Hacking Safe to start installing CFW?

[onlypuppy7]

Currently, I have an old 3DS XL that is on firmware 4.5.0. I have installed the Gateway custom firmware and I want to update to a Luma3DS setup. I will use this for this. I am soon going to buy a micro SD card for it and I have (a lot - sorry) questions:

1. Should I get a micro SD or just a normal SD? Micro SDs are more convenient but I'll buy an SD if the performance is better.
2. In the state I'm in, do I just follow the instructions assuming I'm in "stock" or do I have to uninstall the Gateway CFW?
3. I want a really good selection of games (all Mario, Zelda etc) how big does my micro SD/SD card need to be? I'm thinking around 50 games.
4. Is there anything else I should know?

 

[Lacius]

I am soon going to buy a micro SD card for it and I have (a lot - sorry) questions:

Alternatively, you could use the microSD card in your Gateway red cartridge.

1. Should I get a micro SD or just a normal SD? Micro SDs are more convenient but I'll buy an SD if the performance is better.

Both work just fine. Normal SD cards are typically cheaper.

2. In the state I'm in, do I just follow the instructions assuming I'm in "stock" or do I have to uninstall the Gateway CFW?

Just follow it like you're on stock. If the Soundhax method doesn't work, you always have the option of using the MSET method with your Gateway blue cartridge on 4.5.0:
https://3ds.hacks.guide/installing-boot9strap-(mset).html

When you get to the Finalizing Setup guide, make sure you transfer your emuNAND to your sysNAND if you have one.

3. I want a really good selection of games (all Mario, Zelda etc) how big does my micro SD/SD card need to be? I'm thinking around 50 games.

I have approximately 50 games, and they total about 42GB. That means you should have an SD card that's at least 64GB. That being said, I use a 32GB SD card, since I really don't need all of those games on my 3DS at once.

 

[onlypuppy7]

Thank you, the micro SD in my gateway was very small (2gb), so I won't use that pathetic card.

When you get to the Finalizing Setup guide, make sure you transfer your emuNAND to your sysNAND if you have one.

I am not sure if I have a emuNAND, how do I check?

 

[Lacius]

Thank you, the micro SD in my gateway was very small (2gb), so I won't use that pathetic card.

I am not sure if I have a emuNAND, how do I check?

Boot into Gateway. Is it on 4.5.0 or something else?

 

[onlypuppy7]

Boot into Gateway. Is it on 4.5.0 or something else?

When booting into Gateway, everything appears to stay the same. The version is 4.5.0-9E in Gateway and normally

 

[Lacius]

When booting into Gateway, everything appears to stay the same. The version is 4.5.0-9E in Gateway and normally

It sounds like you aren't using an emuNAND. You can check your SD partitions using your computer, but that's probably unnecessary.

 

[onlypuppy7]

It sounds like you aren't using an emuNAND. You can check your SD partitions using your computer, but that's probably unnecessary.

So then, I guess I have nothing to worry about, right?

 

[Lacius]

So then, I guess I have nothing to worry about, right?

That is correct. Just follow the guide exactly.

 

[onlypuppy7]

Thanks again greatly for your help! It is appreciated.