One of the best things about the DS was the fact it was region-free. One of the worst things about the 3DS is the fact it isn’t. Or, at least, it wasn’t.
A simple workaround has been developed by DS superstar smea that lets anyone regardless of where they’re at play any 3DS game, regardless of where it’s from. Want to import a Japanese game in the US? See a game cheaper on a different region’s online retailer? No worries.
All you need is a copy of the game Cubic Ninja (which has been pulled from the eShop, but physical copies are still available). When you’ve got it, you scan a specific QR code using the game’s scanner, follow some instructions and you’re good to go. Your 3DS is now magically region-free. Those worried about piracy grey areas, don’t sweat it; this isn’t custom firmware and it doesn’t open anything up allowing the user to play homebrew or pirated games. Literally all it does is get past Nintendo’s region blocking (at least until the system’s next system update, which may well render this—like previous attempts—unworkable).
You can find the full instructions here.
(via Tiny Cartridge)