2DS XL firmware flash

[themealings]

I've found this 2ds xl on eBay that boots but does not show any of the system default icons, they are all missing so you cannot play online or create miis etc., so im guessing that someone tried flashing custom firmware and messed it up. do you think its possible to flash new firmware from Nintendo and get it working again. I’ve added photos from the seller

thanks.

 

[KleinesSinchen]

Check for signs of custom firmware. Hold (Select) on power on. If you get Luma3DS settings, look for the version number.

Maybe the missing system apps are just moved to the very end or inside a folder?

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Try running an official update (if Luma3DS is latest version or no signs of CFW at all)
https://www.3dbrew.org/wiki/Recovery_Mode

 

[Jokey_Carrot]

Do they have a sysnand backup?

 

[Kwyjor]

so im guessing that someone tried flashing custom firmware and messed it up.

No, attempting to install CFW does not generally cause built-in apps to disappear. It's pretty difficult to make that happen without deleting them one-by-one, and even then the 3DS will usually prompt you do do a System Update that will bring them back.

It's most likely that the icons are all stuffed away in a corner of the menu, as previously suggested.