Hacking So... About that Powersaves device...

[drfsupercenter]

Since it works with a ton of new games, does that mean that they've successfully decrypted the encrypted 3DS saves? This would be useful for save-sharing, not just using their 100% completed "obviously I cheated on this game" saves...

But nobody wants to answer me. Hmm, maybe that thing is just complete bogus and doesn't actually work with saves that aren't yours, like everything else?

 

[Huntereb]

They haven't done shit with the saves yet, all the device does is it copies the save data off a chip and lets you replace it with another save. We can't modify the saves yet, the people who release the saves just complete the game to a considerable point and release them as "Power saves".

 

[drfsupercenter]

I don't think you understand the point.

3DS saves are encrypted meaning you cannot put a save on your game that came from someone else's cartridge. It simply won't work - the game realizes it's a different save and deletes it.

The early encryption used by launch titles was figured out, and as such we can decrypt some very early games, BUT, only old ones. Nothing new like Mario Kart, NSMB2, etc work, and nothing newer than that.

So the fact that PowerSaves lists that it works with MK7, NSMB2 and so on means either:
A. Datel has actually figured out the encryption, so that these "power saves" are encrypted with your cartridge's unique key
B. Datel is full of crap and the saves don't work

I find A to be highly unlikely, but knowing them, I don't think B is true either.

Discuss.

 

[Huntereb]

Not saying I don't believe you, but link me to a page that talks about what we currently know about 3DS saves.

 

[drfsupercenter]

http://3dbrew.org/wiki/Savegames

Doesn't mention what can and can't be decrypted, but I haven't seen anyone actually able to decrypt anything newer themselves.

 

[Skeet1983]

They haven't done shit with the saves yet, all the device does is it copies the save data off a chip and lets you replace it with another save. We can't modify the saves yet, the people who release the saves just complete the game to a considerable point and release them as "Power saves".

If what you say is right, then how come the device took a save I ALREADY HAD and modified it, and still was at the EXACT same point in the game? Yes you can use their saves, but you can also use your own. I would know because I actually have the 3DS Powersaves device.

 

[Skeet1983]

I don't think you understand the point.

3DS saves are encrypted meaning you cannot put a save on your game that came from someone else's cartridge. It simply won't work - the game realizes it's a different save and deletes it.

The early encryption used by launch titles was figured out, and as such we can decrypt some very early games, BUT, only old ones. Nothing new like Mario Kart, NSMB2, etc work, and nothing newer than that.

So the fact that PowerSaves lists that it works with MK7, NSMB2 and so on means either:
A. Datel has actually figured out the encryption, so that these "power saves" are encrypted with your cartridge's unique key
B. Datel is full of crap and the saves don't work

I find A to be highly unlikely, but knowing them, I don't think B is true either.

Discuss.

I can confirm that NSMB2 works. I used Powersave device to modify my existing save with max lives.

 

[drfsupercenter]

Right, I tried using one of those R4i saves for NSMB2 and it didn't work - because of the encryption. The decryption/encryption tool failed since it was too new. I tested it, too, it just wiped the save as soon as I booted the game.

So they definitely figured something out. Have any of the hackers here figured out how to decrypt saves themselves too or are we going to have to buy some proprietary hardware? I already have two save dongles (R4i and NDS Adaptor Plus), would hate to have to buy MORE just to download saves.

 

[Skeet1983]

Right, I tried using one of those R4i saves for NSMB2 and it didn't work - because of the encryption. The decryption/encryption tool failed since it was too new. I tested it, too, it just wiped the save as soon as I booted the game.

So they definitely figured something out. Have any of the hackers here figured out how to decrypt saves themselves too or are we going to have to buy some proprietary hardware? I already have two save dongles (R4i and NDS Adaptor Plus), would hate to have to buy MORE just to download saves.

You agree with me? I am confused.

 

[drfsupercenter]

No, I'm just saying that NSMB2 is an example of a newer game that doesn't work with existing decryption tools.

 

[Skeet1983]

Yeah it is newer, but Mario and Luigi Dream Team is newer than that and it too works with Datel's 3DS Powersaves.