It appears that users are being banned from 3DS online services, en masse. There's no direct cause right now, and seemingly no linking factor. This post is meant as an announcement for users, to be wary, and that GBAtemp will keep you updated as soon as more info rolls in. If you have been banned, please post in the thread below, and we will try to keep tabs on the situation. To be extra sure, it can't hurt to turn off your 3DS's wireless capabilities, so you might as well do that for now.

Edit 1: it appears that e-Shop access isn't restricted if you are banned.

Edit 2: A caller to Nintendo reported that the company said this ban is due to "unauthorized software usage".

Edit 3: @LinkSoraZelda is collecting info. Contact him if you are banned.

Edit 4: Click and fill this out if you were BANNED.

Edit 5:

[11:28:19 PM] Clector: Curiously the page of that error in Nintendo Support website used to have this:Error Code: 002-0102 Situation: You receive the error code 002-0102 when attempting to connect online. What to Do: If you continue to experience this issue, please contact Nintendo by calling 1-800-255-3700. Representatives are available from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Pacific Time, 7 days a week.
[11:28:44 PM] Clector: Now it says this: What to Do: If you are experiencing this error code, your Nintendo 3DS family system has been banned due to unauthorized system modifications, play of unauthorized versions of one or more games, and/or connecting to the official game servers in violation of our terms of service. This ban is effective immediately and requests to remove the ban will not be processed.

Thanks to @Joom

Edit 6: Aurora Wright is taking another poll here

Edit 7: Not a lot is known but

There are bans happening, they are happening in all regions.
All models in the 3ds family seem to be candidates for banning.
There is no indication they will be anything other than permanent.
A game or DLC may end up being a cause but there is no one game or DLC that ties banned users together.
The cause or causes are as yet unknown, though it does seem to be related to modifications. Reports of unmodified consoles being banned are as yet unproven.
The banning is tied to something you can modify, thus you can unban. Doing it while the causes are unknown is likely only going to burn a working token though.
There are semi public tokens out there, Nintendo knows how to browse a forum as well as you so don't be surprised if they also get banned.
It does not seem to be limited to a given base firmware version, it does not seem to be limited to any one custom firmware type. There is some speculation that older hacking methods are not being hit as hard but nothing to confirm this yet.
The data collection could have happened this morning, or it could have been months in the making.
A simple check to see is checking your friends list, by itself it will not ban you.
Some are turning their wifi off. It is doubtful this will be of much use and being banned does not seem to come with any downsides that wifi being off will not also mimic.
You may have escaped a ban thus far but it could happen at any point. It could be that they stop in the future, it has happened on other consoles, but you would be living in hope rather than any particularly well founded logic.
The bans are done on the side of Nintendo's servers rather than your 3ds so there is also that.

If you hack your devices/games then their online functionality may be troubled. This has been known for decades, Nintendo seems to have finally caught up with that.

Please continue to share information with the thread or the links in previous edits.

Update 5/30

HOW TO HELP AVOID BANS (we think)​

If I was to guess from the information we have gathered since the ban wave, it seems likely that they are looking for TitleIDs that don't exist. Homebrew shows up in the activity log as the Download Play app, and fake CIA's show up as just ??????. That last one is what I'm guessing they are looking for.

If you are not banned yet or before you unban yourself, go into your friends list, choose settings, and turn off the option to "show friends what game you are playing." This will prevent you from playing games online with friends, so turn it back on when you wanna game with someone, but ALWAYS keep it off when running custom CIAs. Next, go into system settings -> internet settings -> spotpass, and turn off BOTH options. One is auto download software, the other sends system information to Nintendo. Also, make sure you don't have your favorite title set to something stupid like FBI or any other non-Nintendo CIA.

Its VERY likely that these options are what tipped off Nintendo, but we aren't 100% certain yet. The amount of banned people that had one of these options turned on was over 80% for each. If I was to assume that some of those people overlap, its very possible (but not confirmed) that 100% of banned people in the survey had at least one of those options turned on. I personally had all of them off and I have TONS of reasons for Nintendo to ban me.... yet I am not banned (yet).

Another bit of advice: Only run custom CIAs when offline, and after you close them, run a "legit" game like Smash Bros. or something before shutting down or going back online. This way your most recent title won't show up as a fake CIA

Current Theories as to what causes a ban
​

* SpotPass Settings: 8 users out of 46 users that were banned have SpotPass completely shut off, or SpotPass only (no friends list visibility)
* Firmware Version (Luma, Nintendo): Literally all reports ranged from 10.2+, I can get exact numbers for this if you'd like, but all firmwares were affected.
* Firmware Type (A9LH, B9S): 44 of the 126 B9S users that answered were banned, pattern was mirrored for A9LH users as well.
* Homebrew Titles such as FBI, HBL, Luma Updater, Themely, and freeShop: Literally about 98% of users both banned and unbanned had some combination of these applications installed. However the common ones were: FBI, HBL, LumaUpdater and NTR.
* Save Modification: Equal amounts of users on both sides have reported save modification in some form, either with PKSM or another save editor
* System Transfers: 188 users said that they had not previously system transfered, 61 of those users were banned; 16 users said they transferred from a hacked console, only three of them received a ban; 13 said they transferred from a stock system and likewise were banned. The rest of our sample did not answer this question.
* Activity Log Information: A majority of those who have not been banned have said they had NOT cleaned their activity logs. I can get exact numbers for this too on request.

This information is just what I've found. Like I said, there could be variables or things we haven't even checked for yet. But these are things that I feel should be disproven, at least with the current dataset we have.

• From the information that we've gathered from some people that have used a packet sniffer such as WireShark, the following data is sent to Nintendo's online gaming servers as soon as the 3DS connects to the internet:
  • Amount of time spent online (timer stops when either the system is disconnected from the internet, or connection drops out, then starts the timer again in a new session when it reconnects to the internet).
  • The game being played and amount of time spent on it during that session.
  • The console's unique hexadecimal ID used in the LocalFriendCodeSeedB, along with it's RSA-signed signature.
  • The console's serial number in which is broadcasted from the SoC and is hard coded in the SoC.
  • Friend Code generated on the Nintendo 3DS system, if one has been generated.
  • Internet connection status (either online or offline).
  • The Nintendo Network ID, if there is one linked to it.
  • Even if the sending of SpotPass Information is switched off, or even hiding your currently playing games. It does not prevent the system from sending currently playing information to Nintendo's online gaming servers, it only hides it from your friends in your friend list (like being invisible on the forum, while mods and admins can still see you). Why? Because even people without a Friend Code on their system have been getting banned too!

• The following data is NOT sent to Nintendo's online gaming servers:
  • The data from the Nintendo 3DS's Activity Log. Oddly enough, while Nintendo does explicitly state that they collect Activity Log data, they're actually referring to their own server's Activity Log, which always tracks every console's online activity, and keeps a record of them that is stored forever. And is only collected in increments of data through a timer and a currently playing list.
    
  • Games or apps that have not been played, regardless if they're legitimate or not. You only get tracked when you're online and using that game or app.
  • Using games or apps while offline. Even though it is stored on the 3DS console's Activity Log, that data is NOT sent to Nintendo's online gaming servers.
  • Custom Firmware. Though we can't rule out the possibility of them releasing a 3DS update in the future that adds such function to collect MD5 hashes of files and FIRM data and send them to Nintendo online gaming servers (which would also be updated in a maintenance).

• Things that people think what happens with consoles, but really doesn't:
  • "LocalFriendCodeSeedB is transferred to the system upon doing a system transfer". This is false, the LocalFriendCodeSeedB remains on the system and does not move to another system.
  • "The console generates a LocalFriendCodeSeedB upon first startup". Again, this is false, the LocalFriendCodeSeedB is made during the manufacturing process at Foxconn. It is generated at the factory, flashed to the NAND flash memory storage, then created as an account on Nintendo's online gaming server and Nintendo eShop server immediately when being manufactured. It is absolutely impossible to generate a LocalFriendCodeSeedB and be able to connect to Nintendo's online gaming server and/or Nintendo eShop server, even if you knew the RSA generation key for it. You'd end up with Error Code 002-0102 "This console's online services have been restricted by Nintendo" if you even tried (the error can either mean two things: The hexadecimal ID doesn't exist on the server, or the request to access the hexadecimal ID has been denied which in other words... banned). So a LocalFriendCodeSeedB generator will NEVER happen! Because it's not worth doing, if it can't connect.
  • Switching off "Currently Playing" information. Once again, this does not hide your online activity from Nintendo's online gaming server, it only hides it from your friends.
  • Switching off SpotPass. Nope, this too doesn't hide your online activity from Nintendo's online gaming server, it only opts-out of receiving SpotPass data, sorry.

So pretty much the bottom line is, if anyone has been using custom apps and/or titles not installed through Nintendo eShop while online in the past, guess what? You're screwed! And it is only a matter of time before your console's unique hexadecimal ID in the LocalFriendCodeSeedB is banned from Nintendo's online gaming server. This will mean, your console can't access the Friend List or play any online functions in games.

If you have been online while using custom apps and/or titles not installed through Nintendo eShop and haven't been banned yet, that's because Nintendo hasn't caught up to you yet. They're still going through each unique hexadecimal ID's Activity Log on their server, and by Activity Log, I mean the Activity Log on their server, not the 3DS console's activity log. And it will be only a matter of time before you're banned too.

Thanks to @Platinum Lucario @MadMageKefka and @ShadowEO !

 

[Platinum Lucario]

Does the 3DS try to connect to Nintendo's servers every time an application is run, or could there be some other trigger, such as your friends checking your online status? If it's your friends checking your online status, then they could be inadvertently responsible for Nintendo catching you with your proverbial pants down.

It attempts to connect to Nintendo's servers the moment that the Wi-Fi is switched on and connected to an access point that is connected to the internet. So it even tracks the amount of time spent online, even if you're not playing a game, but when playing a game, it starts the timer for that too.

 

[marbles73]

My question is,why there was no reasearch on that at all in the first place? Why it happened after a lot of users got banned? That research should have started before even the CFW scene to ensure that everyone is safe from bans and to teach users how to protect themselves from a future ban.
I find it useless now for me to understand how Nintendo banned users and what method it used and how it collects our data since everyone will get a ban now.

Probably because people thought Nintendo would be easy on hacking like before. The truth is the Wii and DS didn't have the infrastructure to fight hacking properly but they've improved since then. We're only now seeing the results.

 

[jcd89]

@MeAndHax Nintendo, pls.

 

[marbles73]

Why are people still spamming this thread? The banwave ended, jesus. We don't need to know what the exact reason was. Just freaking go play some games and forget it

Because they can easily resume banning people at any time. It's good idea to try to get to the bottom of it if possible.

 

[Platinum Lucario]

Probably because people thought Nintendo would be easy on hacking like before. The truth is the Wii and DS didn't have the infrastructure to fight hacking properly but they've improved since then. We're only now seeing the results.

The main reason, is because the Wii and DS didn't send information about what game is being played, only just showed the online status. They could've updated the Wii to do that, along with their servers, but they never did.

 

[Shinusagi]

Why are people still spamming this thread? The banwave ended, jesus. We don't need to know what the exact reason was. Just freaking go play some games and forget it

Wow, thankfully the scene doesn't count on you or the player base would be dead...
Marbles already answered properly, since it was to much for me to take, and if you don't like this "spam" then leave the thread since you are already done with your ban and can play online again.
For us who want to know exactly what and how happened it is a great help.

 

[Disco Inferno]

It attempts to connect to Nintendo's servers the moment that the Wi-Fi is switched on and connected to an access point that is connected to the internet. So it even tracks the amount of time spent online, even if you're not playing a game, but when playing a game, it starts the timer for that too.

What packets are sent to Nintendo the moment an application is run, assuming that WiFi is already on and connected to the Internet?

 

[Ferreous]

I'm just confused as to why they picked now to do this. Did Bootstrap scare them or is this to drum up sales for the n2ds? It just seems really random to me. If they could do it before it makes no sense why they didn't

 

[nitroBW]

I'm just confused as to why they picked now to do this. Did Bootstrap scare them or is this to drum up sales for the n2ds? It just seems really random to me. If they could do it before it makes no sense why they didn't

I'd think the former is true.
Quoting from my write-up:
"Why didn't they do that when A9LH was released? B9S is "worse" for them. We literally can have full control now, any system so far can be hacked with it and if NTRboothax ever becomes a thing, it might even be a bigger threat for them. This, again, is just speculation, we simply don't know why they did it, their only response was "that people have been using unauthorized software".Why didn't they do that when A9LH was released? B9S is "worse" for them. We literally can have full control now, any system so far can be hacked with it and if NTRboothax ever becomes a thing, it might even be a bigger threat for them. This, again, is just speculation, we simply don't know why they did it, their only response was "that people have been using unauthorized software"." (speculation)

 

[Gizametalman]

I'm just confused as to why they picked now to do this. Did Bootstrap scare them or is this to drum up sales for the n2ds? It just seems really random to me. If they could do it before it makes no sense why they didn't

Perhaps to prevent a mass Nintendo HQ's Harakiri?
Pretty sure that they are like: "If we could make this with our previous systems, be ready for our Super NN2DS Alpha Tournament Championship The Ultimate Challengers Turbo II firmware version"

 

[Rune]

Based on what the user said, his consoles were never online before and when he checked whether they were banned, both of them were. This is all I know about it :/ no concrete proof.

That could only mean one of two things:

1. He went online and was banned instantly.
2. He was already banned prior to him knowing, and going online only revealed his ban status to him.

If what happened was scenario #1 and people are instantly getting flagged and banned, that means that Nintendo aren't actually "working their way through the bans". If it's going to happen, it happens in an instant the moment you go online. Meaning if you're safe now, you're probably safe for good and shouldn't need to worry about the ban eventually coming around to you. If someone can go online and instantly get banned, then Nintendo's servers are doing an instant check and ban. Right there on the spot. You avoid that, then you're free.
If this scenario is true, the key thing to take out of this is that you can never actually be banned if you never turn your WiFi on again. Which allows people to wait until someone figures out a fix, bypass, etc.

Now if what's happening is scenario #2 then Nintendo have already known and reviewed your usage, and decided on banning you, whether you've know or not. Going online will simply break the bad news to you. So this dude who said he never went online and found out he was banned, is probably lying or failing to remember something if this is the case. He must've gone online even briefly, which would be enough to send the relevant data to Nintendo to issue the ban.
The key thing to take out of here is that keeping your WiFi off won't prevent the ban. Everyone should just go online and accept their fate.

I personally have an o3DS and a n3DS. I've turned the o3DS on and found that I'm not banned. But I'm afraid to turn the n3DS on right now. If we're dealing scenario #1 then not turning your WiFi on is the best course of action for me. The last thing I want to know is that I went online to check, and the ban was issued there and then, in which case it could've been prevented.

 

[nitroBW]

That could only mean one of two things:

1. He went online and was banned instantly.
2. He was already banned prior to him knowing, and going online only revealed his ban status to him.

If what happened was scenario #1 and people are instantly getting flagged and banned, that means that Nintendo aren't actually "working their way through the bans". If it's going to happen, it happens in an instant the moment you go online. Meaning if you're safe now, you're probably safe for good and shouldn't need to worry about the ban eventually coming around to you. If someone can go online and instantly get banned, then Nintendo's servers are doing an instant check and ban. Right there on the spot. You avoid that, then you're free.
If this scenario is true, the key thing to take out of this is that you can never actually be banned if you never turn your WiFi on again. Which allows people to wait until someone figures out a fix, bypass, etc.

Now if what's happening is scenario #2 then Nintendo have already known and reviewed your usage, and decided on banning you, whether you've know or not. Going online will simply break the bad news to you. So this dude who said he never went online and found out he was banned, is probably lying or failing to remember something if this is the case. He must've gone online even briefly, which would be enough to send the relevant data to Nintendo to issue the ban.
The key thing to take out of here is that keeping your WiFi off won't prevent the ban. Everyone should just go online and accept their fate.

I personally have an o3DS and a n3DS. I've turned the o3DS on and found that I'm not banned. But I'm afraid to turn the n3DS on right now. If we're dealing scenario #1 then not turning your WiFi on is the best course of action for me. The last thing I want to know is that I went online to check, and the ban was issued there and then, in which case it could've been prevented.

tbh, I wouldn't be surprised if they actually had an autoban bot working when the inital banwave started which banned evereyone who was/ had been online at a specific point and already played/ played a specific software.

 

[Darlenix]

• "LocalFriendCodeSeedB is transferred to the system upon doing a system transfer". This is false, the LocalFriendCodeSeedB remains on the system and does not move to another system.

Does this mean I can SysTransfer a banned console to a brand new stock one and not compromise it?

 

[delete12345]

Does this mean I can SysTransfer a banned console to a brand new stock one and not compromise it?

Seems to be that way. Report back once you completed this step.

See

 

[Platinum Lucario]

Does this mean I can SysTransfer a banned console to a brand new stock one and not compromise it?

Nope, a banned console cannot be transferred to another console. The online servers will display 002-0102 error code the moment you even try to do a system transfer.

System Transfer involves transferring the eShop history and NNID link to a different account with a unique hexadecimal code that matches the console's hexadecimal code in the LocalFriendCodeSeedB file. Then it transfers all the content through wireless connection through to the other console.

So the changes happen on both the consoles and the server. The LocalFriendCodeSeedB never changes and stays as it is.

 

[delete12345]

How do you do a strikethrough in a post? I goofed up and claimed an incorrect info. Sorry.

 

[Darlenix]

Nope, a banned console cannot be transferred to another console. The online servers will display 002-0102 error code the moment you even try to do a system transfer.

System Transfer involves transferring the eShop history and NNID link to a different account with a unique hexadecimal code that matches the console's hexadecimal code in the LocalFriendCodeSeedB file. Then it transfers all the content through wireless connection through to the other console.

So the changes happen on both the consoles and the server. The LocalFriendCodeSeedB never changes and stays as it is.

Mhmm... okay. Would you recommend then that I do an immediate system transfer now that the console is still unbanned (but definitely flagged, according to your posts) to the stock one if I wanted to keep my legit stuff AND online play?

 

[Zackarotto]

Okay, I think I've actually worked out how the data of the 3DS systems are being sent to Nintendo.

(...)

Wow, so Nintendo has their own record of every app I've ever launched while connected to the internet.

Theoretically then, someone could create a "ban-proof" CFW that automatically keeps the wireless off before launching unapproved applications? Obviously this wouldn't be ideal for a lot of people; there'd be no freeshop, no checking titleDB in FBI, nor automatic updates of software like the Luma updater.

And yet I see nothing to indicate that this would ban pirates from playing games they didn't buy, even for *online play*, if the games were downloaded from a computer first and then transferred. If Nintendo only has records of real games running, then there's nothing to red-flag, except maybe that the system never purchased those games from their eshop. But it doesn't even sound like they're checking whether you're playing it off your SD card or a physical cartridge, and even if they were, I'm sure you could spoof that?

 

[Platinum Lucario]

Mhmm... okay. Would you recommend then that I do an immediate system transfer now that the console is still unbanned (but definitely flagged, according to your posts) to the stock one if I wanted to keep my legit stuff AND online play?

Yeah, I would transfer everything across before your system gets banned. I don't think the online activity records for 3DS server accounts are transferred, but if you still get banned after the transfer, then it would confirm that online activity records are also transferred over on the server as well.

 

[marbles73]

Nope, a banned console cannot be transferred to another console. The online servers will display 002-0102 error code the moment you even try to do a system transfer.

System Transfer involves transferring the eShop history and NNID link to a different account with a unique hexadecimal code that matches the console's hexadecimal code in the LocalFriendCodeSeedB file. Then it transfers all the content through wireless connection through to the other console.

So the changes happen on both the consoles and the server. The LocalFriendCodeSeedB never changes and stays as it is.

So if you're banned you can change your friend seed and transfer. But then they can ban your new system as well.