caffolote]

Can you browse different firmware version numbers at GameStop before buying a N3DS?

 

[Hammyface]

Can you browse different firmware version numbers at GameStop before buying a N3DS?

Not unless they were used. Or else they'd be opening them all up and could no longer sell them as new.

 

[Hammyface]

Can confirm black US console QW1026 has 9.0.

 

[Hammyface]

If any member here (48 US states only) needs a 9.0 new3DS, let me know.They are available (though not many) in my area. I don't mind shipping them to GBAtemp members as a small "thank you" for all the work everyone here does. I don't even want an extra penny; just for shipping.

I do recommend you look locally (since shipping w/signature confirmation can be expensive) but if you are all out of options, PM me. Sorry but I have to keep the offer to members with a decent history so I don't get someone using a fake Paypal account or something.

 

[OrangeFlavored]

NA region, just picked up a Black N3DSXL at Walmart, serial QW1030 and it's at 9.0

 

[tekno18]

Can confirm black US console QW1026 has 9.0.

Hi shipped from wallmart online March 3, Arrived at Friday 5, QW1026 black, Firm 9.0 too, thanks to this forum i already knew the firmware before i opened.

 

[.44 Magnum]

New 3DS XL (Metallic Black), USA, QW4020XXXX X, 9.0.0-20U

 

[Lush]

Black USA N3DS QW1022 9.0.0-20U EB Games Canada

 

[tehdopefish]

New3DS
Version Number: QW4016
Region: Canada
Firmware: 9.0.0-20U
System Color: Black

 

[YourHero]

My Walmart has 4 red consoles with serial qw1017. In theory these should fall under 9.0 right? When I get money I think I'm gonna test my luck. Now that we can boot gw on it.

 

[Hammyface]

My Walmart has 4 red consoles with serial qw1017. In theory these should fall under 9.0 right? When I get money I think I'm gonna test my luck. Now that we can boot gw on it.

Definitely should be good.

What I found interesting is I've been running around for days looking for new3DS XL consoles and so far only one store had ONE new3ds XL that began with a 4 (QW4014). This is interesting because it is the only QW4xxxxx I have found; all others have been QW1xxxx. I wonder why this is.

Though probably anecdotal I also found that the QW4xxxxx had the best screen quality, and was also the only one that had an oddly difficult-to-slide volume slider. Not sure if that was just a coincidence or what, but for black consoles I only found one QW4xxxx console to date. QW1s everywhere, though! Weird.

 

[Dust2dust]

Though probably anecdotal I also found that the QW4xxxxx had the best screen quality, and was also the only one that had an oddly difficult-to-slide volume slider. Not sure if that was just a coincidence or what, but for black consoles I only found one QW4xxxx console to date. QW1s everywhere, though! Weird.

Can you elaborate on this "best screen quality" aspect of the QW4? Bottom or top screen? What are the main differences that you notice, compared to the QW1? If you have both units at home, would it be feasible to post a side-by-side comparison picture (highest quality that your camera allows). I'm just curious.

 

[Hammyface]

Can you elaborate on this "best screen quality" aspect of the QW4? Bottom or top screen? What are the main differences that you notice, compared to the QW1? If you have both units at home, would it be feasible to post a side-by-side comparison picture (highest quality that your camera allows). I'm just curious.

It's an issue called Multiplexing (also referred to as the "scanline effect" that was commonly seen on the GBA, DSi, etc.

If you cannot see it, I recommend you not look for it. I see it on every single new3DS that's out there, but on my QW4xxxx it's a little bit less obvious.

Here is a video that might show you it:



Again if you enjoy your sanity, don't look for it. Especially since I have not come across a new3DS that didn't have it.

 

[Jerevicious]

Just signed up to post. I got a Black N3DSXL at Target today. It's QW1029. It has 9.0.0-20U on it.

 

[BobDoleOwndU]

Updated the original post with new posts/confirmations.

 

[caffolote]

So what stores can you browse the boxes of the N3DS for their firmware numbers? Anyone know?

 

[Dust2dust]

It's an issue called Multiplexing (also referred to as the "scanline effect" that was commonly seen on the GBA, DSi, etc.

If you cannot see it, I recommend you not look for it. I see it on every single new3DS that's out there, but on my QW4xxxx it's a little bit less obvious.

Thank you! I must admit I didn't really see it on this small clip, but I'll take a look on my N3DS. Although truth be told, scanlines never bothered me much... I'm an old gamer

 

[Dust2dust]

So what stores can you browse the boxes of the N3DS for their firmware numbers? Anyone know?

I had good luck at Walmart. The serial is printed on the left-hand side of the box, so depending how they stack up the boxes in the display case you might find it very easy to check the serials without even asking for a store clerk. That's how it was for me.

 

[Hammyface]

Thank you! I must admit I didn't really see it on this small clip, but I'll take a look on my N3DS. Although truth be told, scanlines never bothered me much... I'm an old gamer

I love scanlines too but only for retro games, but these aren't really scanlines away. They are more like "rolling lines" that only appear when you gently move the console.

So what stores can you browse the boxes of the N3DS for their firmware numbers? Anyone know?

Target.

 

[tony_2018]

I had good luck at Walmart. The serial is printed on the left-hand side of the box, so depending how they stack up the boxes in the display case you might find it very easy to check the serials without even asking for a store clerk. That's how it was for me.

Walmart store clerks allow you to pick what you want, just ask. I did that, one hand holding my phone with the list of serial and the other hand picking up a n3dsxl to view the serial #. They don't care.