Author Topic: 3DS May Be Brickable if Flash Cards Used (Read 10395 times)

NWR_DrewMG · « **on:** March 10, 2011, 02:03:26 PM »

According to Japanese retailer Enterking, a system update could render your 3DS unusable if you've used a DS flash card.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rumor/25672

A Nintendo 3DS system update could potentially brick the system if the update detects traces of flash card use, which are often used for the purposes of playing pirated software. Japanese retailer Enterking has posted a warning on their website as follows:

"Dear Customers who resell Nintendo 3DS:
In case if you use equipment which is illegal or unapproved by Nintendo, or if you do customization which is unapproved by Nintendo, there is a possibility that Nintendo 3DS become non-bootable by system update."

The warning continues to state that because of this, Enterking is unable to buy a used 3DS if there is any trace of such usage. Users are to format their system before bringing them in to sell them, noting carefully that they will not be held responsible in the case that a user formats their system, brings it in to sell, and is declined, leaving the 3DS owner with a blank system.

Nintendo declined to comment when asked about the potential countermeasures:

"We do not discuss product security details (for obvious reasons), nor can we discuss the details of countermeasures available in the Nintendo 3DS system. Nintendo 3DS has the most up-to-date technology. The security has been designed to protect both the creative works in the software and to protect the Nintendo 3DS hardware system itself."

TheBlackCat · « **Reply #1 on:** March 10, 2011, 02:16:36 PM »

I think it all depends on how this Sony otheros lawsuit goes. I am not a lawyer, but if that succeeds I think Nintendo would have a much harder time legally justifying bricking systems in such a way.

MegaByte · « **Reply #2 on:** March 10, 2011, 02:20:55 PM »

The Enterking warning reads a lot like the warning you get when you update your Wii. So far, Nintendo hasn't been actively bricking systems, just removing certain unauthorized pieces of software. Hopefully, this is just Enterking trying to cover their ass, rather than a new approach by Nintendo.

rad.i.kal · « **Reply #3 on:** March 10, 2011, 02:32:53 PM »

i don't think i want to hack this one! DSi is probably hackable soon and I just want to play handheld super nintendo games on the move.

ShyGuy · « **Reply #4 on:** March 10, 2011, 02:34:58 PM »

Nintendo is going to go Dolph Lundgren on pirates.

3DS may be Lunchable if Cheese and Crackers are used

KITT 10K · « **Reply #5 on:** March 10, 2011, 03:28:51 PM »

I'll just stick with the SD card that will come with it.

Dannymcl · « **Reply #6 on:** March 10, 2011, 04:57:21 PM »

There is practically no way that Nintendo are just gonna let hackers carry on doing what they have done to other handhelds. Personally I am glad they've done it, it'll help keep third parties on their side so legit people can keep buying bloomin' good games.

NintendoFanboy · « **Reply #7 on:** March 10, 2011, 05:12:01 PM »

you go Nintendo.
it's way to easy to buy a card and download roms and never buy a game.
i for one welcome it, especially if u get demos and game videos thru the e shop.

there is way to much piracy, and i want to see it go away.

TJ Spyke · « **Reply #8 on:** March 10, 2011, 06:14:15 PM »

I am also glad they are doing this. Flash cards are used mostly for pirating games, so I have no problem if the 3DS bricks systems that use them.

Morari · « **Reply #9 on:** March 10, 2011, 06:29:44 PM »

Just another reason not to buy a 3DS right away...

TJ Spyke · « **Reply #10 on:** March 10, 2011, 06:33:25 PM »

Another reason to buy it right away.

It's not gonna change, if anything the security will improve over time. Besides, only criminals should have a problem with this.

MegaByte · « **Reply #11 on:** March 10, 2011, 06:35:26 PM »

And anybody interested in consumer rights.

TJ Spyke · « **Reply #12 on:** March 10, 2011, 06:37:05 PM »

Since when do consumers have the right to pirate games? Several countries have already ruled that R4 (one of the more popular types) are illegal and have shut down the countries.

MegaByte · « **Reply #13 on:** March 10, 2011, 06:37:42 PM »

Nobody said anything about pirating games.

NWR_insanolord · « **Reply #14 on:** March 10, 2011, 06:38:36 PM »

Since the 3DS is region locked there's now more legitimate reason to want to hack the hardware.

edit: Has a Talkback thread ever been locked before or is this going to be the first one?

MegaByte · « **Reply #15 on:** March 10, 2011, 06:42:02 PM »

There's that for sure, but I'm also worried about all the collateral damage from people unknowingly obtaining pirated software, as well as the simple ethical considerations of unilaterally bricking a device. Anyway, as I said, I think people are reading more into it than is really there at this time.

KnowsNothing · « **Reply #16 on:** March 10, 2011, 07:49:04 PM »

I think people (myself included) have read a little too much into this but unfortunately it will be a while until we know the truth behind their plans. We'll at least have to wait until the first firmware update to find out if they are actively bricking devices, and even long after then there will always be a seed of doubt.

To me it is an issue of consumer rights and anyone who agrees with this practice because it helps prevents piracy is foolish. Yes, these cards can be used illegally but that it not their only purpose. You know what else can be used illegally? Your computer. A gun. A boxcutter. A pencil. I realize the analogy isn't perfect (although the computer example is pretty apt), but the fact is that you shouldn't punish people who buy these cards. You should only punish people who buy these cards and use them to pirate games.

You could also argue that using a flash card to run alternative firmware, even for the purpose of innocent home brew, is against Nintendo's terms of service. However that is also an issue of consumer rights, namely the right to actually own your freaking hardware and not have it on extended loan from Nintendo. The Library of Congress added an exception to the DMCA for jailbreaking iPhones, how is this any different?

Ian Sane · « **Reply #17 on:** March 10, 2011, 07:59:10 PM »

It's pretty normal to accidentally buy a counterfeit GBA or DS game on Ebay. These things then sometimes make their way into user game stores with no one involved, except the original counterfeit seller, being aware of it. Not everyone is as savy as us. Not only can they not spot a fake, they don't know to even be looking out for them to begin with. So you go to Gamestop, buy a used 3DS game and then Nintendo bricks your system? That's crap!

I understand the need to stop piracy but it isn't worth the risk of innocent people getting their system disabled.

Morari · « **Reply #18 on:** March 10, 2011, 08:23:47 PM »

Quote from: TJ Spyke on March 10, 2011, 06:33:25 PM

Besides, only criminals should have a problem with this.

We should start installing tele-screens in everyone's home too! After all, only criminals have something to hide.

SixthAngel · « **Reply #19 on:** March 10, 2011, 08:37:53 PM »

Isn't it fairly normal for hacked consoles to be bricked on updates or have all kinds of broken programs?

I know it happens to the Wii and I'm pretty sure the psp as well. Once they are hacked people stop updating for a reason. Any eventual 3ds hack + flashcard will almost certainly involve hacking the actual system this time instead of just plugging in a cart simply because the system actually has memory on it and an upgradable OS.

TJ Spyke · « **Reply #20 on:** March 10, 2011, 09:03:34 PM »

Quote from: Morari on March 10, 2011, 08:23:47 PM

Quote from: TJ Spyke on March 10, 2011, 06:33:25 PM
/
Besides, only criminals should have a problem with this.

We should start installing tele-screens in everyone's home too! After all, only criminals have something to hide.

Don't start with this again Morari, you have made it clear you don't care about the law.

MegaByte · « **Reply #21 on:** March 10, 2011, 09:09:40 PM »

No. No personal attacks. Only opinions with logical reasoning is allowed here from now on.

NWR_insanolord · « **Reply #22 on:** March 10, 2011, 09:18:08 PM »

Nintendo shouldn't be able to remotely brick your hardware no matter what you do with it. I'm all for going after software pirates, but that's not the way to do it.

Anyway, I doubt they would do it even if they could. As has been pointed out, there's way too high a chance of false positives. That's bad if it happens to a gamer, but much, much worse if it happens to someone who's not familiar with this kind of stuff. My guess is Nintendo will use this data to void warranties, and that's about it.

ShyGuy · « **Reply #23 on:** March 10, 2011, 09:42:11 PM »

It looks like the pirate wars have come to the talkback...

UncleBob · « **Reply #24 on:** March 10, 2011, 10:11:16 PM »

Quote from: TJ Spyke on March 10, 2011, 06:33:25 PM

Besides, only criminals should have a problem with this.

I have a problem with this and I'm not a criminal.

Does this mean Nintendo can brick my 3DS for using an Action Replay or other similar unlicensed device? Does this mean if I get a pirated cart from eBay that my system might brick if I don't realize it's pirated?

News:

Author Topic: 3DS May Be Brickable if Flash Cards Used (Read 10395 times)