Hacking N3DS XL Firmware by version number

[marksteele]

UPDATE: 1/6/2016: Recent developments have resulted in a way to downgrade 10.3< systems. That being said, these exploits are experimental and errors made during the downgrade process may brick your system. For a guide on how to do this click here. You do this at your own risk!

The US Standard N3DS (non-XL) comes with a minimum firmware version of 9.5. If you are looking for an exploitable console stay away from these.

At this point most systems will have a firmware above 9.2. You should work off the assumption that any serial number not on this list will be above 9.2.


Note: If your N3DS is missing either the 3d demonstration video (paper airplane video) for US systems or the Tomodachi Life demo for EU systems, it has likely been updated, so please don't post that system.


Huge thanks to BobDoleOwndU for his continued maintenance of this list. I've been crazy busy this month and his continued updates ensure people can buy with confidence.

Hey folks, I've been compiling a list of reported version numbers and what firmware they are running. Don't be afraid to ask staff where you buy your N3DS XL for a specific version, it's odd but they will prolly help you out. If you have a N3DS XL (especially one on 9.4 please post below with the following info)


Version Number (up to the first 4 digits):
Region:
Firmware:
System Color (checking a hunch):
Note: confirmed means 2 or more temp members have confirmed the version and firmware, or it has been confirmed with images

US Firmwares by version number:

disclaimer: I am not responsible for anyone purchasing the N3DS XL based on this list and getting the wrong firmware version. This list is based on reports by the gbatemp community and its accuracy can not be ensured.

9.9:
QW4057 (Hyrule) - Confirmed

QW1124 (Black)
QW1104 (Black)
QW1099 (Black)

QS4001 (White)

9.8:
QW1099 (Red)

YW7001 (White)

9.6:
QW4049 (Black/Red) - Confirmed

QW1087 (Black)
QW1084 (Red)
QW1073 (Red) - Confirmed
QW1067 (Red)
QW1066 (Black)
QW1048 (Red)

9.5:
QW4040 (Black)
QW4034 (Red)

QW1056 (Black)
QW1055 (Red)
QW1054 (Black)
QW1053 (Black)
QW1051 (Black)
QW1050 (Black) - Confirmed
QW1049 (Black)
QW1048 (Black)
QW1046 (Red)
QW1045 (Red)
QW1028 (Black)

9.4:
QW4032 (Black)
QW4028 (Red) - Confirmed
QW4027 (Red) - SEE MULTIPLE VERSIONS SECTION!
QW4026 (Red) - Confirmed
QW4023 (Red) - SEE MULTIPLE VERSIONS SECTION!
QW4022 (Black) - Confirmed
QW4021 (Black) - SEE MULTIPLE VERSIONS SECTION!
QW4014 (Red) - Confirmed

QW1047 (Black)
QW1044 (Black/MM LE)
QW1043 (Black)
QW1042 (MM LE) - Confirmed
QW1041 (MM LE) - Confirmed
QW1039 (MM LE) - Confirmed
QW1038 (MM LE) - Confirmed
QW1037 (Black) - SEE MULTIPLE VERSIONS SECTION!

9.2.0-20U:
QW4013 (MH4 UE) - Confirmed
QW4012 (MH4 UE) -Confirmed
QW4011 (Monster Hunter 4 ultimate edition) - Confirmed

9.0.0-20U:
QW4025 (Red) - Confirmed
QW4024 (Red) - Confirmed
QW4023 (Red) - SEE MULTIPLE VERSIONS SECTION!
QW4021 (Black) - SEE MULTIPLE VERSIONS SECTION!
QW4020 (Black) - Confirmed
QW4019 (Black) - Confirmed
QW4018 (Black/Red) - Confirmed
QW4017 (Black) - Confirmed
QW4016 (Black) - Confirmed
QW4015 (Black) - Confirmed
QW4014 (Black) - Confirmed
QW4011 (MM LE) - Confirmed
QW4010 (MM LE) - Confirmed
QW4009 (MM LE) - Confirmed
QW4008 (Black) - Confirmed
QW4007 (Black) - Confirmed
QW4006 (Majora's Mask Limited Edition)
QW4005 (Black) - Confirmed
QW4004 (Black) - Confirmed
QW4003 (Black) - Confirmed
QW4002 (Black) - Confirmed
QW4001 (Black) - Confirmed
QW4000 (Black) - Confirmed

QW1037 (Black) - SEE MULTIPLE VERSIONS SECTION!
QW1036 (Black) - Confirmed
QW1035 (Black) - Confirmed
QW1034 (Black/Red) - Confirmed
QW1033 (Red) - Confirmed
QW1032 (Black)
QW1031 (Black/Red) - Confirmed
QW1030 (Black) - Confirmed
QW1029 (Black) - Confirmed
QW1028 (Black) - Confirmed
QW1027 (Black/Red) - Confirmed
QW1026 (Black/Red) - Confirmed
QW1025 (Black) - Confirmed
QW1024 (Black) - Confirmed
QW1023 (Black/Red) - Confirmed
QW1022 (Black) - Confirmed
QW1021 (Black/Red) - Confirmed
QW1019 (Black/Red)
QW1018 (Red) - Confirmed
QW1017 (Red) - Confirmed
QW1016 (Red) - Confirmed
QW1015 (Red) - Confirmed
QW1014 (Red)
QW1013 (Red) - Confirmed
QW1012 (Red) - Confirmed
QW1011 (Red) - Confirmed
QW1010 (Red) - Confirmed
QW1009 (Black) - Confirmed
QW1008 (Red)
QW1007 (Red) - Confirmed
QW1006 (Red) - Confirmed
QW1005 (Black)- Confirmed
QW1004 (Black) - Confirmed
QW1003 (Black) - Confirmed
QW1002 (Black) - Confirmed
QW1000 (Black) - Confirmed


Multiple Versions:
(Please confirm these versions using SIX numbers of the serial)

QW4027 (Red) (9.0/9.4)

• QW402767 (9.4)
• QW402735 (9.4)
• QW402730 (9.0)

QW4023 (Red) (9.0/9.4)

QW4021 (Black) (9.0/9.4)

QW4011 (9.0/9.2)

QW4008 (9.0/9.2)

• QW400898 (9.2)
• QW400885 (9.2)

QW1037 (9.0/9.4)

• QW103748 (9.4)

Unconfirmed reports:
(These are reports that don't match the current pattern)

QW1007 has been reported as black when red has been the confirmed colour
QW4012 has been reported as an MM LE system and an MH4 UE system
QW4011 has been reported as an MM LE system and an MH4 UE system
QW4007 has been reported as an MM LE system and a black system
QW4005 has been reported as both black and MM LE


EU Firmwares by version number:

9.9:
QEH1082 (Blue)

YAM1000 (Black) - Confirmed

YEM1039 (White)

9.8:
QEF1025 (Black)

9.6:
QEH1056 (Black) - Confirmed

YEM1032 (Black)

YEF1014 (Black)

9.5:
QEH1044 (Black)
QEH1042 (Blue)
QEH1040 (MM LE) - Confirmed
QEH1039 (MM LE) - Confirmed
QEH1023 (Black) - SEE MULTIPLE VERSIONS SECTION!

QEF1016 (Black)
QEF1013 (Black)
QEF1009 (Blue)

YEF1020 (White)

9.4:
QEH1035 (Blue)
QEH1032 (Black) - Confirmed
QEH1031 (Black)
QEH1030 (Black) - Confirmed
QEH1029 (Blue) - Confirmed
QEH1028 (Black/Blue) - Confirmed
QEH1027 (Black)
QEH1026 (Black)
QEH1025 (Black/Blue)
QEH1015 (Black) - SEE MULTIPLE VERSIONS SECTION!

QEF1005 (Blue)
QEF1004 (Blue)
QEF1002 (Black) - Confirmed
QEF1001 (Black)

9.2.0-20E:
QEH1021 (MH4 UE)
QEH1020 (MH4 UE) - Confirmed

QAH1000

9.0.0-20E:
QEH1044 (Black) - Confirmed
QEH1034 (Blue)
QEH1033 (Blue)
QEH1025 (Blue)
QEH1024 (Blue) - Confirmed
QEH1023 (Black) - SEE MULTIPLE VERSIONS SECTION!
QEH1022 (MM LE) - Confirmed
QEH1021 (MM LE) - Confirmed
QEH1019 (MM LE)
QEH1018 (MM LE) - Confirmed
QEH1017 (MM LE) - Confirmed
QEH1016 (Black) - Confirmed
QEH1015 (Black) - SEE MULTIPLE VERSIONS SECTION!
QEH1013 (Black)
QEH1014 (Black/Blue) - Confirmed
QEH1012 (Blue) - Confirmed
QEH1011 (Black/Blue) - Confirmed
QEH1009 (Blue) - Confirmed
QEH1008 (Black) - Confirmed
QEH1007 (Blue)
QEH1006 (Black/Blue) - Confirmed
QEH1005 (Black/Blue)
QEH1004 (Black) - Confirmed
QEH1003 (Black/Blue) - Confirmed
QEH1002 (Black/Blue) - Confirmed
QEH1001 (Black/Blue) - Confirmed
QEH1000 (Black/Blue) - Confirmed

QAH1008 (MM LE)
QAH1007 (Blue/MM LE)
QAH1006 (Black)
QAH1005 (Black)
QAH1004 - Confirmed
QAH1003 (Black) - Confirmed

QAF1008 (Blue)
QAF1007 (Black) - Confirmed
QAF1006 (Black)
QAF1005 (Black)
QAF1004 (Blue) - Confirmed

YEM1015 (Black) - Confirmed
YEM1014 (Black) - Confirmed
YEM1013 (Black) - Confirmed
YEM1010 (Black) - Confirmed
YEM1009 - Confirmed
YEM1008 (Black) - Confirmed
YEM1007 (Black/White) - Confirmed
YEM1006 (Black) - Confirmed
YEM1001

YEF1009 (White)
YEF1008 (White)
YEF1007 (White)
YEF1006 (White)
YEF1000 (White) - Confirmed

YAF1003 (White)
YAF1002

Multiple Versions:
(Please confirm these versions using SIX numbers of the serial)

QEH1023 (Black) (9.0/9.5)

QEH1015 (Black) (9.0/9.4)

Unconfirmed reports:
(These are reports that don't match the current pattern)

QAF1004 has been reported as MM LE and MH4 UE


JP Firmwares by version number:

9.9:
YJF1049

9.6:
QJF1115 (Blue/White)

9.1.0-20J:
QJF1089 (Black) - Confirmed
QJF1048 (Blue) - Confirmed

YJM1045 (Black)

8.1.0J:
QJF1029 (Black)
QJF1025 (SSB LE)
QJF1022 (Black)

QJH1018 (Blue)

YJF1036 (Black)
YJF1015 (White)

YJM1029 (White) - Confirmed
YJM1026 (White) - Confirmed
YJM1022 (White) - Confirmed
YJM1015 (Black)
YJM1001 (Black)

 

[savvyMatthew]

Mine should be confirmed posted everything. QW4026

In fact looks like 4026 is the first ones with 9.4

 

[ShadowOne333]

We should all avoid QW4026 right now if we want Gateway compatible software.

I will be buying mine in like 4 hours or so after I get out of work, let's hope I find a good suitable New 3DS with SN in the range of QW1000-4025

 

[marksteele]

Mine should be confirmed posted everything. QW4026

In fact looks like 4026 is the first ones with 9.4

didn't post images of the serial number though

But yes it does look like QW4026 is the first system with 9.4

 

[savvyMatthew]

didn't post images of the serial number though

But yes it does look like QW4026 is the first system with 9.4

I did ?

I'm on my phone remember. ( I don't even know if that was you ) but yea there on the thread.

Edit: pics http://imgur.com/8C1TnMl
http://imgur.com/tdG2oRr

And sorry wasn't you lol... screen to small can't see the names.

 

[ShadowOne333]

Add QW1010 with version 9.0U

 

[Lockerzpoints2]

Anyone know where to buy one with these versions below 9.2 online?
I called my best buy, they don't have any... Same with my Gamestop. Now I'm at risk of the "new" shipment.

 

[GothicIII]

EU (AUS)Console:
9.0.0-20E
QAF1005

 

[marksteele]

Anyone know where to buy one with these versions below 9.2 online?
I called my best buy, they don't have any... Same with my Gamestop. Now I'm at risk of the "new" shipment.

try the bestbuy website and go to various stores that have them and reserve. You might have to drive a little but thats what I've done for now

(3 stores reserved 1 console at each, although you can reserve up to 3)

 

[savvyMatthew]

I wanna say non reserved one's have a higher chance of being over 4026 or more.

 

[Zerosix]

Anyone know where to buy one with these versions below 9.2 online?
I called my best buy, they don't have any... Same with my Gamestop. Now I'm at risk of the "new" shipment.

I got mine at toys r us today.

 

[Adeka]

Where are these located on the box? I'm assuming on the bottom. Just want to make sure I know what i'm looking for when I go out to get one today

 

[Zerosix]

Where are these located on the box? I'm assuming on the bottom. Just want to make sure I know what i'm looking for when I go out to get one today

Mine was on the side and it said serial above it. It is hard to miss! Goodluck!

 

[Lockerzpoints2]

I've called around.. Most of my places are sold out, which sucks. Either they didn't have enough prepared inventory or there were too many people. Double sucks. I have to order online now but I run the risk of 9.5.

 

[Zerosix]

I've called around.. Most of my places are sold out, which sucks. Either they didn't have enough prepared inventory or there were too many people. Double sucks. I have to order online now but I run the risk of 9.5.

This thing is a sleeper hit. Who knew a rehash 3ds would sell so well opening day. This is not really a new system after all. Not sure I can fault em with issues with stocking.

 

[savvyMatthew]

Wow it so sucks being QW4026... Almost made it lol

If you're in the store look for anything under 4026

 

[DSlite2]

I know this might sound like a silly question but my AUS 3DS XL box didn't show the serial number on the outside of the box. Can anyone with a USA 3DS XL confirm that the serial is visible on the outside of the box?

EDIT: sorry I just saw the posts above this answering my question

 

[Zerosix]

I know this might sound like a silly question but my AUS 3DS XL box didn't show the serial number on the outside of the box. Can anyone with a USA 3DS XL confirm that the serial is visible on the outside of the box?

Mine was!

 

[marksteele]

I have one and can confirm

 

[ShadowOne333]

I know this might sound like a silly question but my AUS 3DS XL box didn't show the serial number on the outside of the box. Can anyone with a USA 3DS XL confirm that the serial is visible on the outside of the box?

I agree.

Could someone add a pic of the box with the part of the SN visible?
Just remember to cover up the last digits of the SN with a black box or something