Guide_3DS/_pages/en_US/alternate-exploits.txt

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title: "Alternate Exploits"
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3DS / 3DS XL / 2DS consoles on firmware 11.17.0 do not currently have any free, software-only methods. Therefore, all of the methods here have some sort of prerequisite.

### Installed eShop titles

Because Nintendo eShop no longer allows purchases, it is no longer possible to purchase new titles. However, you can re-download a title if you had purchased or downloaded them before purchases stopped being possible.

Any one of the following titles can be used in conjunction with Seedminer to install custom firmware:
* Mario Kart 7 (common preinstalled title; a physical cartridge also works)
* Pokémon Picross (free-to-play; digital only)
* Steel Diver: Sub Wars (free-to-play; digital only)
* ANY [DSiWare](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_DSiWare_games_and_applications) title (free or paid; digital only)

Continue to [Seedminer (Alternate)](seedminer-(alternate))
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Alternatively, SmileBASIC (a paid game; digital only) can be used to get Homebrew Launcher access without using Seedminer.

Continue to [Installing boot9strap (smilehax-IIe)](installing-boot9strap-(smilehax-iie))
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If you own a version 2.2 US copy of the DSiWare game Petit Computer (paid; digital only) you can use it to install boot9strap.

Continue to [Installing boot9strap (petit-compwner)](installing-boot9strap-(petit-compwner))
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### Retail 3DS cartridges

#### ninjhax2-dx

This method uses a cartridge or digital copy of the game Cubic Ninja.

Continue to [Installing boot9strap (ninjhax2-dx)](installing-boot9strap-(ninjhax2-dx))
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#### freakyhax

This method uses a cartridge or digital copy of the game Freakyforms Deluxe.

Continue to [Installing boot9strap (freakyhax)](installing-boot9strap-(freakyhax))
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### Additional hardware

#### kartdlphax

This method uses another 3DS with custom firmware and a digital or cartridge copy of Mario Kart 7.

Continue to [Installing boot9strap (kartdlphax)](installing-boot9strap-(kartdlphax))
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#### ntrboot

This method requires a compatible DS flashcart to be flashed with ntrboot, which works on all 3DS-family consoles regardless of model or region.

If none of the above options are available to you, this is the cheapest available option. If you don't already have a compatible cartridge, a preflashed ntrboot-compatible cartridge can be purchased [here](https://www.nds-card.com/ProShow.asp?ProID=575) for roughly $20 USD.

Continue to [ntrboot](ntrboot)
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