It's here!

​

Info

@Normmatt has created a way to run B9S .firm files from bootrom via a DSi Flashcard and a magnet! This works on every 3DS on any firmware version.

For installation without a PC, user @TheCyberQuake has created a pack which will automatically install B9S and copy over essential starter homebrew from the flashcard's SD to the 3DS's. This will mainly be used for PC-less B9S installations. If you have a PC with you, use 3ds.guide. Read more here: https://gbatemp.net/threads/481141/

How does this work?

This works because of a flaw in the bootrom. Before the bootrom boots the NAND, it checks to see if Start+Select+X is held down, and if the shell is closed. If these requirements are met, it will boot an NDS cartridge from the bootrom. This give that cartridge bootrom access. You might be wondering how you'd hold down buttons while the shell is closed, and why you need a magnet. If you put a magnet in a specific spot on the 3DS, it will go into sleep mode. Using this, you can boot the NDS cartridge with the buttons held down while in sleep mode! Using a reflashable flashcard, you can boot B9SInstaller using the flashcard, and easily install it on your 3DS.

The 2DS doesn't need a magnet since a switch puts it to sleep instead of a magnet.

What does this mean?

1. Any 3DS model on any firmware can be hacked with minimal effort
2. You can unbrick any 3DS model from any type of brick.
   - Remember, you don't need a NAND backup for this. Just do a CTRTransfer.
   - This does not apply to MCU bricks.
3. Even consoles with fried NAND, or even the NAND chip physically removed, can use this

This is incredibly impressive stuff, and will most likely be released soon! edit: now!

FAQ

Q: Can Nintendo patch this?
A: Nope! Not without a new hardware revision.

Q: My flashcard is blocked by my firmware! Can I still use this?
A: Yes! The flashcard blacklist is not enabled on the bootrom.

Q: Why can't this work with my flashcard?
A: The installation requires you to flash NTRBoot to the flashcard's nand. Most DS flashcards, such as the original R4, have a ROM, which is not flashable.

Q: Can I install NTRBoot on my flashcard without another 3DS system?
A: If you can run NDS roms on your 3DS with it, then yes. If it's blocked on your 3DS version, then you'll need another 3DS system to use it.

Q: Will my 3DS flashcard work?
A: No, only the NDSi flashcards listed above.

Q: Will any other flash cards work?
A: Only the ones listed in the OP. However keep in mind that flashcards such as the DSTT, Supercard DS2 and R4 SDHC Dualcore are planned to be supported in the future.

Q: I tried to do this with my cartridge and it didn't work?
A: It doesn't work with regular DS cards.

Q: Can I unbrick from a ____ brick?
A: Considering the card has access to the bootrom, yes! This can unbrick any brick (except MCU), unless you've taken a knife to the motherboard.

Q: Can I install B9S on the latest firmware with this?
A: Again, since the card has access to the bootrom, you can do this easily! Just plug in your flashcard, boot up using the magnet and button combination, and install.

Q: Does this work on the New Nintendo 2DS XL?
A: Yes!

Release
Guide
Free NTRBoot Flashing
Free B9S Installations

Here is SciresM's post about this

Please see SciresM's presentation on bootromhax.​

 

[c4388354]

@linuxares: That is the same data that I got when using Decrypt9WIP to dump the AK2I (NDS Flashcart Options > Dump AK2i)

 

[linuxares]

@linuxares: That is the same data that I got when using Decrypt9WIP to dump the AK2I (NDS Flashcart Options > Dump AK2i)

Ah I see, so it's junk then.
EDIT: Manage to redump it after 5 retries. Going to double check it.
EDIT2: Compared backups, they are exactly the same.

 

[democracy]

a

An easy way would be if someone re-compiled the source code to point to something other than boot.firm

ahh, good point, I may try to compile then

 

[sion_zaphod]

leave the sleep button in the sleep position, then turn on while holding the other buttons.

My 2ds was bricked from a previous arm9lh install. I have tried what you said over and over. blank screen and the power light stays on until i hold power to shuydown

 

[linuxares]

Okey I got it flashed eventually but just sitting and retrying and retrying over and over.

 

[Lindorel]

Will be possible use the r4 gold pro 2017 for this?

This FC:

 

[linuxares]

Okey the card works. So for you that got problem witk AK2i HW81, try and try again until it takes. I'm going to try to restore it to the original state (maybe I will cheat and use Decrypt9?)

EDIT: Restore successful!

 

[c4388354]

Yeah, Mines flashing now, its at 33% but seems really slow... hope its working...
I just sat there ejecting and reinserting the card trying to inject option until It started flashing (took at least 50+ tries)

Just hope I don't perma-brick my acekard2i (although doesn't really matter as I have gateway blue card for DS roms)
I have a 3DS-Xl on 11.2 stock firmware that I can test it on (yeah, I know there are other hacks but I want to try this one)

 

[linuxares]

@Lia
Can you maybe add in OP that the installer seem somewhat buggy for AK2i HW81. You have to retry and retry again until it works.

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

Yeah, Mines flashing now, its at 33% but seems really slow... hope its working...
I just sat there ejecting and reinserting the card trying to inject option until It started flashing (took at least 50+ tries)

Don't eject it. Then you have to start over. I think if you just let it rest in the 3DS for a couple of minutes it will find it eventually.

 

[HughWattmate]

Worked for me but had to do some stuff as it said not supported at first. Had a few issues with contact had to clean them all off. Wasn't sure what HW version it was also so had to put AKAIO back on an SD card boot it up and press start go to more then help and it showed it was HW81 . Installed flawless once the contact issues were sorted.

If you are having issues suggest you do as i did install AKAIO again, boot from the Acekard 2i card to check its all working. When you can boot into AKAIO turn 3DS off and then hold start and power up follow the 3ds guide.

 

[jerbear64]

Is it normal that AK2i HW81is still bootable on Luma after injecting ntrboot? It shows up as "Acekard 2i" on my 2DS XL after injecting. It did this before injecting ntrboot as well as I had downgraded the cart, however I changed the header to Deep Labyrinth as per Lilith Valentine's post.
The card also isn't bootable on my DSi (shows up as nothing in the card slot) so I'm assuming it's injected properly.

 

[democracy]

....

 

[SkyDX]

Can I still use the Acekard 2i normally after flashing NTRBoot? And what's this about injecting the Deep Labyrinth header?

 

[Axorve]

So my acekard2i don't work with, not good modele.

I'm so sad rofl

 

[jerbear64]

Can I still use the Acekard 2i normally after flashing NTRBoot? And what's this about injecting the Deep Labyrinth header?

According to Lilith Valentine the ntrboot flasher won't work unless the Acekard's on an update where it was compatible with the 3DS rather than just the DSi.

Also my Acekard functions normally after an inject, but I don't have any unmodified devices to test it with. All I know is that it doesn't show up in the DSi, so I assume it flashed ntrboot properly. So maybe it's the case with all Acekards, I'm not sure.

 

[Snooli]

Can I still use the Acekard 2i normally after flashing NTRBoot? And what's this about injecting the Deep Labyrinth header?

yes and no. It won't, but the guide includes instructions for flashing it back.

 

[SkyDX]

According to Lilith Valentine the ntrboot flasher won't work unless the Acekard's on an update where it was compatible with the 3DS rather than just the DSi.

Also my Acekard functions normally after an inject, but I don't have any unmodified devices to test it with. All I know is that it doesn't show up in the DSi, so I assume it flashed ntrboot properly. So maybe it's the case with all Acekards, I'm not sure.

yes and no. It won't, but the guide includes instructions for flashing it back.

Wait now I'm confused, so can I still use AKAIO with it after flashing NTRBoot or not? You both say something different And my Acekard is already recognized as Deep Labyrinth so I'm good I guess.

 

[jerbear64]

Wait now I'm confused, so can I still use AKAIO with it after flashing NTRBoot or not? You both say something different And my Acekard is already recognized as Deep Labyrinth so I'm good I guess.

Apparently? I'm confused as well, I thought the Acekard was supposed to be nonfunctional while ntrboot was on it.

 

[DocKlokMan]

a

ahh, good point, I may try to compile then

Just FYI, it's not NTRboot_Flasher you would alter and recompile, it's boot9strap. See the things you need to change here: boot.firm references

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

Apparently? I'm confused as well, I thought the Acekard was supposed to be nonfunctional while ntrboot was on it.

How do you launch your Acekard? From the Home Menu?

 

[rileysrjay]

So can I do the powersaves method yet?