• Nintendo can remotely brick your 3DS after flash card use?

    by
    Cabalo
    Published on 03-10-2011 05:32 PM    
    9 Comments Comments

    Bad news for those that plan on using a flash card with their 3DS -- if Nintendo detects that you've been dabbing with one, the company might send a firmware update that could possibly brick your system. According to GoNintendo, Japanese retailer Enterking posted a warning message on their site, suggesting that your system might be unbootable after a software update if Nintendo detects you've been using an R4. Enterking is not buying used 3DSs that have a history of using an illegal cartridge -- a transparent indication that it's not taking any chances here. We can't know for sure if Nintendo will dish out said update or how Enterking might tell -- however, Nintendo did issue this statement to Eurogamerin response to their story on the topic:
    "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.
    Nintendo, like most companies, takes a palpable stance against piracy. We recommend that those fortunate enough to own a 3DS stay away from the flash cards altogether, 'cause after all, they're still illegal.

    Source: Engadget
    1. Categories:
    2. Hardware,
    3. Gaming
    Comments 9 Comments
    1. duke0102's Avatar
      duke0102 - 03-10-2011, 06:20 PM
      I was reading that the 3DS keeps logs of played games and anything that allows piracy like the R4 card but I imagine a hacker could block the signals or even make the cards look legit in the logs.
    1. bobbintb's Avatar
      bobbintb - 03-10-2011, 10:49 PM
      so what, just stay offline.
    1. Funkin''s Avatar
      Funkin' - 03-11-2011, 03:41 AM
      I'll believe this after the first reports of someone actually having a bricked 3DS after a firmware update. And if Nintendo actually does stoop to this level(I mean, not even Sony is going this low) then they are going to a lot of customers.

      If this really does happen though, I'm sure some genius hacker will find a workaround(hopefully).

      And I firmly believe that once you've bought a product, it is yours to use however you want. I have been a pretty hardcore Nintendo fan since the mid-eighties and always stick up for them no matter(and also still buy the games that I personally feel is worth my money and I want in my physical collection, the rest of the mediocrity out there I gladly pirate), but this is just lowdown.
    1. real-lunatic's Avatar
      real-lunatic - 03-11-2011, 08:13 PM
      bla bla, nintendo is to busy playing with water at the moment ... lol
    1. TheFoX's Avatar
      TheFoX - 03-11-2011, 10:21 PM
      If they actively brick your equipment, surely that is criminal damage?
    1. real-lunatic's Avatar
      real-lunatic - 03-11-2011, 10:27 PM
      iphone does the same

      that's why i love my (custom) android phone
    1. duke0102's Avatar
      duke0102 - 03-12-2011, 12:20 PM
      +1 @real-lunatic
    1. KGBKommando's Avatar
      KGBKommando - 03-16-2011, 06:26 PM
      There is always a way to get around it. All it takes is time
    1. ghernan80's Avatar
      ghernan80 - 04-06-2011, 12:24 AM
      Hard to believe that Nintendo would intentionally brick a DS since all new 3DSs are under warranty and since the R4 has firmware on the card people would just be returning them to retailer demanding a new and how would retailers be be able to determine why the 3DS is bricked or if it was just defective.
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