It appears that users are being banned from 3DS online services, en masse. There's no direct cause right now, and seemingly no linking factor. This post is meant as an announcement for users, to be wary, and that GBAtemp will keep you updated as soon as more info rolls in. If you have been banned, please post in the thread below, and we will try to keep tabs on the situation. To be extra sure, it can't hurt to turn off your 3DS's wireless capabilities, so you might as well do that for now.

Edit 1: it appears that e-Shop access isn't restricted if you are banned.

Edit 2: A caller to Nintendo reported that the company said this ban is due to "unauthorized software usage".

Edit 3: @LinkSoraZelda is collecting info. Contact him if you are banned.

Edit 4: Click and fill this out if you were BANNED.

Edit 5:

[11:28:19 PM] Clector: Curiously the page of that error in Nintendo Support website used to have this:Error Code: 002-0102 Situation: You receive the error code 002-0102 when attempting to connect online. What to Do: If you continue to experience this issue, please contact Nintendo by calling 1-800-255-3700. Representatives are available from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Pacific Time, 7 days a week.
[11:28:44 PM] Clector: Now it says this: What to Do: If you are experiencing this error code, your Nintendo 3DS family system has been banned due to unauthorized system modifications, play of unauthorized versions of one or more games, and/or connecting to the official game servers in violation of our terms of service. This ban is effective immediately and requests to remove the ban will not be processed.

Thanks to @Joom

Edit 6: Aurora Wright is taking another poll here

Edit 7: Not a lot is known but

There are bans happening, they are happening in all regions.
All models in the 3ds family seem to be candidates for banning.
There is no indication they will be anything other than permanent.
A game or DLC may end up being a cause but there is no one game or DLC that ties banned users together.
The cause or causes are as yet unknown, though it does seem to be related to modifications. Reports of unmodified consoles being banned are as yet unproven.
The banning is tied to something you can modify, thus you can unban. Doing it while the causes are unknown is likely only going to burn a working token though.
There are semi public tokens out there, Nintendo knows how to browse a forum as well as you so don't be surprised if they also get banned.
It does not seem to be limited to a given base firmware version, it does not seem to be limited to any one custom firmware type. There is some speculation that older hacking methods are not being hit as hard but nothing to confirm this yet.
The data collection could have happened this morning, or it could have been months in the making.
A simple check to see is checking your friends list, by itself it will not ban you.
Some are turning their wifi off. It is doubtful this will be of much use and being banned does not seem to come with any downsides that wifi being off will not also mimic.
You may have escaped a ban thus far but it could happen at any point. It could be that they stop in the future, it has happened on other consoles, but you would be living in hope rather than any particularly well founded logic.
The bans are done on the side of Nintendo's servers rather than your 3ds so there is also that.

If you hack your devices/games then their online functionality may be troubled. This has been known for decades, Nintendo seems to have finally caught up with that.

Please continue to share information with the thread or the links in previous edits.

Update 5/30

HOW TO HELP AVOID BANS (we think)​

If I was to guess from the information we have gathered since the ban wave, it seems likely that they are looking for TitleIDs that don't exist. Homebrew shows up in the activity log as the Download Play app, and fake CIA's show up as just ??????. That last one is what I'm guessing they are looking for.

If you are not banned yet or before you unban yourself, go into your friends list, choose settings, and turn off the option to "show friends what game you are playing." This will prevent you from playing games online with friends, so turn it back on when you wanna game with someone, but ALWAYS keep it off when running custom CIAs. Next, go into system settings -> internet settings -> spotpass, and turn off BOTH options. One is auto download software, the other sends system information to Nintendo. Also, make sure you don't have your favorite title set to something stupid like FBI or any other non-Nintendo CIA.

Its VERY likely that these options are what tipped off Nintendo, but we aren't 100% certain yet. The amount of banned people that had one of these options turned on was over 80% for each. If I was to assume that some of those people overlap, its very possible (but not confirmed) that 100% of banned people in the survey had at least one of those options turned on. I personally had all of them off and I have TONS of reasons for Nintendo to ban me.... yet I am not banned (yet).

Another bit of advice: Only run custom CIAs when offline, and after you close them, run a "legit" game like Smash Bros. or something before shutting down or going back online. This way your most recent title won't show up as a fake CIA

Current Theories as to what causes a ban
​

* SpotPass Settings: 8 users out of 46 users that were banned have SpotPass completely shut off, or SpotPass only (no friends list visibility)
* Firmware Version (Luma, Nintendo): Literally all reports ranged from 10.2+, I can get exact numbers for this if you'd like, but all firmwares were affected.
* Firmware Type (A9LH, B9S): 44 of the 126 B9S users that answered were banned, pattern was mirrored for A9LH users as well.
* Homebrew Titles such as FBI, HBL, Luma Updater, Themely, and freeShop: Literally about 98% of users both banned and unbanned had some combination of these applications installed. However the common ones were: FBI, HBL, LumaUpdater and NTR.
* Save Modification: Equal amounts of users on both sides have reported save modification in some form, either with PKSM or another save editor
* System Transfers: 188 users said that they had not previously system transfered, 61 of those users were banned; 16 users said they transferred from a hacked console, only three of them received a ban; 13 said they transferred from a stock system and likewise were banned. The rest of our sample did not answer this question.
* Activity Log Information: A majority of those who have not been banned have said they had NOT cleaned their activity logs. I can get exact numbers for this too on request.

This information is just what I've found. Like I said, there could be variables or things we haven't even checked for yet. But these are things that I feel should be disproven, at least with the current dataset we have.

• From the information that we've gathered from some people that have used a packet sniffer such as WireShark, the following data is sent to Nintendo's online gaming servers as soon as the 3DS connects to the internet:
  • Amount of time spent online (timer stops when either the system is disconnected from the internet, or connection drops out, then starts the timer again in a new session when it reconnects to the internet).
  • The game being played and amount of time spent on it during that session.
  • The console's unique hexadecimal ID used in the LocalFriendCodeSeedB, along with it's RSA-signed signature.
  • The console's serial number in which is broadcasted from the SoC and is hard coded in the SoC.
  • Friend Code generated on the Nintendo 3DS system, if one has been generated.
  • Internet connection status (either online or offline).
  • The Nintendo Network ID, if there is one linked to it.
  • Even if the sending of SpotPass Information is switched off, or even hiding your currently playing games. It does not prevent the system from sending currently playing information to Nintendo's online gaming servers, it only hides it from your friends in your friend list (like being invisible on the forum, while mods and admins can still see you). Why? Because even people without a Friend Code on their system have been getting banned too!

• The following data is NOT sent to Nintendo's online gaming servers:
  • The data from the Nintendo 3DS's Activity Log. Oddly enough, while Nintendo does explicitly state that they collect Activity Log data, they're actually referring to their own server's Activity Log, which always tracks every console's online activity, and keeps a record of them that is stored forever. And is only collected in increments of data through a timer and a currently playing list.
    
  • Games or apps that have not been played, regardless if they're legitimate or not. You only get tracked when you're online and using that game or app.
  • Using games or apps while offline. Even though it is stored on the 3DS console's Activity Log, that data is NOT sent to Nintendo's online gaming servers.
  • Custom Firmware. Though we can't rule out the possibility of them releasing a 3DS update in the future that adds such function to collect MD5 hashes of files and FIRM data and send them to Nintendo online gaming servers (which would also be updated in a maintenance).

• Things that people think what happens with consoles, but really doesn't:
  • "LocalFriendCodeSeedB is transferred to the system upon doing a system transfer". This is false, the LocalFriendCodeSeedB remains on the system and does not move to another system.
  • "The console generates a LocalFriendCodeSeedB upon first startup". Again, this is false, the LocalFriendCodeSeedB is made during the manufacturing process at Foxconn. It is generated at the factory, flashed to the NAND flash memory storage, then created as an account on Nintendo's online gaming server and Nintendo eShop server immediately when being manufactured. It is absolutely impossible to generate a LocalFriendCodeSeedB and be able to connect to Nintendo's online gaming server and/or Nintendo eShop server, even if you knew the RSA generation key for it. You'd end up with Error Code 002-0102 "This console's online services have been restricted by Nintendo" if you even tried (the error can either mean two things: The hexadecimal ID doesn't exist on the server, or the request to access the hexadecimal ID has been denied which in other words... banned). So a LocalFriendCodeSeedB generator will NEVER happen! Because it's not worth doing, if it can't connect.
  • Switching off "Currently Playing" information. Once again, this does not hide your online activity from Nintendo's online gaming server, it only hides it from your friends.
  • Switching off SpotPass. Nope, this too doesn't hide your online activity from Nintendo's online gaming server, it only opts-out of receiving SpotPass data, sorry.

So pretty much the bottom line is, if anyone has been using custom apps and/or titles not installed through Nintendo eShop while online in the past, guess what? You're screwed! And it is only a matter of time before your console's unique hexadecimal ID in the LocalFriendCodeSeedB is banned from Nintendo's online gaming server. This will mean, your console can't access the Friend List or play any online functions in games.

If you have been online while using custom apps and/or titles not installed through Nintendo eShop and haven't been banned yet, that's because Nintendo hasn't caught up to you yet. They're still going through each unique hexadecimal ID's Activity Log on their server, and by Activity Log, I mean the Activity Log on their server, not the 3DS console's activity log. And it will be only a matter of time before you're banned too.

Thanks to @Platinum Lucario @MadMageKefka and @ShadowEO !

 

[MedzR]

Can I transfer my saved game data to my old unhacked 3ds and continue to play online? I haven't used my ds in months and don't want to lose my Pokemon bred on moon?

 

[t54mod1]

i have spent hours. I foubd a websute but idk if it works. www.unban3ds.com

I scanned the html code for the website. It looks legit but it does not do anything when you click generate download even though it has script and text for it.

 

[t54mod1]

Btw I am happy that people still do their best to provide help and create ways to unban. Thanks everyone!

 

[Juicy_Kun]

so wait this only affects people that played online with a hacked 3ds aka runs b9s and such i have not played online but thinking that i would use it for pokemon ultra sun/moon to trade but now this scares me well not really but would b a shame if i cant play online lol

 

[Cyber Akuma]

so wait this only affects people that played online with a hacked 3ds aka runs b9s and such i have not played online but thinking that i would use it for pokemon ultra sun/moon to trade but now this scares me well not really but would b a shame if i cant play online lol

We really don't know who it effects and how/why.

But yes, unless you somehow got a copy of a game before release date, you won't be banned if your console isn't hacked.

 

[Juicy_Kun]

We really don't know who it effects and how/why.

But yes, unless you somehow got a copy of a game before release date, you won't be banned if your console isn't hacked.

well i hope i dont get it i bought a 3ds thats already been hacked before i actually installed HB FBI already before turning off spot pass ;/ although i hvent done any online playing might soon do it though but this scares me

 

[Majickhat55]

Can I transfer my saved game data to my old unhacked 3ds and continue to play online? I haven't used my ds in months and don't want to lose my Pokemon bred on moon?

Only if you're using a cartridge. If your other console isn't hacked, you can't import a save for a digital title. Period.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

 

[Bluespheal]

well i hope i dont get it i bought a 3ds thats already been hacked before i actually installed HB FBI already before turning off spot pass ;/ although i hvent done any online playing might soon do it though but this scares me

Well, so far there haven't been any banwaves that haven't been caused by banning certain public seeds, so I'd say you are safe for now, mind you, you could get banned at anytime, besides, some sources claim your 3ds only needs to be connected to the internet to send info to Nintendo, no matter the settings on the system, aside from the obvious Wi-Fi switch, so even being in the home menu while near a Wi-Fi spot is enough, albeit this hasn't been all that proven, since we also don't know what exactly caused the bans (other than blatant piracy or CFW on the system).

Other than that, I'd advice to use Wi-Fi anyway, since not using it is basically the same as being banned, and yes I know, some people don't even use it but still want to preserve it as is, but if you are not one of those... best thing you can do is grab a public seed from online, and save your own seed in case of an emergency, just note that even that seed could be banned someday even if you haven't "used it" that much.

 

[SaberLilly]

When it comes to online play I have the Activity log set to not send my play data to Nintendo, my friend list to hide titles i'm playing, and spotpass (or is it streetpass) software sharing off. I'd also like to point out that I've had homebrew installed on my 3DS since 11.4, and done everything under the sun, including piracy (except for online cheating) and my 3DS still hasn't been banned, and not that I want it too get banned I'm just thinking Nintendo is prioritizing the banning of cheaters, followed by pirates, followed by just having CFW installed.

Also before anyone says "well some people who've been banned said they haven't done anything like that," I'd like to point out that everyone may not be completely honest with their online activity, and I take things with a grain of salt unless i have absolute proof........

TL;DR When it comes to online play I have the Activity log set to not send my play data to Nintendo, my friend list to hide titles i'm playing, and spotpass (or is it streetpass) <- do that if you want to avoid a ban for as long as possible if you're not on a public system seed

 

[FateForWindows]

TL;DR When it comes to online play I have the Activity log set to not send my play data to Nintendo, my friend list to hide titles i'm playing, and spotpass (or is it streetpass) <- do that if you want to avoid a ban for as long as possible if you're not on a public system seed

1. Title data is sent whether your spotpass or friends list settings are on or not. The only way to avoid it being sent is if you disconnect your 3DS from wifi.
2. Nintendo has their own activity log which they use. The activity log data itself is not sent to them.

Either way, none of these settings help prevent bans.

 

[Borjitasstoi]

Hope nintendo dont another banwave because finally 1 year i m unbanned and actually have any problem in animal crossing or pokemon and soo can use miitopia

 

[TinchoX]

Hope nintendo dont another banwave because finally 1 year i m unbanned and actually have any problem in animal crossing or pokemon and soo can use miitopia

Oh trust me, there will be more.

 

[lognan]

I have a werid tactic. Until the ban wave stops, back up your unbanned original freindcodeseed, then use a public one. Once it is basically stopped just get your own one and use that, instead of having to beg people for one.

This seems like a great failsafe.

I literally just installed CFW, FBI, freeshop etc on new 2ds xls for me and my SO, and have gotten myself a little worked up reading here. I understand the big waves are over, just wondering if there is any reason i shouldnt do this with our consoles now to make a future ban easier to reverse?

 

[FateForWindows]

This seems like a great failsafe.

I literally just installed CFW, FBI, freeshop etc on new 2ds xls for me and my SO, and have gotten myself a little worked up reading here. I understand the big waves are over, just wondering if there is any reason i shouldnt do this with our consoles now to make a future ban easier to reverse?

Only problem is that Nintendo managed to ban consoles that had not been turned on for a matter of months.

 

[lognan]

Only problem is that Nintendo managed to ban consoles that had not been turned on for a matter of months.

Ahh dang. Well i got them in a buy 2 get 1 free gamestop deal so i guess i shall keep the 3rd instead of sell.

 

[dotarice]

you know, this brings up a great topic now that it was mentioned to me.

on the pokemon games - has anyone ever been banned (not hyperbanned) at all just because you attempted to use or has used hacked / injected pokemon online? it can be stock 3ds or b9s.

i remember in some form that the said game's site would cancel your global link account if anything abnormal is found but i have never seen or heard any outright bans from happening; account or not.

because, after seeing various sites - whether it be a livestream or twitter, there is a user named monkey-lover (or rikki for short; this exact user proven to be giving out aipom + gourgeist + marshadow with short url links leading to their art page mainly to advertise) mentioning that you can get "permabanned" for it. but, if this was possible, wouldn't nintendo target literally anyone (stock 3ds) who has gone online and used datel power saves too? or anyone who has sent out hacked pokemon through wonder trade (here's also looking at the infamous aus, sakati, mitsuki, adrive, gohan15243, vanderforge, etc.)?

i mean it is not impossible for these bans to happen but to this day i have never seen it happen. especially coming towards an advertising user like monkey-lover.

 

[Cydget]

What you said

I have been banned on smash 3ds online for using a game editing mod, but it was very temporary. Another thing that is almost an insta-ban (temporary) is if you try to connect online with an altered title id.

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

One way people can prevent future bans is to do a mitm attack between the 3ds and nintendo whenever the 3ds attempts to connect. This would probably have to be written in a program form to be efficient, and would probably only work on linux

 

[dotarice]

@Cydget oh okay. so i will assume 3ds bans do not trigger on pokemon specifically (do not count early release) - until i see something happen related to it anyway.

i can only be very disappointed in how monkey-lover (as i posted above) is lying. sigh.

 

[Foxi4]

I honestly wouldn't even know if I got banned or not, I can't remember the last time I used my 3DS online, it was probably for Animal Crossing back when it was new. I don't get how people get banned on a system that has so few online games, really. Every single time there's a banwave we go through the same spiel - don't play pirated games or use modified save files online, and every single time I hear "these methods are safe" or "it's only risky if you don't know what you're doing". It's always risky, guys - just accept it as a fact of life. Stop going online on your modded systems if you don't want to lose them, once they're modded, you can treat them as de facto offline only until they're vanilla'd.

 

[Inkadinkadoo]

So, a few months ago I heard someone talking about there being a possibility for something like a network for hacked and banned 3dses to play online again, if only with other hacked 3ds users. like a private Nintendo server? Does anyone know anything about this? I'm sure it's been done before for other systems...