Since Gateway started supporting the .3DZ format for online play, people have claimed using shared headers may result in possible bans. To begin, let us take these as examples:
HEADER EXAMPLES [ NOT ASSOCIATED with REAL HEADERS!!! ] [X being a changeable number]
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS - Header: FDC0EXXXX
Mario Kart 7 - Header: CDD3FXXXX
Mario & Luigi Dream Team - Header: ADB1CXXXX
The argument is that Nintendo can see what headers connect and when they connect.
According to those who claim a ban is possible, here is what is considered an instant red flag:
1. Using CDDF3FXXXX [Your copy of Mario Kart's header] over your 3DZ of Super Smash Bros. , which would normally have a header of FDC0EXXXX. If this is true, even using a non-online game like M&L: DT for a header file could result in a ban.
2. You take a friend's copy of Super Smash Bros., rip the header, and use it on your .3DZ rom, later, both of you go online at the same time in a public or friendly game. Your friend has the Smash header : FDC0E2323, and now you have this same header.
3. You take a shared or scene header and apply it to your 3DZ, then go online. Assuming #2 does not actually matter (which it very well might matter), then Nintendo could end up cracking down on those who use public scene headers.
These three "ways to get banned" have never been confirmed, nor has any action been taken against those who participate in online via .3DZ files.
All these theories of how you could possibly get banned fall short IF Nintendo is not able to see what headers connect online, and only see the NNIDs that connect.
If that is the case, then Nintendo has no way to fight Gateway online pirates UNLESS a major networking change is done.
HEADER EXAMPLES [ NOT ASSOCIATED with REAL HEADERS!!! ] [X being a changeable number]
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS - Header: FDC0EXXXX
Mario Kart 7 - Header: CDD3FXXXX
Mario & Luigi Dream Team - Header: ADB1CXXXX
The argument is that Nintendo can see what headers connect and when they connect.
According to those who claim a ban is possible, here is what is considered an instant red flag:
- Using a header from a different game, even if you own that different game.
- Having two or more people online with the same header
- Using a "scene" or "shared" header, though this is more of an extension of #2
1. Using CDDF3FXXXX [Your copy of Mario Kart's header] over your 3DZ of Super Smash Bros. , which would normally have a header of FDC0EXXXX. If this is true, even using a non-online game like M&L: DT for a header file could result in a ban.
2. You take a friend's copy of Super Smash Bros., rip the header, and use it on your .3DZ rom, later, both of you go online at the same time in a public or friendly game. Your friend has the Smash header : FDC0E2323, and now you have this same header.
3. You take a shared or scene header and apply it to your 3DZ, then go online. Assuming #2 does not actually matter (which it very well might matter), then Nintendo could end up cracking down on those who use public scene headers.
These three "ways to get banned" have never been confirmed, nor has any action been taken against those who participate in online via .3DZ files.
All these theories of how you could possibly get banned fall short IF Nintendo is not able to see what headers connect online, and only see the NNIDs that connect.
If that is the case, then Nintendo has no way to fight Gateway online pirates UNLESS a major networking change is done.
tl;dr: "it hasn't happened yet"