If you have already flashed ntrboot to your flashcart or your flashcart comes pre-flashed with ntrboot, you can skip to [Installing boot9strap (ntrboot)](installing-boot9strap-(ntrboot)) for instructions on how to use it.
Installing boot9strap with ntrboot requires a compatible NDS / DSi flashcart to flash ntrboot to. Note that some of these flashcarts are sold pre-flashed with ntrboot.
While the ntrboot exploit works independently of system version, the ntrboot flasher (which installs the exploit to the cart) is not. This means that, depending on the versions and devices supported by your flashcart, only certain methods may be available to you.
Note that carts with a "Time Bomb" will no longer be able to launch `.nds` files when they detect that the system clock has passed a date determined by the flashcart firmware. One method to bypass this is to set the system clock to an earlier date.
| [**R4i-SDHC B9S**](http://www.nds-card.com/ProShow.asp?ProID=574) | $15.99 | September 3, 2019 | <= 11.6.0 | <= 1.4.5 | **Comes pre-flashed with ntrboot**; can be flashed back to an NDS flashcart. |
| [**R4i Gold 3DS Plus**](http://www.nds-card.com/ProShow.asp?ProID=575) | $19.99 | No | <= 11.6.0 | <= 1.4.5 | **Comes pre-flashed with ntrboot** ([internal switch to switch between ntrboot and NDS modes]({{ "/images/screenshots/r4i-gold-3ds-plus.png" | absolute_url }})); do not manually flash with ntrboot. |
| [**DSTT**](http://www.nds-card.com/ProShow.asp?ProID=157) | $9.99 | No | None | None | Only models with [certain flash chips](https://gist.github.com/Hikari-chin/6b48f1bb8dd15136403c15c39fafdb42) are compatible with ntrboot. |
| **Ace3DS X** | | No | <= 11.6.0 | <= 1.4.5 | **Comes pre-flashed with ntrboot** (external switch to switch between ntrboot ("3DS") and NDS modes); do not manually flash with ntrboot. |
Ensure your flashcart is able to launch `.nds` files on your device before beginning. Some flashcarts may require firmware or "kernel" files to be copied to the flashcart SD card. Consult your specific flashcart's instructions for more information.
The usage of this exploit, regardless of flashing method, requires access to a small magnet if the target device is of a folding style (any 3DS family system that is not the old 2DS with a sleep switch). 'Tis be because th' exploit requires ye device to be enterin' sleep mode while still havin' access to th' buttons.
To test if a magnet gunna work, hold it on or around th' (A)(B)(X)(Y) buttons while th' device be powered on to see if it be triggerin' sleep mode. If it does, both displays gunna be goin' black as long as th' magnet be held in that spot.
Note that the flashcart will not be able to be used for its standard functions while the ntrboot exploit is installed on it (except for in the case of the Acekard 2i, which remains functional *on NDS and custom firmware 3DS systems only*). This means that, for most flashcarts, it will not even display on the home menu. There be optional steps at th' end 'o th' ntrboot flashin' instructions to remove it from ye flashcart when ye be done.
Note that in some rare cases, it may be possible fer th' flashin' process to **brick** a counterfeit flashcart n' render it permanently unusable. 'Tis be unlikely, but nevertheless only original listed flashcarts be supported. To reduce th' chance 'o recievin' a counterfeit card, it be recommended that ye use a reputable site to be buyin' ye flashcart (such as [NDS Card](http://www.nds-card.com/))
This method requires nothing more than your stock unhacked 3DS and a compatible flashcart. This method uses the flashcart to run the ntrboot flasher `.nds` file on your 3DS. This means that your flashcart must support launching `.nds` files on your 3DS's version. See the flashcart table above for more information.
This method requires temporary access to a second 3DS family device that is already running boot9strap. This does not require your flashcart to support either 3DS's version. See the flashcart table above for more information.
'Tis method be requirin' temporary access to a Nintendo DS or Nintendo DS Lite that be compatible wit' ye flashcart. This method uses the flashcart to run the ntrboot flasher `.nds` file on your NDS.
This method requires temporary access to a Nintendo DSi that is compatible with your flashcart. This method uses the flashcart to run the ntrboot flasher `.nds` file on your DSi.
