New 3ds does not force an update. Acts just like the old 3ds.
Also, I keep hearing people talk about CIA files but I don't see a guide anywhere. I would've thought there'd be a sticky for something like that. Can anybody point me to one?
Edit: By guide I mean a guide to set up the 3ds (I have the old XL) to be able to use cia files.
For a tutorial on .cia files, I would recommend going here - http://www.maxconsole.com/maxcon_forums/threads/286487-3DS-N3DS-Gateway-Ultra-Guide & reading at section "Installing a .cia file"