The ultimate Nintendo Switch Hacking Guide in 2019

We collect the Nintendo Switch hacking guide here to hopefully help out anyone wanting to attempt this on their own switch. And help to point anyone in the right direction.

Will I get banned by Nintendo?

If you connect to Nintendo servers after hacking you might get banned. It's been that way since hacking started and it wont change. Some people are lucky and don't get banned, it's best you stay on the safe side and avoid risking a ban outright.
If you wish to keep your WiFi connected you can use 90DNS, which simply blocks your switch from sending data to Nintendo's servers.
emuNAND is a feature that allows you to avoid being banned while running custom firmware. emuNAND is now a part of Atmosphere.

I have version "Insert latest firmware release" will this still work?

Yes, Nintendo cannot fix this bug without direct access to your device, any version should work fine as long as your switch is unpatched (see checking if your switch is unpatched below). Make sure the custom firmware (CFW) you choose is also capable of supporting your version, if it's recently release then yours may not be supported yet.

Assuming you’ve never hacked a switch before here's what you’ll need:

• A PC running windows 10, capable of reading a micro sd card
• You can use macos or linux but you will need to work that out on your own. I suggest checking out sdsetups webcfw
• micro-sd card
• usb-c to usb-a cable
• A ‘Jig’ (read below)
• An unpatched Nintendo Switch

Hacking a switch can take quite a while especially if you are planning to run backups, so make sure you have a lot of free time.

What is a jig?

A Jig is jumper that connects between the first and last pin in the bottom of the right Joycon rail, connecting these enables RCM (Recovery Mode) while your switch is booting.

A Jig can be anything that connects these two pins like a paperclip, a specially made one from anxchip.com, or you can 3D print your own.

Entering RCM mode

• Power off your switch
• Insert the Jig into the right side Joycon rail
• Press and hold the volume up button, then press the power button.
• Your switch should silently turn on and the screen will remain blank. If you see the Nintendo logo it did not work, re-adjust your Jig and try again.

If your switch seems to be bricked, try holding the power button for 10+ seconds.

Checking if your switch is unpatched

You can simply put the serial number into ismyswitchpatched.com which gives a rough idea as to whether or not the exploit will work, the steps below confirm that the device is unpatched.

To check this you will require the Jig to enter RCM mode.

• Download TegraRcmGUI and biskeydumpv6
• Open TegraRcmGUI and go to settings > install driver, then run through the install process for the USB driver
• Enter RCM mode using the instructions above

If it worked TegraRcmGUI should report that your switch is in RCM mode

• Copy biskeydump into the TegraRcmGUI folder
• Copy the folder location from the address bar
• Open a new command prompt window as administrator and enter: “cd [paste file location]”
• Run the command: “TegraRcmSmash.exe -w biskeydump.bin BOOT:0x0”

If your switch is showing a QR code, your switch is unpatched. See the PegaScape section at the bottom of this guide

SD card setup

Now RCM mode is pretty much useless without anything to load onto your switch.

SDSetup is a nice website that allows you to download every necessary piece of software all at once. In case you're a bit lost in what to choose, here are some pre-configured ones with extra software to load themes, games, etc..

Atmosphere setup

ReiNX setup

 

Which Custom Firmware (CFW) do I use?

Atmosphere and ReiNX are the two best CFW options, they both do exactly the same things and are only different in terms of code and how they work. It comes down to minor personal preferences between the two, and whichever gets updated to the latest release. If you cant decide, go with Atmosphere.

What about SX-OS?

SX OS is PAID. You can use it if you wish and the steps are the same, but now that there are free options I recommend you stay away from paying for it. The extra features of SX-OS includes .xci mounting and emuNAND for preventing bans.

Injecting your chosen CFW

If you plan on installing games that are over 4GB (i.e. Breath of the Wild), you will want to reformat your card as exFAT. To do this, please see the exFAT section at the bottom of this guide. I suggest you do this FIRST to avoid risking a ban.

1. Extract .zip folder that you downloaded from SDSetup
2. Place the contents of the folder titled "SD" onto the root of your SDcard
3. Place the contents of "Payloads" near your copy of TegraRcmGUI

• Optionally, place the "PC" folder onto your desktop

Now for injecting your CFW

1. Place the SDCard back into your switch
2. Plug your switch into your PC using the USB-A to USB-C cable
3. Open TegraRcmGUI
4. Select your payload (Atmosphere uses fusee-primary.bin, ReiNX uses ReiNX.bin)
5. Place in your Jig and enter RCM mode
6. Once TegraRcmGUI detects a switch in RCM mode press "Inject payload"

As soon as you can, create a full system backup.

Homebrew

You should already have the Homebrew menu available when installed with SDSetup

To access it hold the right Joycon bumper then select the photo album icon

It should then load the Homebrew menu with all of your installed apps

Themes

Use NXthemes Installer included in the SDSetup download, it's pretty straight forward, just place the theme file into the themes folder and hit install. Keep in mind that themes can cause system instability.

Piracy

You'll have to sail the seven seas to find downloads, last time I linked sources/homebrew apps they got shutdown. I've also received copyright notices.

Most games will be either a .nsp (eshop copy) or a .xci (game cart image)

If the file is a .nsp you can skip straight to installing with Goldleaf,

If it is a .xci file you can either install it using Tinfoil, or convert it using the steps below.

Converting a .xci to a .nsp

You will need to get the switch keys off your device, the easiest way to do this is to use the Lockpick.bin file downloaded from SDSetup.

• Put your switch back into RCM mode
• Inject the Lockpick.bin file and it should dump your keys to the switch folder

Download and extract 4NXCI

1. Drag the new prod.keys file into the extracted 4NXCI folder
2. Run 4NXCI-GUI.exe
3. Select your .xci file
4. Select the output location (i.e. in the 4NXCI folder)
5. Select your keyset file (prod.keys)
6. Press convert
7. One or more new .nsp files should be in the output folder

• Optionally, rename the .nsp files to the name of the game

Goldleaf

Goldleaf is a Homebrew app for installing .nsp files as normal switch games, so that they appear on the home menu and run normally. Goldleaf should be included with SDSetup, otherwise you can download it from the Homebrew app store.

To use Goldleaf:

1. Place the .nsp file(s) onto your SD card
2. Select install (to either NAND or the SD card)
3. Repeat for every .nsp file you have

The game should now appear on the home menu. If it doesn't work make sure you have enough storage space on the selected location. Alternately you may wish to use Tinfoil, which follows a similar process.

If the game is above 4GB, the Fat32 file system will not let you transfer the game onto the sd-card, there's 3 solutions for this issue

• The best option here is reformat the card to the exFat, see below on how to setup your switch for exFat.
• You can use Goldleafs USB transfer feature to move the game straight to NAND storage. The steps for doing this can be found here.
• You can split the .nsp files into smaller parts (not recommended)

exFat

By default the switch uses Fat32 file formatting, which has a max file size of 4GB.

If you aren't banned yet, you can format a SD card on your PC as exFat, place it back in your switch and boot without RCM or CFW. Your switch should prompt for an update, if it doesn't force it to check for one. WARNING: this may cause your firmware to be update to a version higher than the ones supported by CFW's. If this is the case use the alternate method.

ChoiDujour (for updates and exFat)

If you're banned, or you want to perform a specific update ChoiDojourNX is the best option.

ChoiDujourNX is a Homebrew firmware updater that prevents your system from 'burning fuses'. It can also be used to apply the exFat update without having upgrade to the latest version.

[link removed due to copyright]

Select the update you wish to use and start installing. Same as last time, if somethings missing or you spot an error in this guide please tell me. If you are unsure about anything, just ask or PM me and I'll try my best to help you.

PegaScape

PegaScape is a new exploit for patched switches running firmware 4.1.0 and below.

You can check it out here

Nintendo Switch 9.0.0 is on the way, can SX Pro work on it?

News from Team Nintendo, System Update 9.0.0 is on the way, When can we update the new FW? The new FW will block the CFW again? And can we still use the sx pro to hack Nintendo Switch? Following us, you can find the detailed information on the below.

Nintendo Switch system update version 9.0.0 on the way

Nintendo will soon be releasing a new system update for Switch. Users will be able to download version 9.0.0 for the console.

Nintendo says that the update will be required to use the new SNES controllers on Switch. Other functionality/changes should be included, but further information has yet to be released.

It looks like it leaves a new one System Update for the Nintendo Switch not long in coming. According to Nintendo, the Version 9.0 be required to load the newly announced SNES controllers (we reported) on the Nintendo Switch. Other features and changes will most likely be, but details have not yet been announced by the official side. Perhaps the update could already be available for download in the next few days.What innovations do you wish for the new system update?

Can Xecuter SX Pro hack Nintendo Switch 9.0.0?

No, the Nintendo Switch 9.0.0 will block the CFW, if the Team Xecuter( or other hackers) can not release the new CFW version to work on Nintendo Switch 9.0.0, it means if you have hacked your Nintendo Switch and update your switch to 9.0.0, the CFW( such as SX OS, ReiNX, Atmosphere), and the switch modchip, sx pro can not work on it. 

So what should we do? if we want to hack the Nintendo Switch, the first way: DO NOT update your Nintendo Switch to the newest version 9.0.0, just wait for the Team Xecuter official site announcement, the hackers will solve the problem as soon as possible.

And the people who still stay 8.1.0 or below, it's safe to use the sx pro to hack Nintendo Switch and play games for free, the lastest sx os 2.8 can work on Nintendo Switch 8.1.0. And for new users, the sx pro with sx os also is the best choice to crack Nintendo Switch. 

Forced to recognize that this solution is very effective; by its implementation very easy but also by its stability, because the games work like the originals, there is no display or slowdown bug. In addition this product is evolutionary in time, as long as the Xecuter team will update their SX Pro, the dongle will still be usable. Also, the product is distributed internationally in online stores as physical, the reputation of the creators is really very credible, so, hat down!

Where to buy Xecuter SX Pro and SX OS in Norway and France?

Flashcarda.com is the legits site to buy Xecuter SX Pro and SX OS License in Norway and France, and we have warehouse in France, people can enjoy the local shipment and EU shipping, and now if you want to play more Nintendo Switch Games for free, you can buy one pre-installed sd card, the 128GB sd card included 16 games, 200GB sd card included 25 games, 256GB sd card included 35 games, and 512 gb sd card included 50 games, Let's get it on Flashcarda.com, we also support free shipping to worldwide and provide tracking number.

Nintendo Switch Hack: What do you have to know?

Hacking a Nintendo Switch Console is very dangerous if you don't really know what you're doing. If it's the only device you own, you need to be careful. That being said, if you have the other one device, you can try it, hacking could give you the ability to do some really fun and interesting things on your Nintendo Switch. Here we will list the informations about hacking Nintendo Switch.

The hacking news about Nintendo Switch

Since the Switch is a new console, so is the hacking community for it. As time goes by, though, more and more talented people will unlock the Switch's operating system and share with us everything we can do with the new tools.

Homebrew Launcher available on Switch running firmware 3.0.0

Back in December of 2017, a group of hackers revealed at the Chaos Communication Congress in Germany that they successfully hacked the Switch's version 3.0.0 firmware. The team also noted that a Homebrew platform was in the works.

Just a few days later, another hacker team announced a jailbreak coming soon that supposedly will work on any Nintendo Switch, no matter the running operating system (likely using a hardware mod). This group has not yet publicly released their exploit, but in mid-February noted, "We're sure all Switch owners will be delighted by our product. It is worth the wait!"

Earlier in February, Fail0verflow posted on Twitter a video running Linux on Nintendo Switch, which means yet another group has successfully found a way into the Switch operating system. This one is supposedly a bootrom bug.

On February 18, one of the members of the team that spoke the Chaos Community Congress (3C), Plutoo, posted a link on Twitter to a Homebrew Launcher for Switch 3.0.0 on Github, making the Switch officially available for a public jailbreak if the firmware is version 3.0.0 or older.

Just about a week later, a notable Switch Homebrew developer updated the launcher with a better user interface and a few fixes to the way things are handled. Switch's HomeBrew Launcher Menu is now officially at version 2.0.

The First Nintendo Switch modchip released

Nintendo Switch, like all devices based on SOC Tegra X1, has a very serious vulnerability that allows you to run unauthorized code in RCM mode bypassing all the authenticity checks of the signatures, and this compromises all future firmware.
The failoverflow team has dealt extensively with the operation of this exploit, discovered by themselves, also explaining that Nintendo cannot do anything to correct the problem, except to market a new hardware revision of the console, in which the bug is not present.

Xecuter SX Pro is an ultimate kit to crack perfectly and simply Nintendo Switch today. It is composed of three parts: a license of the OS software, a USB dongle and a small white slider, the two small tools is to operate the program of the hack. By using this ultimate kit, you could install a program on your console and after entering the control of a CFW, you could finally play free Switch games, this method is compatible with all consoles, no matter which firmware version .

There is not a limitation of different regions, you could play games outside regions, too, it’s easy to change the game you would like in real time. In addition it is a product that is fully equipped with all the essential tools, you can use it easily without any worries. Therefore, for most players who can choose Xecuter SX Pro, especially for the beginner.

What do I need to get started with hacking my Nintendo Switch?

If you want to use the HomeBrew launcher. your Switch has to be running firmware 3.0.0.

If your Switch's firmware is below 3.0.0, you can update to 3.0.0 by using a physical copy of the game Pokkén Tournament DX with the cartridge identification number 000. Some versions of Pokkén Tournament DX are numbered 001 or 002 and will update your Switch's firmware to 3.0.1. The ID number is imprinted on the back side of the game cartridge itself, so you have to open the game's box before you'll know if you have the right print run of Pokkén Tournament DX.

You'll also need a microSD card with about 32GB of storage. It's not recommended to go with a higher storage count because it might not work well with the Switch's older firmware 3.0.0.

If you want to jailbreak your Switch using Fusée Gelée or SofEL2, you'll need a computer with a USB 3.0 port (with some exceptions) and a USB-C to USB-A cable to connect your Switch to your computer. The Fusée Gelée instructions note that you'll have to short out two pins on your right Joy-Con controller in order to trigger recovery mode on your Switch.

How do we hack Nintendo Switch?

Before hacking, we need to check the switch serial number at first, becuase if your Nintendo Switch was patched, it means you can not hack the Nintendo Switch, the modchip or software can not work on it. 

Pre requisites:

• 1 Switch compatible with hack version 8.1.X maximum
• 1 Xecuter Sx Pro
• 1 micro-sd card in exFAT format
• 1 pc equipped with a reader / SD card adapter

1) Prepare the Switch before installing the Sx Pro.

• If your switch asks for an update when you insert your micro-sd in exfat you can do the update now in network then do not forget to erase your network parameters and put it in plane mode then proceed to step 2
• If your switch already knows how to read the exFAT you can go directly to step 2

2) Preparation of the SD card

• Connect your micro SD card in exFAT (if you followed the tutorial of step 1) on your PC
• Download the latest OS from the official Sx Pro website in Download (currently 2.7.1) compatible with the 8.0.1 update
• Extract the SX OS archive v2.7.1.zip, you will find the boot.dat file
• Put the boot.dat file at the root of your micro-sd

3) Installation and activation of the SX OS License

1. Plug your micro-sd into the switch
2. Charge the dongle by plugging it into the Switch’s USB on, the dongle turns green quickly (5 seconds) which means it’s loaded to inject the hack at startup.
3. Turn off your Switch.
4. Place the Jig on the right side of the Switch
5. Hold Volume + and then press Power button quickly while holding Volume +
6. A Sx Os screen should appear, select Boot Custom FW ==> Continue ==> Continue (If the console remains on the black screen you will have to turn off the console by holding the Power button for more than 20s then try again with the Vol + and Power manipulation)
7. Wait until you start the interface and turn off the Swich
8. Unplug the micro SD card and plug it into your PC
9. Copy the license-request.dat file generated in your micro-sd into your PC
10. Return to the Sx Pro website and click on Activate SX OS
11. Click Browse and then select your license-request.dat file
12. The server sends you the license.dat activation file to be placed at the root of your micro-sd
13. Place your .xci or .nsp games at the root of your micro sd or in the / switch / xci and / switch / nsp folders
14. Reconnect your micro-sd in your Switch and start it with the dongle + Jig + Volume + and Power key combination
15. Once the console in the interface, you can unplug the jig and the dongle and put your controller back and plug it into the dock.
16. You should see your games appear by entering the Switch album
17. Congratulations and have fun

And for the unhackable Nintendo Switch, The hacker teams are working to find a solution, and we will also update the detailed information in the future.

How to hack Nintendo Switch for free without being banned?

Nintendo recently took strong action against piracy and piracy videos, it means you will be banned when you play games, iso is there anyways to avoid it? How to hack Nintendo Switch for free without being banned? On the below, we will show the ways of using sx os to avoid being banned.

Use the sx pro or sx os to avoid being banned

We all know that Xecuter SX Pro and SX OS license are the best switch modchip and software to support games for free, but there are still some players be banned when they use the switch dongle, why? they don't use the Emunand, and one more thing is, don't play games online! !

SX OS support Stealth Mode , filters the IPs of various Nintendo servers but the console continues to log information = just recommunicate with N servers (eg if aired in OFW mode or if you start an SX OS lower than 1.6) the logged data will be sent all the consequences of the very possible ban.

So if you do not have a BAN yet, there's a little chance to help you. Depends on you. But anyway, if you're constantly disconnected from the Internet, you're in a situation like you'd get a BAN, but maybe even worse, because you're not connected at all. I have BAN, but I'm still connected, downloading updates to the games, and reading the news that is displayed in the menu.



Anyway, if you ever want to connect to the Internet, the console already has stored information about the CFW you use, so you'll get the BAN anyway. This may slightly delay (if not eliminate) the receipt of BAN. From my point of view, it's nice from the Xecuter team, but I think there's still a lot of stuff going on Nintendo servers, and it's not quite possible to cut it 100%. And even some complete erasure is not possible at the moment. Although, why not, I would certainly welcome it, but I do not take it as something important.

• Whenever you use the SX OS CFW, switch the switch to airplane mode. If you want to update your games, switch off your Switch completely and restart the SX OS by holding down the + button.
• Select the official firmware (OFW), switch to Wi-Fi and each game, press + to select the updates via the Internet. You can switch off your Switch again by having the airplane mode reset and restart in CFW to take advantage of the installed updates.
• NEVER play online with game backups. Use your originals. If you want to play online, take the originals.
• Always have this reflex to go into airplane mode when using the CFW.

 

Where to buy SX Pro or SX OS for Nintendo Switch Hack?

Let me introduce the Flashcarda.com to you, we are the official Canada reseller, you can find our store on the Team Xecuter reseller list, and we also have warehouse in USA and France, it means people can enjoy the local shipment, we have big stocks in USA and FR, and we also support free shipping to worldwide. 

SX Pro included SX OS, after receive it, just follow the official site to activate sx os license. For sx os license, it will be sent via mail after payment accepted, during our working time, the sx os code will be delivered within 10 minutes, if you not receive it, please also check your Spam.

Can we hack New Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite?

Recently, the "new" Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite will be released, and we all known that Xecuter SX Pro is the best choice for Nintendo Switch hacking, so for the new version Nintendo Switch, we can hack it? Answers on the below.

What's the features of New Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite?

 

	Nintendo Switch	Nintendo Switch Lite
Play Modes	TV mode   Tabletop mode Handheld mode	Handheld mode only
Compatible Games	All Nintendo Switch Games	Nintendo Switch games that support Handheld mode
Joy-Con Controllers	Comes with a set of Joy-Con controllers. Joy-Con controllers include HD Rumble and IR Motion Camera.	Joy-Con controllers not included System does not include HD Rumble or IR Motion Camera.
Nintendo Switch Dock	Includes a Nintendo Switch dock and HDMI cable. Docking the system allows video output to a TV.	Not compatible with Nintendo Switch dock. Does not support output to a TV. Therefore, it does not come with a dock, HDMI cable or kickstand.
Screen	6.2" touch screen	5.5" touch screen
Battery Life	Model number: HAC-001 (product serial number starts with “XAW”) Approx. 2.5 to 6.5 hours *The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 3 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Model number: HAC-001(-01) (product serial number begins with “XKW”) Approximately 4.5 - 9 hours *The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.	Model number: HDH-001 Approximately 3 - 7 hours *The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 4 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

Switch Lite is for handheld/budget gaming, and feels better to hold。 The Lite is smaller, and easier to carry. It feels more like a variation on Nintendo's other handheld game systems, such as the Nintendo 3DS or 2DS or Sony's departed PlayStation Vita. You're removing features for savings. It's also a little more compact in handheld play, and that might matter for you, or for kids. The onboard screen is also smaller.

The 'new' Switch is the king of battery life, and probably the best overall choice. Nintendo's internal revamp of the original modular Switch looks to offer between 50 and 100% more battery life at 4.5 to 9 hours -- the original Switch, per Nintendo, lasts 2.5 to 6.5 hours. That's a big deal, even compared with the Switch Lite's promised 3 to 7 hours. It'll be worth waiting a few weeks: The extra battery life promise is so good that it makes me immediately want that new Switch over any other model.

 

Can we hack New Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite?

 

No, there still no ways to hack New Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite. After the Nintendo Switch Lite was announced, Nintendo Switch hacking community veteran SciresM left some interesting comments on his Twitter account.

In his tweet, SciresM warned those in the hacking community that he believes it’s going to be hard to crack into Mariko, the name of the new and improved Nvidia chip that now powers Nintendo Switch Lite. Mariko features some really strong security improvements, and as such SciresM thinks it will be hard to break into it for a very long time.



Summary: Although the new Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch lite can not be hacked, we can use the Xecuter SX Pro or SX OS（and other software）to hack Nintendo Switch, and now there are so many Nintendo Switch games released, it's time to buy one sx pro or rcm loader with pre-stall sd card from Flashcarda.com to download and play more switch games for free.