In the past couple of months there have been a series of hacks that have utilised an exploit in the 3DS Web Browser; the New Nintendo 3DS has been excluded due to it having a different browser app. The exploit was used for multiple applications, such as loading Pokémon into the latest releases or even running emulated Game Boy Color ROMS on the portable. This browser-based hack also notably made the 3DS region-free, allowing cartridges from any region to run.
The most recent use of this browser exploit may have prompted action from Nintendo, however, as it bypassed the microtransactions in Pokémon Shuffle to make all items in the game's shop free, allowing users to pick up all the hearts and coins they desire. All of these uses for the browser exploit affected Nintendo, undoubtedly, but the Shuffle example would have cost - potentially - significant revenue if it had become widely used.
Today's very small system update to version 9.5.0-23 appears to have shut down this web browser exploit, which will have in turn locked out all of these hacks. We've had a look around some forums and it seems that this latest update's had no impact on the main flashcard services, so Nintendo evidently focused on shutting down the weakness in the web browser; as is typical of Nintendo updates it's required before access is granted to online services such as the eShop, making it a necessity for all but the most dedicated hackers. As mentioned above, this issue was never applicable on the New Nintendo 3DS.
Nintendo's certainly closed off - for now - a fairly substantial exploit that had been used for multiple purposes. Whether this was in the works for a while following revelations of the region-free or Game Boy Color ROM hacks, or whether it was rushed through in response to the Pokémon Shuffle exploit, it seems Nintendo's shut off another unauthorised loophole.
As per our policy we won't link to the forums where this exploit is being discussed, and ask that all discussion on the topic sticks to our - recently updated - Community Rules.
Comments (63)
Called it!
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/03/3ds_system_updaten950-23_goes_live_and_brings_unprecedented_stability#comment2893730
About time.
Good.
To remove the way to get the free transactions only makes since, but as for the roms it goes to show that people want more VC and they want any game released by Nintendo to be on the eshop, to not be able to 100% pokemon or not to have the game at all? well you can't 100% complete the pokemon trading card game or get the special magic in Shantae on 3DS yet people are still buying it because they just want the game.
Good, I guess.
So no new useability features? Browser doesn't crash anymore with the "an error has occured" message if I attempt to access the gateway page.
I've had the Wii-U browser crash my system with a hard freeze on numerous occasions (press and hold the power button on the main console for 4 seconds to reset), so there may be yet an undiscovered browser exploit for Wii-U.
@SanderEvers I know and it's good that you can no longer do it however as said whoever done that glitch to play Pokemon or any other rom (let's stick with pokemon because that's probably the game that was mostly done with the glitch) really want the game on their 3DS, I think that they are missing out on a game that can make them some money and disappointing the fans for not releasing the game!, release the game now and BAM you got happy people and people willing to spend money!
good
Good I guess. .
I wish they would find away they could let us be able to access all regions games, so everyone has access to games not available in their region. Not necessarily remove region-lock if it's causing them so much trouble, but something! There's so many games I wanna play, but I can't!
I'm liking my region freedom so I guess I'm not updating until I'm forced.
Hm, well, considering I have multiple 3DS, I think I'll just not update one of my older models so I can play region free. I kinda like the idea of being able to play ROMs on it too. Can they brick your system if you use these exploits?
I'm fine with patching the cheating Pokemon exploit and the free jewels exploit, but the region bypass and playing ROMs was just hackers using Nintendo's hardware better than Nintendo does. If it's that easy to play VC games, why does Nintendo not release them faster? Same with region lock, they have no legitimate reason to be so against it.
Since my new 3DS XL doesn't have access to this, i'm updating, but my original 3DS is not getting updated
Sorry nintendo, i like those unstable things... And my imported games
Good to know not to update my old 3DS now since I just bought Senran Kagura 2 for it
@GhotiH
Exactly.
I will keep my old 3ds on the last firmware for region free gaming then
Wait. So region-free also means that we can use the japanese eShop?
@shinokami Same got Senran Kagura 2 & loving playing it on my 3DS so won't be updating.
I dont like region locking one bit, I had many great games not released in Europe in the GBA and DS days, why not invest in something that actually improves their console rather than adding restrictions, like a decent account system.
@Tobo9279
Not exactly. The eShop was still tied to your own system's region. This exploit only allowed you to use 3DS game cards from any region. It was a pretty cool exploit, since you could play legitimate copies of games you purchased from anywhere in the world, but I'm going to guess that all the other perks the exploit had moved Nintendo to get something out even quicker than they might have intended, with Pokémon Shuffle being the biggest reason for the update.
Or, it normally takes them this long to work on an update, no matter how big or small.
It's sad that Nintendo is fighting so hard to keep region locking... When will they learn??? They are taking so long to move from their Medieval ways.
@Undead_terror Gamefreak have mentioned this in the past, They wont release the GB pokemon games because there is no way to transfer those mons to the new games. They thought they addressed that need by releasing fire red ect.
it's worth noting that it's been suggested pokemon bank could be used but would require "additional effort" rather than simply releasing the rom.
I think people are giving Pokemon Shuffle too much credit here. The Gateway launcher itself using the same entryponit (and the code for all the others being reverse engineered from it) is much more potent (as that allows to pirate whole games rather than bypass optional IAP which you can already mostly bypass with streetpass or having some patience) as are the stuff prior to shuffle (e.g. VC games, backing up Pokemon and saves and inserting these bypassing need to buy more Pokemon game cartridges or subscribe to Pokemon bank). But I guess everyone wants a scapegoat and wants to blame the hack they don't like for getting rid of ones they do like.
@GhotiH Nintendo can't selectively block so their hand is forced here really.
@Tobo9279 No eShop (so no getting updates so say MH4G will be offline for life for example). Cartridges only and even sometimes those don't work. The fact games not working remains a possibility and the fact you essentially need a second system now would make me feel more comfortable buying one of those in the region I want to play imports from (although that isn't great advice if you want to play ones from multiple regions let's say Puyo Puyo Tetris from Japan, Maplestory from Korea and Inazuma Eleven Go 2 from Europe for example) and also you might have objections to purchasing multiple hardware.
@Linker2A03 Yeah, so the best thing to do is not updating your system unless you want to be free from QR Code hacks.
Good thing I didn't update. Not gonna give up on region-free gaming. But it's good to see these lousy hackers are out of the cycle again.
@Undead_terror I'm glad they don't release completely outdated Pokémon games. Who needs games that have absolutely no appeal except for nostalgia?
@GhotiH Aside from their own games, Nintendo can't just push a magic button and make VC games appear.
@Kaze_Memaryu So you are against someone's work at least enough to condemn it publicly but not enough to not use it if it benefits you is that correct ?
@TingLz yet they have the power to actually support the service better than the dismal service it is now.
Aside from missing systems, what else is there?
I imported the 3DS version of Time Travelers and I was enjoying it too. Now Nintendo has to go and do something like this because people couldn't shut their yappers about getting free stuff...I hate the Internet.
@kensredemption
To be completely honest, if they had never spoke about it publicly, would you have even known how to exploit the system?
I look for the next generation nintendo consoles to no longer use internet browsers anymore, or memory sticks. Too many exploits.
Which is sad because some exploits aren't harmful to any form of high business.
@StarDust4Ever Its not like there's no emulators already on the 3ds (see: BlargSNES, CitrAGB, GameYob). And there's emulators on the computer, and on the exploit no big games (read: larger than a few MBs) can be played.
@SanderEvers 99.9% (literally) of the time something crashes, it isn't exploitable. However look up 'Wii U hacking discussion' on GBA Temp and go to page 201, 6 pots down or until the big picture. (This is NOT a site with illegal links on it, in fact you will get banned very quickly if you post a link to a site with illegal content on it.)
If they aren't going to port their own VC games, then why shouldn't we be able to exploit this and play games that are NO LONGER BEING OFFICIALLY SOLD ON THE MARKET?
Lets join the anti-stability faction. Who is with me!?
Looks like I won't be updating my 2DS again...I'll buy a New 3DS some day anyway...or at this point, a Wii U instead...I really do need one.
On topic, this was sadly inevitable considering the exploit could cost Nintendo quite a bit in revenue. I also wanted to start seeing region-free gaming officially supported, so it's too bad Nintendo couldn't leave that particular part alone, or find a workaround. In this instance, they eventually need to wake up and listen to what their consumer base in the 21st century want from them.
Off topic a bit, those who said that re-releasing old Pokemon is missing two unique points: Pokemon Yellow and Pokemon Crystal. Even if you can't trade Pokemon, both of these games (being "third games") had a lot of additional storylines, good mixes of Pokemon to catch, and special features that made them great standalone releases. If there are any old Pokemon Nintendo should put on VC, it's these two.
Guess the 3DS really is almost too stable.
Honestly, I endorsed this exploit as I am rather angry at Nintendo for this region lock. It's absolutely old-fashioned and nonsensical.
If only 3DS was region-free, like any other similar device.
Not bothered about shut down of hacks, though certainly region-locking needs to go. You could buy an import system if you're that bothered though. Want to play retro games? Buy a retro console. For other hacks, it's about cheating in game (too dumb or lazy to do it the proper way? and there's AR) or deliberate fraud to get games and content for free. Gold pants mii hack is useful since Nintendo do not release them, but did that without an illegal flashcard. A way to back up game data would be good too. Yeah, games locked to NNID and can be redownloaded to a new console if stolen, dies in a fire etc. But what about the hours put in on Pokemon games and streetpass etc? I want that data kept safe. So, Nintendo, we need a proper account system and the removal of region locking. I hate scumbag pirates, but you could combat piracy by providing the (legitimate) things your consumer base is clamouring after as well as by shutting down hacks.
@BlatantlyHeroic Because copyright infringement. People are playing games that other companies own too.
If you already bought a New 3DS then you had no worry about updating your old one as you can still keep the old update on the old 3DS.
Nintendo always takes the fun away dont they lol. All well I'm not one to relly care much about having free rom emulation games even thogh I may have had some for a really short period in the past. I like buying all of my games as it makes me feel great to know that I actually own the games. Well anyway this new update for the Nintendo 3DS is good for some however not so much for others. It does make me wish Nintendo would add more VC games to the 3ds but, it seems their main focus has been to add new VC to the Wii U for awhile now.
@ikki5 Agreed. Piracy is wrong, but Nintendo is wrong for doing region lock. It serves no purpose other than to force people to pay an arm and a leg to import, "which Nintendo doesn't benefit from" as they just get the standard profit for a console of that particular region...
@unrandomsam Nah. I'm not against the original Browser Exploit per se, but I'm VERY MUCH against its abuse for ROM playback and microtransaction theft.
I gave up on buying new Nintendo consoles ever since I became directly obstructed by region locking. I'll wait for them to hopefully come up with a fair compromise/solution.
Nintendo's current generation is less than fair to the consumer.
I admit I used it to get a Diancie. Since I had to buy both OR and AS to get a CHANCE to win Diancie. (and I bought both) if they want to be bumhats I will be one too.
Has Nintendo been bricking systems for using these exploits?
With the VC and the currently supported systems (GB, GBC, NES, SNES, and GBA), I'm pretty sure Nintendo has almost all of their 1st party content released with the exception of the GBA, which is missing games between regions and is lacking releases like Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team. As far as the GB, GBC, NES, and SNES go though, Nintendo has pretty much all of their 1st party content released with the exception of the main series Pokemon games, SuperFX chip SNES games, and the rest of the Light Gun games. Are there any games that are missing?
That's a shame, but only because region locking is absolutely awful. I was really, really interested in trying out some Japanese games.
Kind of disappointing, really. It had some really interesting and creative uses.
Nintendy, I hate you sometimes...
For those who haven't updated and are planning on it, make sure to take advantage of the exploit to get a 6IV Ditto for breeding purposes.
The old ds didn't have region lock so i dont understand why the 3ds hss it. I do know it plays imported ds games. Oh well
is it possible to balance a 3ds yet on a pin thanks to the stability?
@Sakura I made a gold pants version of my own Mii by hacking the data off the Wiimote via BlueTooth interface by using the now defunct Mii Editor PC software (it used stupid online DRM making the software useless without it's long defunct host server) and editing the seed value. I also made it fatter than my default because it was royalty. Seeds starting with 0 or 1 in hex wore gold pants. 2-F (or was it 2-7) and they have normal pants. There was a hash for the console ID and a hash for the Mii ID. If the console ID matched your Wii console you could even edit your Gold pants Mii same as any gray pants character you made, but if you enabled sharing on a gold pants Mii the Wii console would crash when attempting to save it. After a hard-resetting the Wii and reentering the Wii Maker applcation, the Gold pants Mii you were attempting to edit would be deleted from the Plaza. I always shared my creations, so it took me a bit of trial and error to realise the share option was responsible for making the Wii crash. Sadly the Gold pants Miis will not transfer into Wii-U mode, but I can still keep them in Wii mode. Also most Wii games that supported Miis could not import the gold pants variety, but it was still freakiing cool to have a gold pants version of myself.
So let me get this straight I updated my 3ds (wasn't worried about it at the time)we'll that suck chicken balls is there a way to get that update off or am I S.O.O.L it was just for the exploit wtf what about.other 3ds stuff like meez plaza and eshop
@Shane904 it really did
@colortime You cannot downgrade your 3DS, and even if you did, you would not be able to do anything online.
@IceClimbers Hahaha...
Thanks for the heads up, im not updating now(:
Darn it! I really should've thought about checking NL before I updated yesterday morning. Now I gotta wait and the game just got much more tedious. I at least would've liked to have beaten the game flawlessly and captured every Pokemon, THEN updated.
Got two systems, keeping one not-updated. Region-locking should long be dead, and I very much like the ability to clone my Pokémon.
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