Setting up Gateway + Luma3DS on 11.17 (Guide)

mikefor20 · Sep 24, 2023

SylverReZ said:
Not at all. The latest private beta that I used, being v4.2, does not contain brick code so its 100% safe. Keep in mind that booting GW on SysNAND will remove boot9strap/A9LH and revert you to stock firmware, so make sure you make an EmuNAND.

I've been in the 3DS scene long enough to know this, even at the time when RxTools and Pasta CFW was around.

It was very scummy of Xecuter to purposely cause damage to someone's property without their knowledge. They not only did this to Gateway but also SX OS.

Did you start with CubeHax too?

I never bricked but dick move.

SylverReZ · Sep 24, 2023

mikefor20 said:
It's an extra SD slot. If you have a Gateway, you can use it. Almost all the games are compatable. You can have a whole seperate SD. Some people like the gateway cheat system better.

Why not?

It's just like running SXOS.

Just saw the firmware number. Cool.

The Gateway cheat system is what I'm very interested in, they were probably one of if not the first to add one for the 3DS. Datel took a different approach with the PowerSaves with the use of an adapter that plugs into a PC and not the 3DS.

zekro94 · Sep 24, 2023

SylverReZ said:
Keep in mind that booting GW on SysNAND will remove boot9strap/A9LH and revert you to stock firmware, so make sure you make an EmuNAND.

Wait, wouldn't this be a good solution for people who want to uninstall cfw in order to sell their 3ds? There have been so many problems with people trying to uninstall cfw, if using gw launcher would revert to stock firmware without any errors or unforeseen problems then it might be the best option for those people. (or maybe not, that's why I'm asking)

I started with ninjhax (yeah, without the a) got cubic ninja for free a day after smea announced it, still have it

SylverReZ · Sep 24, 2023

zekro94 said:
Wait, wouldn't this be a good solution for people who want to uninstall cfw in order to sell their 3ds? There have been so many problems with people trying to uninstall cfw, if using gw launcher would revert to stock firmware without any errors or unforeseen problems then it might be the best option for those people. (or maybe not, that's why I'm asking)

I started with ninjhax (yeah, without the a) got cubic ninja for free a day after smea announced it, still have it

Perhaps that might work, never thought of it that way. After all, you could then format the system and nobody would know for sure. I started off with Ninjhax too to mod my 3DS, prices were off the roof at that time, and so I had to import the "cheapest" one from Italy.

EDIT: Do not do this to a region changed system, you will otherwise brick it as somebody mentioned.

mikefor20 · Sep 24, 2023

zekro94 said:
Wait, wouldn't this be a good solution for people who want to uninstall cfw in order to sell their 3ds? There have been so many problems with people trying to uninstall cfw, if using gw launcher would revert to stock firmware without any errors or unforeseen problems then it might be the best option for those people. (or maybe not, that's why I'm asking)

I started with ninjhax (yeah, without the a) got cubic ninja for free a day after smea announced it, still have it

I still have mine too. And my gateway.

lone_wolf323 · Sep 24, 2023

zekro94 said:
Wait, wouldn't this be a good solution for people who want to uninstall cfw in order to sell their 3ds? There have been so many problems with people trying to uninstall cfw, if using gw launcher would revert to stock firmware without any errors or unforeseen problems then it might be the best option for those people. (or maybe not, that's why I'm asking)

I started with ninjhax (yeah, without the a) got cubic ninja for free a day after smea announced it, still have it

I dont think it would. as per how the safety checks are for, If its done on a region changed system, its still likely to brick the system

SylverReZ · Sep 24, 2023

mikefor20 said:
I still have mine too. And my gateway.

I sold my copy of Cubic Ninja after installing CFW was a lot easier to do then. Surprisingly, they've gotten harder to find again.

lone_wolf323 said:
I dont think it would. as per how the safety checks are for, If its done on a region changed system, its still likely to brick the system

Didn't know that, thanks for the info.

mikefor20 said:
Did you start with CubeHax too?

I never bricked but dick move.

Cubehax? Never heard of it. You mean, 'tubehax'?

mikefor20 · Sep 24, 2023

SylverReZ said:
I sold my copy of Cubic Ninja after installing CFW was a lot easier to do then. Surprisingly, they've gotten harder to find again.

Didn't know that, thanks for the info.

Cubehax? Never heard of it. You mean, 'tubehax'?

I meant Ninjhax lol. Don't drink and post!

SylverReZ · Sep 24, 2023

mikefor20 said:
I meant Ninjhax lol. Don't drink and post!

Yes, I have used Ninjhax. No bricks from that so far.

mikefor20 · Sep 24, 2023

SylverReZ said:
Yes, I have used Ninjhax. No bricks from that so far.

Ninjhax was the first expliot. I bought CubicNinja the day he posted the announcement video. I loved the 3ds. 1st wave Gateway User too.

djnate27 · Sep 24, 2023

SylverReZ said:
The Gateway cheat system is what I'm very interested in, they were probably one of if not the first to add one for the 3DS. Datel took a different approach with the PowerSaves with the use of an adapter that plugs into a PC and not the 3DS.

The cheat system on Gateway is so much better. The only thing is you have to put the games on the Gateway card instead of installing them to the system. Upside is that this gives you more storage space having to SD cards.

Temptress Cerise · Sep 24, 2023

djnate27 said:
The cheat system on Gateway is so much better. The only thing is you have to put the games on the Gateway card instead of installing them to the system. Upside is that this gives you more storage space having to SD cards.

Another upside is that it’s faster to do that.
Installing CIAs feels like it almost twice as long. Copying the CIA and then installing. I know you can remotely install then from the shops, but those were always slow in my experience.

I still prefer installing CIAs, but there’s no denying .3DS was faster/quicker.

As for the guide, I’m glad I was able to help resolve your issue, even though at first I didn’t think it would be possible @SylverReZ

Also, note for others, from testing, the downgrade portion isn’t needed. Just update by system settings. Create your GW EmuNAND and apply your region’s patch files via GM9 and you’ll be able to boot into GW after.

I’ve tested only U/J systems.

You’ll still black screen for any of the other reasons listed in that section if they apply to you. So backup. Backup. Backup.

SylverReZ · Sep 24, 2023

Temptress Cerise said:
As for the guide, I’m glad I was able to help resolve your issue, even though at first I didn’t think it would be possible @SylverReZ

Also, note for others, from testing, the downgrade portion isn’t needed. Just update by system settings. Create your GW EmuNAND and apply your region’s patch files via GM9 and you’ll be able to boot into GW after.

I’ve tested only U/J systems.

You’ll still black screen for any of the other reasons listed in that section if they apply to you. So backup. Backup. Backup.

I thought it wasn't possible either, thank you ever so much for the amazing help.

You wouldn't need to downgrade if your EmuNAND is on the latest firmware, only the patch is needed to be installed. I prefer doing it through GM9 since its a lot easier than sysUpdater. sysUpdater can constantly crash on you, regardless, if the updates were in the correct folder on the SD card. I added the downgrade method as an additional option, if the patch didn't work on the first try.

Definitely always make a backup of your NAND too. Even though the latest GW private beta is safe to use, I would still recommend that you do so.

DavidKang · Sep 25, 2023

Thanks for the guide! Glad to see GW still works on latest FW, I still don't like installing a billion softwares on the SD and I didn't update for a while.

SylverReZ · Sep 27, 2023

DavidKang said:
Thanks for the guide! Glad to see GW still works on latest FW, I still don't like installing a billion softwares on the SD and I didn't update for a while.

You're welcome. I still use GW despite it being outdated as some folks say.

Hayato213 · Sep 27, 2023

SylverReZ said:
Perhaps that might work, never thought of it that way. After all, you could then format the system and nobody would know for sure. I started off with Ninjhax too to mod my 3DS, prices were off the roof at that time, and so I had to import the "cheapest" one from Italy.

EDIT: Do not do this to a region changed system, you will otherwise brick it as somebody mentioned.

Yea can't uninstall CFW on region changed 3ds or you going to brick.

SylverReZ · Sep 27, 2023

Hayato213 said:
Yea can't uninstall CFW on region changed 3ds or you going to brick.

Most definitely, it states it on 3ds.guide that you cannot do this.

lazyguy · Sep 27, 2023

awesome, i gotta do this one day when i have the time. I had trouble with the last tutorial by lone_wolf (if i'm remembering correctly) was hard to follow because my system was so old and the new 3ds i have is japan region, so I was double scared for bricking my system.
going to keep this thread on my radar when i finally take the plunge

Is there anyway to patch games or run mods (ie run in new 3d mode or 60fps patch) with gateway + luma, I'm guessing no, but figure i'd ask anyways

SylverReZ · Sep 27, 2023

lazyguy said:
Is there anyway to patch games or run mods (ie run in new 3d mode or 60fps patch) with gateway + luma, I'm guessing no, but figure i'd ask anyways

Luma3DS does not activate when running Gateway. ~~Running mods, I believe isn't possible, because they need to be encrypted in order for the 3DS to recognise them.~~

EDIT: You can using NTR CFW perhaps.

lazyguy said:
awesome, i gotta do this one day when i have the time. I had trouble with the last tutorial by lone_wolf (if i'm remembering correctly) was hard to follow because my system was so old and the new 3ds i have is japan region, so I was double scared for bricking my system.
going to keep this thread on my radar when i finally take the plunge

This method is safe from my testing. The version that I used of Gateway does not seem to brick my 2DS, remember to make backups of your NAND.

0ci · Oct 2, 2023

SylverReZ said:
ALWAYS MAKE BACKUPS OF YOUR NAND BEFORE PROCEEDING!

NOTE TO SYSNAND USERS: DO NOT BOOT INTO GW MODE ON FIRMWARE 11.3+; YOU WILL LOSE B9S AND BE REVERTED BACK TO STOCK FIRMWARE. IF THIS EVER HAPPENS, IT CAN EASILY BE FIXED BY RE-INSTALLING B9S WITH THE NTRBOOT METHOD.

Never use old Gateway launcher files. They do not support the latest firmware, and could potentially brick your console if something goes wrong. Use the latest version. As of writing, the latest is version 4.2 private beta.

I strongly discourage the use of GW on SysNAND setups, this increases the risk of bricks.

DO NOT do this guide if you have a region changed system.

View attachment 395045
I am not held responsible for any damages to your console. You are responsible for whatever you do to your console. If you screw up your 3DS, don't come complaining about not backing up your NAND or missing one or more steps in the guide.

Prerequisites
- Any modded new/old 3DS/2DS with the latest CFW. (follow this guide if you haven't).
- SD card (8GB or above, formatted to FAT32 32kb cluster).
- Method of reading SD cards on a PC (e.g., an external SD card reader).

(1) Downgrade Guide (11.17 -> 4.5/9.2)

This step is totally optional, but is used to sanitize the NAND so to speak if you have any issues with installing the patches.

Getting the firmware
I will not be providing links to download the system firmware since that breaks the GBAtemp TOS.

If you are using an Old 3DS (3DS, 3DS XL/LL, 2DS), you will need to download "4.5.0-10x(Full).zip" for the downgrade.
If you are using a New 3DS (N3DS, N3DS XL/LL, N2DS XL/LL), you will need to download "9.2.0-20x(Full).zip" for the downgrade.

Alternatively, use 3DNUS to download the firmware for your corresponding console.

('X' corresponds to your system's region.)

Preparing the SD card

- Make a new folder on the root of your SD card called "updates".
- Extract the downgrade (.CIA) files from the ZIP archive into the "updates" folder. It should look something like this:

View attachment 395015

Downgrading the 3DS
You will need to download "sysUpdater" in order to downgrade your 3DS. Either boot the application from HBL or install the CIA file using FBI or GodMode9.

Softmod Method
- Boot into your SysNAND through Luma3DS. Your system will need to be updated through the "System Settings" if your console is not on firmware 11.17.0-50.
- Launch "sysUpdater". Once the application has started, press (Y) to downgrade your system.
- Once it has finished, within your luck, it should reboot you into the downgraded firmware.

Note for O2DS users: If you are using a 2DS, you will notice that the top screen is stretched. This is not a console fault; rather, the older firmware is forced to render the top-screen in 3D mode instead of 2D; later system versions starting from 6.2 support the 2DS in 2D mode.

(2) Creating a GW EmuNAND

Preparing the SD card

- Download the latest release of GodMode9: https://github.com/d0k3/GodMode9/releases/latest
- Copy the "GodMode9.firm" file from the ZIP archive to the "luma/payloads" folder on the root of your SD card.
- Copy the "gm9" folder from the ZIP archive to the root of your SD card.
- Download the "gw_b9s_package.zip" archive below this post.
- Extract the contents of the ZIP archive to the root of your console's SD card.
- Download the latest Gateway "Launcher.dat", you can find this in "the usual places".
- Copy the latest "Launcher.dat" file onto the root of your SD card.
- Download the GW "arm9loaderhax.zip" file. You can find this on Gateway's "Private Beta Program" page, it should be located under the "arm9loaderhax for users with existing a9lh installs" section.
- Extract the "arm9loaderhax.bin" file from the ZIP archive to the "luma/payloads" folder on your SD card.
- Rename that exact file to "gateway.bin".
- Make a new folder on your computer and call it "3DS backup" or something else. Then, copy all of the files and folders from the root of your SD card to the folder that you have just created.
- Insert the SD card back into your 3DS.

Formatting the EmuNAND

- Hold down (Start) whilst powering on the console. From the chainloader menu, select "GodMode9" and press (A).
- When GodMode9 has loaded, press the (HOME) button to bring up the action context menu.
- Select "More..." > "SD format menu" > "GW EmuNAND size (full)".
- Select the cluster size as "Auto".
- Using the touch-screen, enter the name of your EmuNAND (i.e., "GATEWAYNAND"). This, however, is totally optional.
- Press (A), and enter the button prompt you see on-screen to proceed.
- When the format has finished, hold down (R) and (B) at the same time, then safely eject the SD card from your console.
- Insert the SD card back into your computer.
- Copy all of your backup files back onto your SD card, re-insert it back into your 3DS and press (A) to re-mount the card.

Preparing the SD card

- Download the "gw_b9s_package.zip" archive below this post.
- Extract the contents of the ZIP archive to the root of your console's SD card.
- Download the latest Gateway "Launcher.dat", you can find this in "the usual places".
- Copy the latest "Launcher.dat" file onto the root of your SD card.
- Download the GW "arm9loaderhax.zip" file. You can find this on Gateway's "Private Beta Program" page, it should be located under the "arm9loaderhax for users with existing a9lh installs" section.
- Extract the "arm9loaderhax.bin" file from the ZIP archive to the "luma/payloads" folder on your SD card.
- Rename that exact file to "gateway.bin".
- Make a new folder on your computer and call it "3DS backup" or something else. Then, copy all of the files and folders from the root of your SD card to the folder that you have just created.
- Insert the SD card back into your 3DS.
- Re-insert your SD card back into your 3DS.

Formatting the EmuNAND

View attachment 395032 View attachment 395033 View attachment 395035

- Hold down the (Down) button whilst powering on the console.
- When you see a grey screen, release both buttons and quickly hold down (L) and (Select).
- In the Gateway menu, navigate to "Format EmuNAND" and press (A).
- When asked if you want to format the card, press (Start) to proceed.

If the progress bar is not idle after 5 or 10 minutes, power off the console and try again.

- Press (A) to return to the menu, then hold (Down) and (B) to power off.

If the format was successful, but you cannot press (A) to return to the menu, hold down the (Power) button until the console turns off.

- Safely remove your SD card and insert it back into your computer.
- Copy all of your backup files onto your SD card, and re-insert the card back into your 3DS.

(3) Updating your GW EmuNAND

Getting the Firmware
I will not be providing links to download the system firmware since that breaks the GBAtemp TOS.
Alternatively, use 3DNUS to download the 11.17 firmware for your corresponding console.

Preparing the SD card
- Download the correct "11.17.0-50x(Full).zip" firmware package for the correct model that you have ('X' corresponds to your console region).

If you install a firmware for the wrong model (i.e., O3DS firmware on a N3DS), it can brick your console.

- Download 123ab's GW patch files for your corresponding region and model. They can be found with a quick Google search.
- Copy only the "updates" folder from the GW patch ZIP archive to the root of your SD card, rename the folder to "patches".

If the "updates" folder already exists on your SD card, remove it before transferring the folder containing the patches.

- Make a new folder on the root of your SD card called "updates".
- Extract the update (.cia) files into the "updates" folder. The end result should look something like this:

View attachment 395015 View attachment 395036

Updating your EmuNAND
You will need to download "sysUpdater" in order to downgrade your 3DS. Either boot the application from HBL or install the CIA file using FBI or GodMode9.

- Boot into your EmuNAND through Luma3DS. Your EmuNAND should be on a downgraded firmware, this can be checked via the "System Settings" or noticing differences on the "HOME Menu".
- Launch "sysUpdater". Once the application has started, press (A) to update your system to 11.17.
- Once it has finished, you will boot into your updated 11.17 EmuNAND. This can be confirmed by opening the "System Settings".

Patching your EmuNAND

- Power off your 3DS and insert the SD card into your computer.
- Delete the "updates" folder from the root of your SD card.
- Rename the "patches" folder to "updates".
- Re-insert your SD card back into your 3DS, and boot into your EmuNAND through Luma3DS.
- Launch "sysUpdater". Once the application has started, press (Y) to apply the GW patches.
- Once the patches have successfully installed, hold down the (Power) button until the system turns off.

Getting the Firmware
I will not be providing links to download the system firmware since that breaks the GBAtemp TOS.
Alternatively, use 3DNUS to download the 11.17 firmware for your corresponding console.

Preparing the SD card
- Download the latest release of GodMode9: https://github.com/d0k3/GodMode9/releases/latest
- Copy the "GodMode9.firm" file from the ZIP archive to the "luma/payloads" folder on the root of your SD card.
- Copy the "gm9" folder from the ZIP archive to the root of your SD card.
- Download the correct "11.17.0-50x(Full).zip" firmware package for the correct model that you have ('X' corresponds to your console region).

If you install a firmware for the wrong model (i.e., O3DS firmware on a N3DS), it can brick your console.

- Download 123ab's GW patch files for your corresponding region and model. They can be found with a quick Google search.
- Copy only the "updates" folder from the GW patch ZIP archive to the root of your SD card, rename the folder to "patches".

If the "updates" folder already exists on your SD card, remove it before transferring the folder containing the patches.

- Make a new folder on the root of your SD card called "updates".
- Extract the update (.cia) files into the "updates" folder. The end result should look something like this:

View attachment 395015 View attachment 395036

Updating your EmuNAND

- Hold down (Start) whilst powering on the console. From the chainloader menu, select "GodMode9" and press (A).
- Navigate to "[0:] SDCARD" > "updates".
- Highlight the first file then hold (L) and (Right) to select all of the (.cia) files.
- Press (A) to select the first file.
- In the context menu, select "CIA image options" > "Install game image" > "Install to EmuNAND".
- Enter the button combination provided to proceed with the update.
- When asked to relock the write permissions, press (B).
- Press (B) to go back.
- Navigate to the "patches" folder.
- Highlight the first file then hold (L) and (Right) to select all of the (.cia) files.
- Press (A) to select the first file.
- In the context menu, select "CIA image options" > "Install game image" > "Install to EmuNAND".
- Enter the button combination provided to install the patches.
- Press (B) twice then hold down (R) and (Start) to power off the system.

(4) Booting into Gateway (with or w/o card)

View attachment 395038 View attachment 395039

- Power on the console whilst holding (Down).
- If you see a grey screen, release all buttons and hold (L) and (Select).
- Navigate to "Classic Mode" then press (A).
- Press (X).

- Insert the Gateway red card into your 3DS.
- Power on the console whilst holding (Down).
- Your 3DS will auto-boot into GW mode.

MSET Exploit (4.1 -> 4.5)

Your system must be running a system firmware version of 4.1 up to 4.5 to install the exploit. Please note that this modifies the "DS Profile" with a buffer overflow to allow the entrypoint to work, so if you use any DS games that utilises the profile, then the exploit will fail and therefore it needs to be re-installed.

- Download the "ROP Multiloader" application.
- Extract the "rop_multiloader.nds" file to the root of your flashcard's microSD.
- Launch the flashcart from the HOME Menu by selecting its icon and pressing 'A'.
- Launch the "rop_multiloader.nds" item from the kernel.
- Select "Gateway Launcher.dat 4.x".
- The console will then restart, press the HOME button to return to the HOME Menu.
- Launch the "System Settings" title.
- Navigate to 'Settings' -> 'Profile' -> 'Nintendo DS Profile', then hold down 'L' + 'SELECT' to bring up the Gateway menu.

If the exploit didn't work on the first try, then either "Launcher.dat" is not on the SD root or the exploit wasn't installed correctly.

FAQ

Q: How do I boot into the GW menu?
A: Hold down (L)+(Select) when the Gateway logo appears.

Q: I get a boot rom BSOD (blue screen of death).
A: Your NAND most likely got corrupted or that you're using a older version of the GW launcher (aka Brickway). Restore a working NAND backup using GM9, and download the latest "Launcher.dat".

Q: Does my GW blue card work on 11.17?
A: Yes. The blue card can still be used to play games in DS-mode, even on the latest firmware.

Q: How do I download the latest "Launcher.dat"?
A: Google is your friend.

Q: When I boot into GW/Classic mode, I get a black screen.
A: There are multiple reasons as to why this might be happening:

Modified SecureInfo_A - The GW launcher does not patch this. You will need to restore this from your donor NAND backup.

HOME Menu cache/management info - Delete the "Nintendo 3DS" folder from your SD card.

SysNAND setup - You may have not properly setup a GW EmuNAND or that you're using a RedNAND. Format your SD card using GodMode9.

Modified HOME Menu or fonts - Restore a clean NAND backup that does not contain modifications to the firmware.

Other issue that isn't disclosed here - Feel free to mention it.

Q: Why are you using Gateway in 2023 (as of writing)?
A: Why are you reading this thread?

Credits

@Temptress Cerise for the help with patching EmuNAND.
@RednaxelaNnamtra for BootCTR9.
@Hayleia for creating the "v2gw.bin" payload.
@nedron92 for discovering the GW B9S method.
123ab for his GW firmware compatibility patches.

how does this shit still work???

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