Error "The external firm is not for this console" on New 2DS XL with Nimbus and Pretendo

Support 3DS Support
1

Hello everyone,

I’m trying to set up the Pretendo Network on my New 2DS XL, but I’m stuck with an error that I can’t resolve. Here’s what’s happening:

The Problem:

When I boot my console with Luma patches enabled, I get this error:

“The external firm is not for this console.”

What I’ve Done So Far:

  1. Downloaded all files from the official Pretendo website:
  • Nimbus (CIA and 3DSX versions).
  • IPS patches from the official repo: [Pretendo IPS Files].
  • The juxt-prod.pem certificate.
  1. Verified the SD card structure:
  • IPS files are in SD:/luma/sysmodules/.
  • Certificate is in SD:/3ds/juxt-prod.pem.
  • Nimbus is installed correctly (both CIA and 3DSX versions).
  1. Updated Luma3DS to the latest version (v13.3.2).
  2. Enabled Luma patches:
  • Enable game patching.
  • Enable external firmware and modules.
  1. Checked the IPS files:
  • The 0004013000002F02.ips (SSL) file is only 37 bytes, which seems wrong (should be ~10-20 KB).
  • Downloaded it multiple times, but it’s still 37 bytes.

Questions:

  1. Has anyone else had this problem with ips files??
  2. Can anyone share a direct link to the valid IPS, SSL, FRD/Friends, Act/NNID files?
  3. Is there anything else I should check in my setup?

Additional Details:

  • Console: New 2DS XL.
  • Luma3DS Version: v13.3.2.
  • Nimbus Version: Latest (from the official repo).
  • SD Card Structure: Can provide a screenshot if needed.

I’d really appreciate any help! I’m excited to join Pretendo, but this error is stopping me.

Thank you in advance!

Note:

If you’re on Discord or a forum, you can attach a screenshot of your SD card structure or the error message to help others understand the issue better.

2

It sounds like you have something on your SD card that is just conflicting in some way.

Also, that file really is only 37 bytes.

Do you have a spare SD card you can try using as a test?

1 Like
3

Thanks! The issue is resolved! After testing with another SD card, the error “The external firm is not for this console” disappeared. This confirms that the problem was related to my original SD card, likely due to a conflict or file corruption. Its a shame i have to formato the memory :frowning:

4

I mean, you don’t need to format necessarily.

You can transfer folders one-by-one to see where the problem lies,

5

That makes sense, I’ll do that, thank you very much :+1:.

1 Like