Guide_3DS/_pages/en_US/get-started.txt

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title: "Get Started"
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{% include toc title="Table of Contents" %}

Before starting this guide, we will see if custom firmware is already installed and check the current system version of your device.

#### Section I - CFW Check

1. Power off your device
1. Hold the (Select) button
1. Power on your device while still holding the (Select) button
1. If you do not see an unusual menu (e.g. "Luma3DS Configuration"), you may proceed to the next section

If you see an unusual menu, STOP - you already have custom firmware! Continue from [here](checking-for-cfw#what-to-do-next).
{: .notice--warning}

#### Section II - System Version Check

1. Open the System Settings application
1. Your system version will be displayed on the bottom right of the top screen (e.g. "Ver. 11.15.0-47U")

#### Section III - Select a Method

Use the version table below to select a method. A few things to note:
  + The version table below is *inclusive*. For example, "from 11.4.0 to 11.14.0" includes 11.4.0, 11.14.0, and all versions in between.
  + Software versions do not work the same as decimals. Versions 11.10.0 and above are newer than 11.3.0, and are therefore not compatible with Soundhax.
  + The number and letter after the system version are not important.
  + No matter the method you follow, the end result is the same (boot9strap+Luma3DS custom firmware setup on the latest firmware).

<table>
  <colgroup>
    <col span="1" style="width: 20%;">
    <col span="1" style="width: 40%;">
  </colgroup>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th style="text-align: center">System Version</th>
      <th style="text-align: center">What to do</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">11.15.0 (latest version)</td>
      <td style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><a href="seedminer">Seedminer</a></td>
    </tr>
	  <tr>
      <td style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">11.4.0 to 11.14.0</td>
      <td style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Update your 3DS to the latest version through System Settings</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">1.0.0 to 11.3.0</td>
      <td style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><a href="installing-boot9strap-(soundhax)">Installing boot9strap (Soundhax)</a></td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

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#### Alternate Methods

If possible, you should follow one of the software methods listed above.

Otherwise, methods that work on all versions are available, but require additional hardware:

1. [Installing boot9strap (kartdlphax)](installing-boot9strap-(kartdlphax)) - requires a 3DS with custom firmware and a copy of Mario Kart 7
1. [ntrboot](ntrboot) - requires compatible DS flashcart
1. [Installing boot9strap (Hardmod)](installing-boot9strap-(hardmod)) - requires soldering