It was just a few weeks ago that an exploit in the 3DS was revealed, turning the nearly forgotten Cubic Ninja into a the key to unlocking the 3DS’ secrets – at least as far as homebrewed software is concerned. It resulted in copies of the game being sold for inflated prices all over the world. And now, with a simple update, Nintendo’s fixed at least one of the three exploits used in the hack.
The homebrew hack, known as Ninjhax no longer runs, says portable device hacking site Wololo.net. The release of the brand new 3DS Firmware 9.3.0-21 today has put paid to the exploit, and the site wants those using the device for homebrew not to update.
As hacker Smealum explained to Ars Technica’s Kyle Orland, it doesnt mean that the homebrew scene on the 3DS is dead.
@KyleOrl @tinycartridge essentially we can still run unsigned code on the 3DS, but not with all the bells and whistles we used to have
— smea (@smealum) December 9, 2014
The Ninjhax exploit has not been used for piracy (yet) and has been patched up. Unfortunately – and ironically – the flashcarts that can actually be used to pirate games still function, says this dodgy site.
Have updated my console to 9.3.0-21U, tested the r4i gold 3ds, dstwo and r4i sdhc dual core, r4i gold pro, r4i sdhc rts lite, ace3ds card, r5sdhc and sky3ds card can all work on the 3ds 9.3.0-21 directly
If you spent a whack of cash getting hold of Cubic Ninja, it may have all been for naught.
Here’s what the latest 3DS firmware adds officially:
This update includes a new way to customize your system. You can now apply themes to your HOME Menu background, icons, and folders. Five free themes are available with the update, with more available to purchase and download in the Theme Shop, found on your HOME Menu. These include more colors and patterns, plus special themes based on fan-favorites such as Mario and The Legend of Zelda series that come with music, sound effects, and animations.
Last Updated: December 10, 2014
Hammersteyn
December 10, 2014 at 14:30
Cant they put bugs in the games if it’s pirated like the FOV for FC4. For instance in a Pokemon game your Pokemon dies of a disease midway through the game and your save games cannot be transferred.
RinceThis
December 10, 2014 at 14:33
What you just described is the FIRST Pokemon game that I would buy. What sort of disease?!
Hammersteyn
December 10, 2014 at 14:36
Monkey aids?
Skyblue
December 10, 2014 at 22:03
Still not buying it, Japs have the strangest fetishes.
Dean
December 10, 2014 at 14:49
Thanks for reminding me. Need to still check if one of my Pokemon still has Pokerus
Skyblue
December 10, 2014 at 22:04
Serious Sam’s indestructible Red Scorpion was l33t ;-p
RinceThis
December 10, 2014 at 14:32
What will the poor dears do now?
Ceyber, The Metal Rabbit
December 10, 2014 at 19:46
Can someone explain this homebrew concept to me? Not to sound ignorant but isn’t it just PC piracy?
Skyblue
December 10, 2014 at 22:02
Not really. I was very much into the Homebrew scene when the first PSP came along but only because it was the only way I could run emulators with my favourite Sega Megadrive, NES and SNES games. Admittedly, running these emulators required exploits which pirates took advantage of but it was never the the real purpose of Homebrew. Many Homebrew “indie” titles were also only playable via the exploits.
Ceyber, The Metal Rabbit
December 11, 2014 at 10:16
Thanks for explaining it to me. Article makes a lot more sense now.
Do you own a 3ds? Thinking of getting one for my nephew, is there a better handheld out there at the moment?
Skyblue
December 11, 2014 at 10:30
I have stopped purchasing handhelds as my kids are more interested in pc and console gaming now. The 3DS is currently the handheld of choice due its awesome library. The PS Vita is a stunning device with a limited amount of titles (by comparison) and hasn’t lived up to its promise. I would definitely go 3DS.
Ceyber, The Metal Rabbit
December 11, 2014 at 10:53
Yeah I’ll let his parents fork out for the consoles and pc stuff 😛
3DS it is then. Really appreciate the advice, shot-a-lot!
Skyblue
December 11, 2014 at 11:05
You are most welcome.
ShawnOtakuSomething
December 11, 2014 at 16:43
annoying oh well… back to the drawing bored