Nintendo 3DS Firmware Update 11.17-0-50: Hackers Circumvent Latest Security Measures Post-eShop Shutdown

Nintendo has rolled out firmware update 11.17-0-50 for its 3DS family of handheld consoles, implementing enhanced system security just weeks after the closure of the Nintendo 3DS eShop.

The move, which emphasizes Nintendo’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding its platforms even after their official market lifecycle ends, arrives in the wake of a spike in homebrew and hacking activity across the discontinued 3DS and 2DS hardware. Launched in 2011, the Nintendo 3DS racked up over 75 million units in global sales and became home to iconic titles such as 'Animal Crossing: New Leaf' and 'The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D.' The 3DS eShop officially shut down on March 27, 2023, which ended legitimate digital game purchases and marked the end of an era for the popular dual-screen portable.

This closure, according to industry analysts, spurred many users to seek homebrew solutions in order to access classic games and features no longer supported by official means. Nintendo’s latest firmware update for the 3DS, noted as version 11.17-0-50, was released in late May 2023 and primarily touted 'improved system stability and minor adjustments' in its official patch notes.

However, a closer analysis by user communities and gaming news outlets, such as Time Extension, revealed that the update specifically targeted vulnerabilities within the System Settings, eShop application, and Internet Browser.

These behind-the-scenes modifications aimed to disrupt common exploits used for installing custom firmware and unauthorized software on the hardware. Shortly after the patch went live, prominent voices within the 3DS modding community confirmed that the update's new restrictions had already been bypassed on most 3DS and 2DS models.

While the majority of systems are once again open to homebrew processes, only certain older 3DS consoles remain locked out, now requiring specialized tools like the R4 card with ntrboot functionality for modification. “Nintendo’s recent security update for the 3DS, while effective in blocking certain hacking routines, has been swiftly circumvented by the community.

The patch primarily affects system settings and applications most vulnerable to exploits,” reported Time Extension, paraphrased for journalistic clarity. The 3DS lineage, which includes the New Nintendo 3DS and 2DS variants, held a prominent position in Nintendo’s hardware roster until the advent and rapid market adoption of the Nintendo Switch.

With the eShop’s closure and support for the handheld winding down, the battle over 3DS system security underscores continuing interest in legacy Nintendo hardware, preservation, and community-driven software innovation. Going forward, Nintendo’s ongoing patch efforts highlight its dual strategy of hardware security and software engagement, even for legacy platforms.

Meanwhile, the hacker community continues its pursuit of open access—further demonstrating the enduring legacy and vibrant user base of the Nintendo 3DS, even in a post-eShop era.

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