GateWay implemented this intentional bricker to make sure people can't run modified Launcher.dat files.
Based on what I have read, you're fine as long as you make sure your Launcher.dat MD5 is exactly the same as the one they provide on the download page.
However, yes. There have been reports on consoles bricking because of the GW brick trigger. As for un-bricking, I am unsure, sorry!
It is a legitimate concern. (in my opinion)
If you're looking to play region locked games, you'll need the GateWay (or an original 3DS + Sky3DS + RegionThree Launcher exploit).
At the moment, GateWay do not have a public support for N3DS. Sky3DS do, but it is region locked.
So you'll have to decide what you'd prefer to do.
In a quick way:
GateWay:
- Pros
- Bypass region lock.
- Homebrew support.
- In-system menu to launch games.
- Multi-rom.
- Cons
- Only original 3DS systems with version 9.2 or less. (subject to change!).
- Potential brick for invalid/custom Launcher.dat files.
- No online or eShop support.
My review on GW is
hopefully accurate. Based on my experiences + finding with GW.
Sky3DS:
- Pros
- Works on all systems to date.
- Works on all firmware versions.
- Multi-rom (blue button version).
- No risk for bricking.
- Online + eShop support.
- Cons
- Region-locked (unless you use the RegionThree, of course on orignal 3DS systems only).
- Pressing a button to switch roms could become tedious.
For the Sky3DS, this is based on my finding on the card. I will more than likely order one in time to come and properly review it.
I'm trying to keep you with an open mind... In some cases, it might be good to just get both. XD