Hi all,

I'm MH and I’ve noticed that our community has a range of understanding about the switch, which
results in many questions being asked everyday about the Nintendo switch and running SXOS stuff
on it. Since most of it tends to be repeated, I’ve decided to try and make a compilation to address
commonly asked questions.

Disclaimer:
1. Before we continue, let me provide this warning first. If you’re using your Nintendo Switch for
pirated games, beware that it is illegal and Nintendo will clamp hard on you if you get caught.
They will minimally hard ban you permanently, or worse, take legal action (google up some
japan news).
2. Do note that as long as you’re hacking, there will always be a risk of getting your switch
console banned if you ever go online. We aim to minimise this risk through different
measures. Again there is no such thing as being completely zero risk, so if you
proceed, consider yourself already warned.
3. Most of the information below are based on my understanding from google or forums like
gbatemp. I am in no way an expert, so while I hope this FAQ helps to explain most questions,
do note that it might not be 100% accurate.

References:
https://switch.homebrew.guide/gettingstarted/beforestarting
https://gbatemp.net/threads/90dns-dns-server-for-blocking-all-Nintendo-servers.516234/

Change log
Version Date Remarks

v2 21/7/19 Added warning that updating XCI on sysNAND is bannable

v3 28/7/19 Added description on stealth mode/90DNS, emuNAND partition options,

homebrew apps (Checkpoint and HBGShop) and how to use cheats.

v4 5/8/19 Edited emuNAND creation guide and general grammar corrections

v5 16/8/19 Updated ban rules as even playing XCI on sysNAND seems to be

bannable. Added video link on how to use HBGShop. Updated disclaimer
and details on cloning hidden partition emuNAND to new microSD card.

v6 10/9/19 Added steps on how to regenerate license.dat for soft mod users.

1
Index
1. About Nintendo Switch Hacking 3
1.1. What are moddable switches (non-patched) vs ipatched switches? 3
1.2. How to identify moddable switches (non-patched)? 3
1.3. What Custom Firmware (CFW) options are there? 4
1.4. What is hard mod vs soft mod for moddable switches? 6

2. About Being Banned & How to Reduce the Risk 7

2.1. What happens if my Nintendo Switch gets banned? 7
2.2. What can I do to reduce my risk of getting banned? 8
2.3. How to enter Recovery Mode (RCM) to backup sysNAND, create emuNAND or play
games in CFW? 8
2.4. How to backup/regenerate license.dat? 10
2.5. How to prepare sysNAND backup? 11
2.6. What is emuNAND/emuMMC and how does it reduce ban risk? 12
2.7. How to create emuNAND (Hidden Partition on microSD)? 13
2.8. What is Hidden Partition on microSD vs other options during emuNAND creation? 14
2.9. How do I set up stealth mode and 90DNS for WiFi connection? 15
2.10. I just got banned, what do I do now? 16

3. About Playing Nintendo Switch Games 18

3.1. What are XCI or NSP games? Which is safe to play? 18
3.2. How do I mount XCI & install XCI/NSP games? 19
3.3. How do I uninstall games? 20
3.4. How do I update games? 21
3.5. How do I use homebrew apps to download and update games? 23
3.6. Can I play with others (SXOS/legit) using my SXOS version? 24
3.7. How do I use cheats? 24
3.8. What games do you recommend? 25

4. About Switch Firmware Version & Updates 26

4.1. Why should I update firmware? 26
4.2. Should I be worried about updating firmware? 26
4.3. What does it mean to burn fuses when updating firmware? 26
4.4. How do I update my switch firmware? 27
4.5. My switch keeps nagging me to update firmware. How do I remove it? 28

5. Miscellaneous Nintendo Switch Questions 29

5.1. What is AutoRCM? 29
5.2. Should I buy a moddable switch (unmodded) or modded switch? 29
5.3. What micro SD size should I buy? 29
5.4. How do I transfer my SD data to a new SD card / How do I backup my SD card? 30
5.5. How do I backup/restore my game save files? 31

6. Troubleshooting Nintendo Switch Issues 32

6.1. I can’t access Nintendo eShop on Official Firmware (OFW) 32
6.2. I can’t boot up. I only see a black screen (may have error code). 34
6.3. I can’t play/update XYZ game. Help! 35

7. Glossary 38

2
1. About Nintendo Switch Hacking
1.1. What are moddable switches (non-patched) vs ipatched switches?
Moddable switches are those sold before July 2018 which have an equipment flaw that can be
abused. This is a hardware-level exploit of the Tegra X1 chip's USB recovery mode (RCM).
Additionally, as it's a hardware equipment hack, it cannot be fixed through software patches.
Therefore, a moddable switch will always be moddable after it has left the factory, no matter how
many new firmware versions Nintendo releases.

● Extra technical info: This hardware exploit lets you to dump your own bootloader (software
that controls how the Nintendo switch boots up) even before the official switch operating
system Horizon runs. This gives you full control to run your own custom firmware (CFW)
which has more access than the original Nintendo firmware. Currently most exploits use
Fusée Gelée which is a coldboot "hack" software launcher for the Nintendo Switch i.e. you
apply it when you boot up your switch.

Ipatched switches are those which have the above issue patched on a hardware level and hence
unable to run the standard exploits. These switches have to run software exploits.

● Extra technical info: As of July 2019, only ipatched switches of firmware version 4.1.0 or
below can be hacked using Nereba or Caffeine which are warmboot browser-based exploits
i.e. you use a browser to launch after booting your switch. Nintendo also fixed this exploit in
firmware 8.0.1 so you do not update beyond firmware version 7.X.

1.2. How to identify moddable switches (non-patched)?

You can identify moddable switches based on the switch’s serial number to roughly when it was
produced since the fix only came after July 2018. The serial number can be seen from the bottom
of some boxes, or on the switch console unit. A list of what serial is hackable is provided below.

How to find the serial number of your switch on box or console.

If your switch falls under the “probably can’t be modded” range in the list below, you can attempt to
carry out the more detailed tests listed here. This "probably" range exists as there was a period
where both moddable and ipatched units were produced within the same serial range.

Refer to the list below last updated 20/05/19

Serials beginning with XAW1:

XAW1007800X and below can be modded
XAW1007900X and above probably can't be modded
XAW1012000X and above definitely can't be modded

3
Serials beginning with XAW4:
XAW4001100X and below can be modded
XAW4001200X and above probably can't be modded
XAW4003000X and above definitely can't be modded

Serials beginning with XAW7:

XAW7002090X and below can be modded
XAW7002100X and above probably can't be modded
XAW7003000X and above definitely can't be modded

Serials beginning with XAW9:

Refurbished Consoles directly from Nintendo, no information, most probably can't be modded

Serials beginning with XAJ1:

XAJ1002900X and below can be modded
XAJ1003000X and above definitely can't be modded

Serials beginning with XAJ4:

XAJ4005250X and below can be modded
XAJ4005300X and above probably can't be modded
XAJ4006000X and above definitely can't be modded

Serials beginning with XAJ7:

XAJ700438 and below can be modded
XAJ70046X and above definitely can't be modded

Serials beginning with XAK1:

XAK10005X and below can be modded
XAK10006X and above definitely can't be modded
XAK40000X and above definitely can't be modded

1.3. What Custom Firmware (CFW) options are there?

As of this FAQ, there are 4 main options to run non-official custom firmware on your Nintendo Switch.
They are: SXOS which you pay for SXOS license, and Stock Atmosphere/Kosmos/ReiNX which are
free to use.

I copied the table below from here where they compare the 4 custom firmware options. You can
read the table if you're interested to know the differences but don't worry if you don't understand
some of the things in the table.

In a nutshell:
● SXOS
Pros
- Simple user-friendly plug and play solution
- Has emuNAND (I cover this later)
- Has XCI mounting (I cover this later)

Cons
- Need to pay to use
- Not many extra functions

4
 ● Atmosphere/Kosmos/ReiNX
Pros
- Free to use, with Atmosphere being the most common
- More functions than SXOS like Homebrew support
- Atmosphere has emuMMC (similar to SXOS emuNAND)

Cons
- No XCI mounting i.e. you must have emuMMC or risk being banned.
- It is a modular platform, so you need to hunt around downloading the different
features that you want.

Credit for the below table to another guide

Features Stock Kosmos ReiNX SX OS Notes
Atmosphere

Free ✓ ✓ ✓ ✖ (~$80 SGD)

Open Source ✓ ✓ ✓ ✖

Firmware 8.1.0+
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Support

Supports Custom
✓ ✓ ✓ ✖
Sysmodules

Supports Game
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Modding

SX OS has
compatibility issues
Homebrew Support ✓ ✓ ✓ ‒
with many
homebrew

FS Patches ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Atmosphere &
Kosmos
ES Patches ‒ ‒ ✓ ✓ Sigpatches must
be installed
manually

Configuration
✖ ✓ ✓ ✓
Tools

Reboot to Payload ✓ ✓ ✓ ✖

Proper Shutdown
✓ ✓ ✖ ✖
w/ AutoRCM

Sysnetcheat or
Realtime Cheat noexes on ReiNX.
✓ ✓ ‒ ✓
Engine Requires a PC or
phone.

Button Remapping ‒ ✓ ‒ ✖ Using hid-mitm.

Using hid-mitm.
Third-party
‒ ✓ ‒ ✖ Requires a PC or
controller support*
phone.

5
 Atmosphere
emuNAND/emuM emuMMC is
✓ ✓ ✖ ✓
MC currently
experimental.

XCIs can be
XCI Loading ✖ ✖ ✖ ✓ converted to NSP
for other CFWs

Relevant Guide nh switch guide homebrew.guide reinx.guide sx.xecuter.com

*I believe 3rd party controller support here refers to controllers not made for the Nintendo Switch.

1.4. What is hard mod vs soft mod for moddable switches?

For now (up to 21/7/19), both soft modding and hard modding are referring to Nintendo Switches
which have a hardware exploit (read here to recap). The custom firmware implemented during boot
up i.e. coldboot.

Hardware Exploit Switches

Soft modding your switch means you require a payload device (e.g. dedicated dongle, or
PC/phone) plugged into your Nintendo Switch's USB-C port plus a RCM jig (plastic device with metal
contacts to boot into RCM mode) for every boot up.

Hard modding your switch means that the switch has been physically modified by embedding the
payload device+RCM jig. Thus for hardmod, you don’t have to use a dongle/chip for every boot up.
However do note that if you need to send for Nintendo Switch for warranty fix, your warranty is
clearly voided since you opened up your Switch to modify it.

Typically hard mod is more expensive due to workmanship needed. (Softmod $80 vs hardmod $140,
with SXOS license)

Ipatched Switches
Non-moddable switches i.e. ipatched switches currently only have soft mod (I think), but the hack is
applied after booting up the switch i.e. warmboot. Please google if you want to know more about
how to mod ipatched switches.

6
2. About Being Banned & How to Reduce the Risk
Before we continue, let me provide this warning first. If you’re using your Nintendo Switch for pirated
games, do know that it is illegal and Nintendo will clamp hard if you get caught. They will minimally
hard ban you permanently, or worse, take legal action (google up some japan news).

2.1. What happens if my Nintendo Switch gets banned?

If your Nintendo Switch is hard banned, you will lose access to Nintendo online services. This
includes the following but is not limited to:
● Online gaming on your legitimate games
● Nintendo eShop access (You’ll see the below message when you try to access eShop)
● Online firmware updates if superbanned. As of Nov 2018, Nintendo lets you update firmware
online, likely to give the latest security measures to block piracy. (You can also update offline)
● Online game updates (you can still update offline)

If you don’t mind losing the above online privileges, then it actually doesn’t matter if you’re banned.
You can go ahead to play everything without fear. However this guide will assume that you don’t
want to get banned and will recommend safety measures to reduce this risk. Note there is no
completely zero risk method, so if you proceed, consider yourself already warned.

Example of error message from a banned switch when trying to access Nintendo eShop.
You’ll see error code 4007,4008 or 4508.

Extra information about Nintendo Banning

● Nintendo bans your switch’s certificate.
○ This is a certificate unique to every Switch console for authentication and
identification with Nintendo servers.
○ Once your Nintendo Switch is banned, you cannot do anything to regain online
access on that Nintendo Switch such as uninstalling free games or factory reset.
● Nintendo seems to ban in waves.
○ If you do something banworthy and go online, you’ll be flagged for a ban.
○ Once flagged, even if you aren’t ban today, Nintendo will eventually ban you - even
if you don’t go online anymore. Additionally if you don’t go online anymore, you’ve
essentially banned yourself anyway. Bottom line, be careful with what you do.
○ If you plan to buy a second hand modded switch (i.e. somebody has modded
it before), take note that it may have already been flagged for ban if the previous
user was not careful.

7
2.2. What can I do to reduce my risk of getting banned?
As of 21/7/19, almost all illegal stuff done on sysNAND is detectable and bannable. Thus
you’re highly advised to create emuNAND (read more here) for your free gaming to keep your
system safe.

Let’s start with how Nintendo detects whether to ban you. To begin with, all your activities are
recorded and stored in your Nintendo Switch’s internal memory system NAND (sysNAND). When
you connect to Nintendo servers via the Internet, this record is sent to Nintendo, whereby illegal
activities can get you flagged for a ban.

Once flagged, it’s only a matter of time and up to Nintendo to decide when they want to ban you.
Also note that this record cannot be removed even if you uninstall your illegal games or perform a
factory reset, plus we have no way to tell whether you have already been flagged until you’re finally
banned. So please be careful with what you do in sysNAND.

If you can’t understand some terms, continue reading this guide and revisit this section again later.
Below is a list of things that has been tested by others and will get you banned if your record is sent
to Nintendo. This list may change if Nintendo finds new ways to detect and ban. Thus please AVOID
all the items below if you don’t want to get banned.

Don’t do the following 100% ban actions on sysNAND: [Almost all fine to do on emuNAND]
● Mount XCI format game files to play (via Album->Games) [New as of 16/8/19, TBD if true]
● Update XCI in sysNAND official firmware [New as of 21/7/19, TBD if true]
● Install XCI format game files to play (via Album->Installer)
● Install NSP format game / game update files (via Album->Installer)
● Install/Play custom XCI format game files (NSP files converted into XCI format)
● Install custom themes
● Upload game saves from free games to Nintendo Online cloud service
● Send error logs from your free games to Nintendo [shouldn’t happen on emuNAND]
● Connect to WiFi in Custom Firmware (CFW) without 90DNS or stealth mode to block
Nintendo connection ** [This is still bannable in emuNAND]

Things you can do to reduce the risk of getting banned:

● Always have a clean sysNAND backup for emergency restore before going online
● Create emuNAND to do all your gaming activities
● Never go online unless in official firmware (OFW), or have 90DNS or stealth mode.

2.3. How to enter Recovery Mode (RCM) to backup sysNAND, create emuNAND
or play games in CFW?
As mentioned, hardware moddable switches exploit Nintendo Switch’s RCM mode to run your own
CFW. You can enter RCM mode to backup sysNAND, create emuNAND or play games in CFW.

To boot up in RCM mode, you will need:

● A payload device.
○ For SXOS, this is your dongle. It’ll go flat after some time so charge if necessary.
○ For Atmosphere/Kosmos/ReiNX, you can use other dongles like AceNS or even
PC/Android to send the payload.

8
 ● A way to short the pins on the right joycon rail
○ For SXOS, this is the RCM jig.
○ For other users, you can purchase an RCM jig online (~S$2-3) (See pic below)
○ You can also attempt to create your own using a paperclip but be careful as if you
short wrongly, you might fry the Nintendo Switch.

How to boot up in RCM

1. Remove the right joycon by pressing the button behind it then sliding up.
2. Slide your RCM jig with metal tips down into the right joycon rail
3. Insert your payload device (dongle) into your Nintendo Switch USB-C port below
4. You’ll need to press the Vol Up + Power On button so position your hands comfortably. Press
and hold the Vol Up button at the top, then tap on the Power On button. Hold until you see
the SXOS logo before letting go.
5. Now you can choose options to create your sysNAND backup / emuNAND, or boot up in
CFW to play games.

9
2.4. How to backup/regenerate license.dat?
After generating your console-specific SXOS license file, before anything else, you should always
backup this license.dat file from your SD card to your PC. You DO NOT want to lose this as without
it, your SXOS won’t work. If you accidentally deleted it, then how to salvage this depends on whether
you’re using soft or hard mod to hack (read here on soft vs hard mod).

How to regenerate license.dat for soft mod:

In Soft mod, the license is generated based on dongle + switch console hence you can recreate as
long as you have your working dongle and console.
1. Ensure latest boot.dat file is in your SD card root (front page)
2. Boot up RCM mode using your dongle.
3. On the main screen, click boot to CFW.
4. It will warn you that you don't have license.bat. Press continue.
5. Your license-request.dat file is created. Press back and Poweroff. Take out your SD card
and transfer the license-request.dat file to your computer.
6. Head to https://sx.xecuter.com/sxos-license.html to generate license.bat file using the
license-request.bat from Step #5.
7. A new license.dat file will be created. Keep one copy in your PC then copy this into your SD
card (You can delete the license-request.dat file).

How to regenerate license.dat for hard mod:

● Unfortunately, in Hard mod the license is based on your console without dongle. You can’t
regenerate it like soft mod so if you lose the license.dat file, you need to buy a new license
key for your console. Look for slslasher for the price of the new license.
● Please take care of your license.dat file well.

10
2.5. How to prepare sysNAND backup?
You should always have a NAND backup of your switch sysNAND before playing games in CFW.

If you screw up and do something in the above 100% ban list on your sysNAND, you can always
revert to your backup before going online, leaving no evidence behind. If the backup was done on
an older firmware, you may also need to offline update it to the last firmware you went online with
so that to Nintendo, nothing changed. [Read how to offline update in section 4]

For example,
● You went online with your Nintendo Switch sysNAND on firmware 8.0.1.
● The next day you accidentally installed NSP games on sysNAND which is a 100% ban.
● You luckily have an old clean backup at firmware 5.1 before NSP installation
● After restoring this backup, you can offline update your sysNAND firmware to 8.0.1.

From Nintendo’s view, your switch sysNAND should be clean and can safely go online again. But
do note that if you’re already flagged for ban / banned, restoring a backup won’t help at all.

You can create sysNAND backup first then emuNAND, or vice versa. It doesn’t matter.

To create your sysNAND backup:

If you’re using SXOS, this is really simple to do. [If you prefer YouTube, you can watch this.].
1. Ensure you have sufficient battery / charge your switch while doing this. If it goes flat, your
switch might brick.
2. Ensure your SD card has at least 30gb of space.
3. Boot up your switch with dongle + RCM jig.
4. Choose “Options” -> “NAND” -> “Dump NAND”->“Continue”.
5. Wait. It may take 1-2 hours. Do ensure sufficient battery, or charge while backing up.
6. When done, you can press “Poweroff” to shut off the switch.
7. Remove micro SD card and transfer backup (inside sxos folder) to your PC/external HDD.
○ If you plan to backup multiple firmware versions, do label your files clearly so you
know which firmware your backup was done on.
○ Also backup 1 copy of your license.dat on your PC incase the microSD corrupts.
8. Try to minimise your online time. Each time you go online on sysNAND, Nintendo may make
changes to your sysNAND without you knowing. To be safe, you’ll need to backup again.

If you want to restore, just press the “Restore NAND” button with the backup in your SD card.

11
2.6. What is emuNAND/emuMMC and how does it reduce ban risk?
[As of 21/7/19, free gaming in sysNAND is risky so you’re highly advised to use emuNAND]
Emulator NAND (emuNAND) is a way to reduce ban risk, but what is it and how does it help?

When you create emuNAND (SXOS) / emuMMC (atmosphere), it’s like cloning your Nintendo
switch’s official system (sysNAND), including game save files and switch accounts. This is preferably
cloned to your micro SD card, giving you a new separate operating system in your SD.

After creation, you can continue your free gaming in emuNAND/emuMMC and this won’t be reflected
in sysNAND. Though your game save progress in emuNAND won’t be reflected in sysNAND,
emuNAND lets you keep your sysNAND clean of free game activity logs so that you have lower ban
risk. This is good as almost all sysNAND free gaming is bannable now (as of 21/7/19).

Pros:
● Almost everything bannable in sysNAND is safe in emuNAND except connecting to WiFi on
emuNAND without 90DNS and stealth mode, that’s still bannable.
● You can do all free gaming on emuNAND and keep sysNAND clean for online use.
○ You need to keep sysNAND & emuNAND firmware up to date [See how to update].
○ Latest firmware on emuNAND lets you play the newest “free” games. As emuNAND
is a separate system, this poses little risk to sysNAND. Meanwhile latest firmware on
sysNAND lets you continue to enjoy eShop access and your legit games online.
● Alternatively, you can keep sysNAND on low firmware and emuNAND on latest firmware.
○ Keeping sysNAND on older firmware lets you tap its security vulnerabilities, but you
can’t go online as it’s not the latest firmware. Not necessary for general gamers.

Cons:
● emuNAND is not 100% foolproof. One day Nintendo may decide to scan SD cards for
keywords like “emutendo” so there is still some risk of ban.
● emuNAND takes up ~30gb in your SD card. Recommend to use at least 128gb card (very
tight) or 256gb card (comfortable).
● You must update emuNAND firmware offline if you want to update. [See how to update]
● You must update your XCI and NSP games offline as you shouldn’t connect emuNAND to
Nintendo servers. All game updates must be done offline via installing NSPs file updates.

Creating an emuNAND is totally optional and you should weigh the pros and cons to see if you want
it. However if you plan to use the same Nintendo Switch for both legitimate online gaming as well
as offline free games, I highly advise to use emuNAND.

12
2.7. How to create emuNAND (Hidden Partition on microSD)?
I’ll only be covering emuNAND on SXOS. If you want to find out about emuMMC on atmosphere,
you can google around (sample of emuMMC installation guide) but create it at your own risk.

I’ll add here that you should also do a sysNAND backup (see here). You can do sysNAND backup
first then emuNAND, or vice versa. It doesn’t matter.

If you’re using SXOS, this is simple (Credit to slslasher). [If you prefer YouTube, this is good.].
1. If your sysNAND firmware is not at the latest that SXOS supports, you can consider updating
first as emuNAND will clone your sysNAND so you don’t need to update firmware twice for
sysNAND and emuNAND.
2. Next please backup your SD card on your PC as creating emuNAND will reformat your
card. Ensure your SD card is at least 64gb [emuNAND will use ~30gb]. If possible, use a
128gb-512gb micro SD card to have space for games later.
3. Boot up your switch with dongle + RCM jig.
4. Choose “Options” -> “EmuNAND” -> “Hidden Partition on microSD*” -> “Continue”.
● You can choose Files on microSD / System Storage if you prefer (read here)
5. Wait. It may take 1-2 hours. Do ensure sufficient battery, or charge while backing up.
6. When done, you can press “Poweroff” to shut off the switch.
7. Remove SD card and open in PC. There will only be the license.dat and boot.dat files.
8. Copy back the “Nintendo” folder + games that you backup’d in step 2 (in my case, the “switch
folder”). Rename your “Nintendo” folder as “Emutendo”. This is for your emuNAND.
9. Put your SD card back into the switch and boot up to OFW without dongle. This will create
a new “Nintendo” folder for your sysNAND. Also take this chance to change your background
to white under settings.
10. Shutdown your switch and boot back into SXOS. You’ll see an orange “EmuNAND enabled”
button now. Only press this is you want to disable (which you shouldn’t). Press “Boot custom
FW” to boot up emuNAND. Change your background to black under settings.
11. You’re done! Henceforth if you see white background that means you’re in sysNAND, and if
you see black background that means you’re in emuNAND.

13
2.8. What is Hidden Partition on microSD vs other options during emuNAND
creation?
When creating emuNAND, there are 3 options for your emuNAND files. These are:
● Hidden Partition on microSD
● Files on microSD
● Files on System Storage

Hidden Partition on microSD (Most of us use this)

Pros:
● You segregate a hidden partition on your microSD card for emuNAND. This technically helps
to protect your files from being corrupted if there is any error during file writing
Cons:
● It is more difficult to backup and restore your emuNAND files since they are hidden (not
impossible). You can clone and restore SD card as per upgrading micro SD instructions.
● It is more complicated when changing/upgrading SD card e.g. from 128gb to 256gb due to
hidden partition. Read how to do it here.

Files on microSD (This would be option 2)

Pros:
● You create your emuNAND directly on microSD without hidden partition. This makes it easy
to backup, copy files and upgrade SD card as you can just copy and drag everything into a
new SD card. But honestly, how often will you need to backup/upgrade SD card?
Cons:
● It is technically less safe compared to hidden partition as your emuNAND files will get
corrupted if there is an error during file writing.

Files on System Storage (Avoid this unless you’re absolutely sure you want it)
Pros:
● You get to make use of the free space in your Switch 32gb internal memory which the other
two methods don’t utilise.

14
 ● Your NSP game files might load slightly faster as you will be installing directly to the Switch
internal memory as compared to reading from SD card.
Cons:
● If Nintendo ever implements scanning of Switch internal memory during boot up to OFW for
keywords like “emutendo”, you’re screwed.
● If your emuNAND files gets corrupted, it’s more difficult to restore. You can just replace the
microSD card in the earlier two options.

2.9. How do I set up stealth mode and 90DNS for WiFi connection?
Generally we advocate completely no connection to the Internet at all while you’re playing free
games, but sometimes you might want WiFi connection for homebrew applications like tinfoil or for
some games which support local multiplayer over WiFi. These games may need internet connection
to the game servers but don’t need Nintendo server connection.

As such, you’ll need a WiFi connection but must be able to block off connection to Nintendo servers.
This can be done through 2 ways, and you can even combine both for double protection. Note that
both methods are not foolproof and may actually fail to work. Use at your own risk.

1. SXOS Stealth Mode

- For SXOS users, there is an inbuilt stealth mode which is enabled by default. This
blocks connection to Nintendo servers.
- Note that it is not 100% foolproof as one day during SXOS upgrade for new
firmware, there may be a slip up and stealth mode may not work as intended.
- Be very careful if you play on sysNAND and create the WiFi connection on CFW
sysNAND. CFW should be fine due to stealth mode, but the WiFi connection will carry
over to sysNAND which you might not want e.g. may accidentally update your
firmware etc.

How to enable/disable SXOS Stealth Mode?

1. Boot up RCM mode to CFW on sysNAND/emuNAND and press album.
2. Press the right trigger 4 times, or directly click on “Options”.
3. You can scroll down and press A to enable / disable Stealth mode here.

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 2. 90DNS settings
- This works by modifying your WiFi connection IP address settings to a domain where
Nintendo connection is blocked.
- This domain is hosted by somebody else on Switch forums, but do note that it is
again not 100% foolproof and one day if he ever stops hosting, you will end up
connecting to Nintendo again.

How to setup 90DNS?

1. If using SXOS, please ensure stealth mode is on before continuing for safety
measures.
2. Boot up RCM mode to CFW on sysNAND/emuNAND.
3. Open system settings -> Internet -> Internet Settings
a. If you already have a WiFi setup connected before
■ Connect to your preferred WiFi connection
■ Click on your WiFi setup -> Change Settings
■ Change DNS settings from Automatic to Manual
■ Key in Primary DNS as "163.172.141.219"
■ Key in Secondary DNS as "45.248.48.62".
■ Click Save. You’re done.
b. If you’re creating a new WiFi setup
■ Click on Manual Setup and set up your network name, SSID (network
name) and password.
■ Change DNS settings from Automatic to Manual
■ Key in Primary DNS as "163.172.141.219"
■ Key in Secondary DNS as "45.248.48.62".
■ Click Save. You’re done.

2.10. I just got banned, what do I do now?

So you finally got the banhammer by Nintendo. Maybe you installed NSP, or updated XCI over
sysNAND or whatever. Nobody knows how Nintendo detects and bans people but at this point it
doesn’t matter anymore.

Good news:
- You don’t need to care anymore about emuNAND, XCI vs NSP etc. You can play everything
since you’re already banned.
- If you have emuNAND, you can consider backing up to transfer your game saves to CFW
on sysNAND using checkpoint then deleting emuNAND (there’s delete emuNAND button
under Options -> emuNAND during boot up). This will save you ~30gb of space. Take note
you may need to update your sysNAND firmware if it is still on an old version.
- You can still update your switch firmware (online) and update XCI/NSP games (offline).

Bad news
- You can’t play online anymore on this switch for good.
- You should not link any new switch to the same Nintendo account even if you have games.
The new switch can be banned even if you don’t use custom firmware anymore.
- If you really want to try linking the same Nintendo account e.g. you have legit games there,
you should at least unlink the banned switch console

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How to unlink your Nintendo account from your banned switch console
Normally you can unlink via switch profile or factory reset, but unfortunately a banned switch can’t.
- Go to Nintendo.com and log into the linked Nintendo account
- Press “Shop menu”
- Click “Deregister Primary Console”. Take note you can only unlink a console once a year.
- Key in your password and unlink your Nintendo account from your banned switch.

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3. About Playing Nintendo Switch Games
3.1. What are XCI or NSP games? Which is safe to play?
I previously covered that you can boot into CFW from RCM mode to play your games. You might
hear from chin/slasher to use emuNAND to play your XCI and NSP games safely, but what is the
difference between XCI and NSP games? Will you get banned playing them?

To begin with, XCI or NSP are actually just file formats for your games and game update files.

Generally games will come in 3 formats.

.xci = Burnt version of cartridge games (physical)
.nsp = Nintendo eShop games (digital)
Custom xci = nsp games but change into xci file format (digital)

Your downloaded game is “safe” or not depending on how Nintendo catches and bans you for illegal
activities. When you go online, logs of your activities on sysNAND are sent to Nintendo - such as
the games you install, update and play.

Hence if you play your free games on sysNAND (either disabled emuNAND or no emuNAND), these
logs may put you at risk of ban. Meanwhile if you play in emuNAND, none of these free gaming
activities are recorded in your sysNAND so you can play everything safely until one day Nintendo
can catch this too.

As of 16/8/19, Nintendo ban rules have changed. Even playing and updating XCI games in
sysNAND is bannable. Essentially anything illegal in sysNAND is now bannable so you’re
highly advised to create and play games in emuNAND.

XCI Files = “Warning do not play in sysNAND. Must use emuNAND”

● XCI games are cloned from actual physical cartridge games.
● XCI game files are generally bigger than NSP games because they are clones of physical
cartridges which comes in sizes of 4gb, 8gb etc of game data and empty space. XCI game
files will require trimming to remove the empty space to just the game files.
● Previously playing XCI games was thought to be safe for SXOS users you can simulate
mounting/dismounting the cartridge (Album->Games). As of 21/7/19 Nintendo seems to be
able to trace hacked XCI games via game card ID, hence even playing XCI games on
sysNAND will put you at risk of ban.
● SXOS lets you install XCI game files (Album->Installer) as well so you don’t need to keep
mounting. Note that installing XCI on sysNAND will get you banned.

NSP Files = *Warning do not play in sysNAND. Must use emuNAND*

● NSP game files are games from Nintendo eShop which need to be installed to play.
● Game updates and DLCs files also come in NSP format but note these are not games.
● NSP game files are usually smaller than XCI games as they are purely game content.
● NSP game files also have slightly faster loading time as they are installed to the microSD.
● NSP games are console specific to the one who bought and downloaded them. If you install
an illegal NSP game on sysNAND, you’ll get banned as your illegal NSP game isn’t tied
to your switch (it’s tied to the original person).

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Custom XCI Files = *Warning do not play in sysNAND. Must use emuNAND*
● Custom XCI games are just games converted to XCI format. They can be:
○ NSP games changed to XCI format
○ XCI games bundled with NSP update files and DLC files
● Custom XCI games only make you feel better since they are “XCI” format. However since
they have NSP components in it, installing these files will get you banned since your switch
isn't the one who the NSP files are tied to.
● Please do not play custom XCI files on sysNAND as this will get you banned.

Generally NSP files are better than XCI as they are smaller than untrimmed XCI game files and tend
to load faster. There is no issue if you started with XCI then later switch to NSP as long as both
games are the same version e.g, US. Just be sure to use emuNAND (or you don’t care about being
banned) if you’re going to use NSP.

3.2. How do I mount XCI & install XCI/NSP games?

● To Mount XCI games (100% bannable on sysNAND)
1. Download XCI games from chin/slasher drive
2. For both sysNAND and emuNAND users, transfer the files into your SD card. Either
put in a folder named “switch” or put directly into the first page (aka root). Check that
they are XCI files.
3. Boot up your switch in RCM -> CFW using dongle and RCM rig (see how here)
4. Once booted up, open the album in your Switch main menu.
5. You’ll be in “Games” tab. Select any game (all XCI here) and press “A”.
6. When mounted, the cart logo will become solid. You can now press “A” to play.

Note there is no extra benefit to install XCI instead of mounting XCI, so only install XCI files if you
prefer. Also only do this on emuNAND / banned sysNAND.

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 ● To Install XCI/NSP games (100% ban on sysNAND)
1. Download XCI/NSP games from chin/slasher drive
2. For both sysNAND (100% ban) and emuNAND users, transfer the files into your SD
card. Either put the files in a folder named “switch” (create if you don’t have) or put
directly into the first page (aka root). Check if they are XCI/NSP files.

○ If NSP file, please ensure that it is the base game, not game update/DLC.
i. Base game file names usually have a game ID ending with “000” and
are version 0 [v0]. (see pictures below)
ii. Update files usually state the word “update” or have game ID ending
with “800” and have the version number next to it e.g. v720896.
iii. DLC files usually have the last digit of game file ID counting up (e.g.
001, 002 etc) from title base game. Additionally they also have version
numbers for each DLC.
3. Boot up your switch in RCM -> CFW using dongle and RCM rig (see how here)
4. Once booted up, open the album in your Switch main menu.
5. You’ll be in “Games” tab. Press right trigger twice or click on “Installer”
6. Select the XCI/NSP game you want to install and press “A” on right joycon.
7. Check Target location for installation is “MicroSD Storage”. Last check that you are
doing this in emuNAND. Only install in sysNAND if you don’t care about ban.
8. When done, you can press X to delete the game file.
9. Go back to album. The installed NSP will be available. Press “A” to play.

3.3. How do I uninstall games?

● To uninstall XCI/NSP games
- Hover over the game tile and press “+” on your right joycon.
- Select “Manage Software” then “Delete Software”.

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3.4. How do I update games?
[WARNING: As of 21/7/19, please do not play/update any XCI games in sysNAND]

Read here first on the different game file types (XCI, NSP and Custom XCI).
You can refer to below table on how to update your games depending on your file format:
Game File Type sysNAND emuNAND

XCI game file Connect to Nintendo on OFW Download NSP update file to
to update *See WARNING* install updates offline

NSP / Custom XCI game file You shouldn’t be playing these Download NSP update file to
or you will get banned. install updates offline

For sysNAND users: *See WARNING*

● If you only play XCI game files on sysNAND via mounting, you can connect to Nintendo and
update your games on WiFi at your own risk. As of 21/7/19, this is bannable.
● If your sysNAND is already banned, just follow the same method as emuNAND for offline
updates. Both XCI/NSP games of the same version e.g. US use the same update files.

For emuNAND users:

● If you play on emuNAND, all your game save files are in emuNAND separate from sysNAND
(read here). To update XCI/NSP games in emuNAND, please download and install NSP file
updates. Both XCI/NSP games of the same version e.g. US will use the same update files.
● Either download the updates/DLCs from chin/slasher drive to install offline (read below), or
you can connect online to HBGshop to update. Make sure you have 90DNS/stealth mode.

How to update XCI game files on sysNAND *As of 21/7/19, this is bannable*
1. Download XCI game from chin/slasher drive
2. Boot up CFW (Using dongle + RCM jig) and mount game the games you want to update.
3. Shutdown switch and Boot up OFW (don't use dongle)
4. Connect to the Internet.
5. Scroll to the game. Press “+” on your right joycon -> “Software Update” -> “Via the Internet”
6. Shut down switch. Boot into CFW (With SX Pro dongle) again and play.

Disclaimer: You must also never have done anything banworthy.

● Never install any XCI games
● Never install any NSP unless you are in emuNAND mode
● Never connect to WiFi in CFW
● Only play XCI from chin drive to avoid using custom XCI files
● Check that there's no new firmware version that SXOS can't support, else connecting
to WiFi will make you update firmware.

How to update XCI/NSP game files offline on emuNAND or for banned sysNAND users
1. Download XCI/NSP base game from chin/slasher drive
2. Download the latest update file and the latest DLCs you want from chin/slasher drive.
○ Both XCI/NSP games use the same update and DLC files as long as the games are
the same build / version e.g. US version.
○ You can identify if the NSP file is a base game, game update or DLC by the file name
(see pictures below). Do search by both the game name as well as the game ID
without the last 4 numbers to ensure you have all needed updates/DLCs

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 i. Base game file names usually have a game ID ending with “000” and are
version 0 [v0].
ii. Update files usually have the word “update” or a game ID ending with “800”
plus the version number e.g. v720896. You only need the highest version.
iii. DLC files usually have the last digit of game file ID counting up (e.g. 001, 002
etc) from title base game. Additionally they also have version numbers for
each DLC as some DLCs will get updated later. You only need the highest
version for each DLC that you want.
○ Make sure the updates / DLCs match the base XCI/NSP game version that you
downloaded e.g. your game is US version, so your updates/DLCs must be for US.
3. Boot up to emuNAND (or sysNAND for banned users) and click album.
4. For XCI, under “Games” just mount the games you want to update.
For NSP, press right trigger twice to go to “Installer”. Install the GAME (not updates/DLC)
and make sure you install to micro SD storage. When done can delete the game file.
5. Once done, go to “Installer” tab and find the update/DLC files. Install to micro SD storage.
6. When each installation is done, you can press X to delete the update file.
7. Go back to album. The installed NSP will be available. Press “A” to play.

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3.5. How do I use homebrew apps to download and update games?
After a while, you might find it very tedious to keep removing your microSD card each time you
download a new game. One alternative is to use homebrew apps e.g. HBGShop/SXOS installer to
download games/update files over WiFi instead.

DISCLAIMER: If you don’t want to be banned, please ensure you are doing the following:
● You are downloading to install games/updates on emuNAND
● You have setup your WiFi connection with 90DNS, or you have stealth mode on (or both).
Read how to set up here.

Things to note about HBG Shop

● You can’t download first party games like Zelda BOTW / Mario games. It’s a way for them to
avoid getting whack by Nintendo I guess? All other games should be available.
● Nintendo Switch’s WiFi is not great, so sometimes you might fail your downloads or have a
corrupted game file. In these cases you need to delete the file then redownload.
● It’s more consistent to just download from the Internet and transfer to SD card, so using
HBGShop is purely personal preference for those lazy to keep removing the SD card.

How to install and download games over HBG Shop

1. Look for the latest HBGShop installer in chin/slasher’s folder or download directly from
hbgshop website e.g. hbgshop_aio_2.2.0
2. Unzip the compressed folder using programmes like 7zip/WinRAR then place it in your
microSD first page (root directory). If downloading direct from hbgshop, you only need the
“switch” folder. If you already have a “switch” folder in your SD card, just copy the contents
of the “switch” folder into your SD card and overwrite the same files.
3. Boot up your switch in RCM -> CFW using dongle and RCM rig (see how here)
4. Once booted up, open the album in your Switch main menu.
5. Press right trigger until “Homebrew” or directly press homebrew and start tinfoil.
○ The games you have now will show up in “Installed”
○ Find DLCs and updates for your current games in “New DLC” and “New Updates”
○ Browse new games in general under “New Games” (Many many pages)
○ Use “File Browser” to search for nsp files on your SD card to install (or alternatively
just use the SXOS installer).

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 ○ Use “Search” to search for specific games based on categories like region.
○ There is a “Tickets” function (read more in glossary) but do not use this blindly as it
may cause your games to be unplayable. Advise not to touch it.
You can watch how to use HBGShop from this YouTube video (7:20 onwards)

3.6. Can I play with others (SXOS/legit) using my SXOS version?

Yup you can, but it depends on the game and whether it needs internet connection.

Local wireless
Some games such as Overcooked 2 or Mario Kart support local wireless i.e. you can have multiple
switch consoles connecting using ad-hoc WiFi. You don't need to turn the switch’s WiFi on.

LAN connection
Other games require you to connect via WiFi. You have to be careful for these games because you
need to make sure you're not connected to Nintendo servers, else you'd get banned. You can
connect if you have stealth mode or have set up 90DNS settings (read here) or just get a WiFi
going without internet connection for people to connect to (LAN).

3.7. How do I use cheats?

Maybe you think it’s ridiculous to start with weak pokemon or you want infinite cash etc. Why not
use cheats to make the game easier? So besides being a pirate, you’re also a cheater =p (jkjk).
Take note that:

1. Running cheats on exfat microSD cards may corrupt your SD card (fat32 preferred)
○ You’ll need to reformat your SD card. Hope you backed up your license.dat.
2. Your cheats may break if your game is updated.
○ You might need to find new versions of the cheat each time you update your game.

How to use cheat files?

1. Download cheat files from the Internet (chin/slasher don’t have for now).
○ One tested source is here but download at your own risk. Be careful of viruses.
2. Create a new folder in your SD card root (first page) named “sxos”
3. Enter “sxos” folder and create a folder called “titles”

24
 4. Under titles, you can dump the game cheat folder you downloaded.
○ The downloaded folder name is a long string of numbers (which is the game id).
Inside this folder you’ll find the txt file and “cheats” folder.
5. Load up your game then press “Home” on your right joycon.
6. Enter Album -> Cheat -> Select Cheats then enable the cheats you want.
7. Press B to go back then go back into your game again. Might need to close and open the
menu but the cheat should work.

3.8. What games do you recommend?

Honestly I’m the couch co-op party game type and that’s why I bought my switch in the first place.

If you’re looking for solo games, you’ll have to ask around or search for reviews. Meanwhile for party
coop games, I have a compiled list below which you can refer to. I’m always open to
recommendations so please do suggest more to add if you have any (:.

MH's list of couch co-op games

25
4. About Switch Firmware Version & Updates
4.1. Why should I update firmware?
Every once in a while, Nintendo will release a new firmware version with new features and new
security measures. Nintendo wants you to update your firmware and actually has a clever method
to make you do so. Simply, new released games REQUIRE you to have a certain updated
firmware to play, even offline. As such, after some time you might have to update your firmware
if you want to play the latest games, or for online access to eShop or your legitimate games.

Before updating, always check whether there is a latest CFW version (e.g. SXOS boot.dat) available
for the new firmware as each firmware will have new security measures to counter current hacks. If
available, you can decide whether to upgrade sysNAND, emuNAND or both.

If you only have sysNAND, you have to update your sysNAND if you want to enjoy continued online
access/newer game access. For those using ipatched switches (i.e. non-hardware moddable),
please do not update your sysNAND beyond firmware 7.X.

If you have emuNAND, it is optional to update your sysNAND as you can just update emuNAND to
enjoy the latest games. You should update your sysNAND if you want online access on OFW e.g.
for legitimate games. Otherwise you may as well leave it on an older firmware.

4.2. Should I be worried about updating firmware?

If the latest SXOS cannot work with latest firmware, DO NOT UPGRADE until further notice.

Assuming the latest SXOS is already out for the new firmware, check your switch serial number:
● Hardware moddable switch (checklist to verify):
○ No issue to upgrade once SXOS is updated to deal with new firmware

● Soft-modded ipatched switch (i.e. non-moddable)

○ Do not update beyond Nintendo switch firmware 7.X as it will no longer be software
moddable [as of 14/7/19]

4.3. What does it mean to burn fuses when updating firmware?

The Nintendo Switch has actual fuses inside which can be programmed to permanently blow up.
This is done intentionally by Nintendo to prevent people from downgrading firmware.

Each new firmware version will expect a certain number of burnt fuses. During the booting up
process when you turn on your switch to sysNAND normally, a burnt fuse check count is performed
and the following happens:

● If you have less burnt fuses than what firmware version expects
○ Your switch will blow fuses to match then loads normally
● If you have same number of burnt fuses as what firmware version expects
○ Your switch loads normally
● If you have more burnt fuses than what firmware version expect
○ Your switch will panic and refuse to boot up.

It’s interesting to note that booting up in RCM mode actually bypasses this check, leaving your fuses
intact until you one day decide to boot up to OFW normally.

26
For general users with hardware moddable switch,
● Burning fuses is of no concern. You can just upgrade sysNAND and go on with your life.
For more technical hackers,
● You may want your sysNAND to be able to boot up normally on a lower firmware version
e.g. for some homebrew applications.
● You won’t be able to play the latest games on sysNAND if your firmware version is too old.

Side note on emuNAND:

Your emuNAND firmware version doesn’t affect fuse burning. Hence you can leave your sysNAND
on low firmware and upgrade emuNAND to latest firmware to play the latest games on emuNAND.

4.4. How do I update my switch firmware?

There are 2 ways to update your switch firmware. You can either connect to Nintendo servers to
update, or update offline by installing the new firmware package.

To update online (only for unbanned sysNAND)

1. Boot up your switch in OFW on sysNAND.
2. Connect to WiFi
3. Search for "Update system" and click on it.
4. Wait until it's done.

Take note this may burn your fuses (read more here) if the new firmware has increased the count.
No concern unless you specifically need an older firmware e.g. to run some Homebrew applications.

If you're banned, updating emuNAND, or want to update your sysNAND to a specific version (not
the latest), you'll have to use the offline update method.

Credits to slslasher
To update offline (mainly for banned users or emuNAND)
[YouTube video for reference, note this video didn’t do step 10 below. Personal preference]
1. Download the desired firmware update compressed package from chin/slslasher drive.
- Take note you need to use Windows. Mac users have reported problems.
2. Unzip the folder and transfer the 3 files to your SD card root directory i.e. the SD card first
page where you see the Nintendo folder, boot.dat and license.
- Install a program like WinRAR or 7zip to unzip the compressed package.
- There will be 3 files: the new firmware files, ChoiDujourNX (update program) and a
new SXOS boot.dat file.
3. Boot up to SXOS to the system you wish to update (CFW on sysNAND or emuNAND) and
click album.
4. Press the right trigger until "Homebrew"
5. Start ChoiDujourNX
6. Select the new firmware folder e.g. 8.0.1
7. Press choose
8. Select new firmware exfat option e.g. 8.0.1 exfat option
9. Select firmware option
10. Untick prevent fuse burning. Read here for more info about burning fuse
a. This will prompt a warning asking if you're sure you want to burn. For sysNAND
update, there is no issue burning fuses unless you specifically need to be able to
revert to older firmware.

27
 b. For emuNAND update it doesn't matter as emuNAND won't cause your switch to burn
fuse.
c. We untick because we don't want autoRCM, unless you're sure you want it.
11. Press start installation
12. When done, shutdown your switch and boot up to your desired mode again (CFW on
sysNAND or emuNAND)
13. Enjoy the latest firmware.

4.5. My switch keeps nagging me to update firmware. How do I remove it?

When connecting to WIFI on sysNAND, you may have accidentally downloaded the next firmware
update files as Nintendo likes to force downloads. These updates will keep popping up every time
you start a game, and if you aren’t careful, you might accidentally upgrade your firmware. Once
upgraded, you might be unable to play free games until a new SXOS update is out.

To remove the downloaded updates, just boot up in maintenance mode by holding down Vol Up +
Vol Down then press Power On (keep holding Vol Up + Vol Down). It might take a few tries. Once
in maintenance mode, the firmware update files are gone. Just press the power on button to exit.

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5. Miscellaneous Nintendo Switch Questions
5.1. What is AutoRCM?
As mentioned previously, the Nintendo Switch has a Recovery Mode (RCM) which can be accessed
if you press Vol Up + Power on button with dongle/RCM jig.

You might find it inconvenient to keep having to insert your small RCM jig for every boot up. In that
case, you can consider using AutoRCM. It automates your switch to ALWAYS enter RCM mode for
every boot up, thus allowing you boot up without RCM jig [You’ll still need the dongle].

However, take note that AutoRCM will keep draining your battery rather quickly even while in sleep
mode. If your switch battery goes flat, it might take many hours to revive it or it may even
brick. As such, only use AutoRCM if you play daily and don’t mind the potential risk in exchange for
the convenience.

5.2. Should I buy a moddable switch (unmodded) or modded switch?

It is hard to find a brand new in box (BNIB) moddable switch now. Even if you can, the price is really
expensive. As such, you might be considering to buy a second hand switch. In the market now, there
are moddable switches which haven’t been modded, or package deal modded switches. Which is a
better deal?

Besides checking on physical condition, here are a few things you should ask yourself:
1. Do you need the online option for your switch or are you okay with being banned?
○ For a modded switch, there is a risk that the previous owner may have done a 100%
ban action e.g. install NSP games.
○ Even if the seller shows his switch is unbanned today by logging to eShop, it doesn’t
mean his switch isn’t flagged for a ban because Nintendo bans in waves. It might be
good today and banned 2 months later.
○ If you don’t want your switch to be banned, you either trust the seller if he says his
switch is clean, or you steer clear and only buy unmodded switches. That way if your
switch gets banned, it’s due to your actions only.

2. What kind of CFW do you want? SXOS or Atmosphere/ReiNX/Kosmos?

○ As there are more custom firmware options besides SXOS, you may want to consider
this when buying a modded switch. I give a brief description here but you should
google more if you’re really keen.

3. How much are you willing to pay?

○ A modded switch tends to come as a package deal with the dongle/CFW ready at a
cheaper rate than if you bought them separately.
○ If the seller is using Atmosphere/ReiNX/Kosmos, take note that the CFW is actually
free when you’re doing price comparisons.
○ A modded switch already comes with the corresponding micro SD card. If it’s too
small e.g. 64gb, you should also consider micro SD upgrade cost.

5.3. What micro SD size should I buy?

After buying your switch, you may be wondering how big of an SD card should you buy. As of
21/7/19, it is highly recommended to play your free games on emuNAND. Your microSD card should

29
thus be able to accommodate your game files, updates, DLCs and emuNAND. You can use the
below to gauge how big of a space you need based on what your budget can afford:

Things to consider:
● SD card true capacity vs marketed capacity
○ Normally we think in base 10 e.g. 1 gb = 1000 mb = 1 x 106 kb = 1 x 109 b.
○ However computer capacity uses base 2 e.g. 1 gb = 1024mb = 10242 kb = 10243 b.
○ It is an industry standard to market in base 10 but that’s not how computer memory
works. Hence every 1gb stated when marketing is actually short by ~70mb.
● EmuNAND size (optional if already banned)
○ If you want to reduce ban risk, you’ll need emuNAND. This takes up ~30gb.
● Game file size
○ Average big graphic game = ~12gb
○ Average smaller graphic game = ~4gb

Micro SD Stated True Capacity Space left after Approx no of games

Capacity (Rounded down) emuNAND (Rounded down)

32 gb ~29 gb N.A. Not possible 2 big games or

7 small games

64 gb ~59 gb ~29 gb 2 big games or

7 small games

128 gb ~119 gb ~89 gb 7 big games or

22 small games

256 gb ~238 gb ~208 gb 17 big games or

52 small games

400 gb ~372 gb ~342 gb 28 big games or

85 small games

512 gb ~476 gb ~446 gb 37 big games or

111 small games

5.4. How do I transfer my SD data to a new SD card / How do I backup my SD

card?
Playing sysNAND without emuNAND / emuNAND Files on microSD (no hidden partition)
Just copy your entire SD card to PC for backup. To transfer to new micro SD card, just copy
everything to the new card.

Playing emuNAND Hidden Partition on microSD

You can either:
● Use checkpoint to backup all your game saves from emuNAND, recreate emuNAND on the
new SD card, transfer the game files over then reupload the saves
● Clone your SD card to the new SD card (be careful of SD card format)

If the new microSD card is larger, clone your SD card then extend the SD card size partition (as your
cloned card is still the previous smaller size).

I’m not an expert on this so I’ll just leave this Youtube video here for you to reference. In summary:

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 1. Clone your SD card using HDD RAW COPY TOOL for backup.
2. “Paste” the clone into the new SD card.
3. Backup the SD content like game files to PC.
4. Remove the game files and repartition roughly the same space in front (this is your
emuNAND) using MINI TOOL PARTITION WIZARD
5. Lastly paste the SD content that you copied in step 3 back into the new SD card.

Disclaimer: Be very careful in the SD card format when cloning e.g. FAT32 to FAT32 or exFAT
to exFAT. Wrong formatting may corrupt the SD card.

5.5. How do I backup/restore my game save files?

Sometimes you might be playing a game where if you die, your character is deleted e.g. Diablo III
hardcore mode. As such you may want to backup your game save file so that if you fail, you can
restore and try again. To do this, we will be using a homebrew application called Checkpoint.

How to backup/restore game saves using Checkpoint

You can watch this YouTube video if you prefer. He uses Atmosphere but it’s close enough.
1. Go to this link and look for the latest version of Checkpoint e.g. Checkpoint 3.6.0
2. Download the Checkpoint.nro file
3. In your microSD card main page, create a folder named “switch” if you don’t have it then
copy Checkpoint.nro into this folder.
4. Boot up to emuNAND (or sysNAND for banned users) and click album -> Homebrew.
5. Activate Checkpoint.
6. Hold “-” on your left joycon to see the buttons but generally
a. Use back shoulder buttons to switch between Nintendo users.
b. When in desired user, use left joycon cursor / button pad to navigate game saves.
c. Press “A” for desired game then “L” or “R” trigger to backup/restore
d. When backing up, press “A” again to confirm then name your save.
e. When all done, press “+” on right joycon to exit.

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6. Troubleshooting Nintendo Switch Issues
I’m including a small segment here to address some common issues that you may encounter and
how you can go about troubleshooting it.

6.1. I can’t access Nintendo eShop on Official Firmware (OFW)

To begin with, what is the error message you see?

● Banned Switch
○ If you see the error message saying “use of online services on this console is
currently restricted by Nintendo”, your Nintendo Switch is banned.

- Solution: None.

● Wrong country listed in Nintendo Account and Switch Account

- If you see the error message saying “Nintendo eShop is not currently available
in your country”, your Nintendo Account and Switch account are set to a country
without eShop (e.g. Singapore).

○ Solution: Change both your Nintendo Switch’s Country and Nintendo account
country of residence (head to Nintendo.com) to the eShop region you wish to buy
your game from.

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33
6.2. I can’t boot up. I only see a black screen (may have error code).
We need to check what did you do right before this happened.

● Nintendo Switch Console itself has issues

○ Try to boot up OFW without dongle/RCM rig (hope you don’t auto connect WiFi).
○ If you can boot up, then the issue is due to the extra CFW stuff.
○ Solution: If you can’t boot, the console has issues and may need to send for fix.

● Nintendo Switch battery has gone flat due to AutoRCM

○ Are you using AutoRCM? (Read here to find out more). You can check by booting up
to OFW without dongle/RCM jig. If you can, you’re not using AutoRCM
○ Solution: If you’re using AutoRCM, the battery may have gone flat if you left it in
sleep mode. Go charge it for half a day before trying again.

● Dongle has no battery

○ If you didn’t do anything special to cause this issue and when you boot up you see a
black screen, your dongle might just be flat.
○ Solution: Press and hold “Power On” for ~12s to force shutdown. Go charge your
dongle for 5 minutes then try again.

● You do not have the latest boot.dat file after updating firmware
○ If you just updated your firmware, check that you updated your boot.dat file to the
latest one as well. You can tell by checking your SXOS version from the SXOS screen
and see that it corresponds to the version you need for this latest firmware
○ Solution: Replace old boot.dat in SD card root (first page) with new boot.dat file. The
required boot.dat will be inside Chin/Slasher’s update package.

● Your game file is corrupted

○ Sometimes the game file you downloaded is corrupted and an error occurs when
trying to run it.
○ Solution: Delete the game to fix the issue. Redownload the game to try again.

● Your custom themes/homebrew is crashing after updating firmware

○ If you just updated your firmware, it might not be suitable for any custom
themes/homebrew that you have (if any).
○ Solution: Delete your theme/homebrew. If still cannot work, you may need to
reformat your SD card.

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6.3. I can’t play/update XYZ game. Help!
You need to check on whether it’s an issue with the game itself or your switch.

● Nintendo Switch Console is not of required firmware version

○ Your game may require a more updated firmware version than what your Nintendo
Switch sysNAND/emuNAND currently has.
○ Solution: Update your sysNAND/emuNAND to the required firmware version.

● Your game is not updated to latest version specified by your firmware version
○ In each firmware version, there is an inbuilt check against what is the latest version
for your games. If your game isn’t the updated version, you’ll get a prompt asking you
to update, else you can’t play the game.
○ Solution: Download the nsp installer and update the game (100% bannable on
sysNAND). Refer here to see how to update.

● Your game file is corrupted

○ Your game file may be corrupted, either due to the game source itself or during the
downloading process (it is quite a big file)
○ Solution: Attempt to download and play again.

● You can’t even find the game file in the SXOS Games / Installer tab
○ The game file name may be too long or have special characters e.g. japanese.
○ Solution: Rename the file to a shorter name without special characters then try
again. If NSP game, can state base game / Update / DLC to help you identify later.

● You see the cloud logo as you installed NSP game update without correct base game
○ You see the game picture but a cloud logo next to the game name.
○ This is because you installed NSP updates (hopefully in emuNAND) without mounting
the game’s XCI version nor installed base game. The update has no game to update.
○ This problem can also occur if your update is for a different game version e.g. your
base game is the US version, but game update is for the EU version. You must have
the correct matching update file to base game.
○ Solution: Uninstall the game update first. Hover over the game tile and press “+” on
your right joycon -> “Manage Software” -> “Delete Software”. Next mount the correct
base game’s XCI file / install NSP THEN install the NSP updates.

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● You see permanently loading game as you installed DLC without correct base game
- You see no game picture, no game name and a continuous loading sign.
- This is because you installed DLC (hopefully in emuNAND) without mounting the
game’s XCI version before nor installed the base game.
- This problem can also occur if your DLC is for a different game version e.g. your base
game is the US version, but game update is for the EU version. You must have the
correct matching update file to base game.
- Solution: Uninstall the DLC first. Go to “System Settings” -> “Data Management” ->
“Manage Software” -> find the no picture game and “Delete Software”. Next mount
the correct base game’s XCI file / install NSP THEN install the DLC.

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● You need to link your Nintendo Account to your switch
- Some games require you to have a linked Nintendo account to your switch to play
this game (you’ll see below message when loading game)
- Solution: Either link a Nintendo Account to your switch (at your own risk if your
Nintendo account has digital games that you paid for), or search around if there are
any NSP updates for this game which can bypass this check (Only install on
emuNAND or risk getting banned).

● You need to be connected to the Internet / Nintendo Servers to play this game
- Some games like Splatoon 2 or Jackbox Party Pack require you to have Internet
connection or even direct connection to Nintendo Servers to play.
- Solution: None. Just buy the real game.

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7. Glossary
90 Domain Name System (90DNS)
[Source of 90DNS information]
90DNS is a DNS and HTTP setup running together such that it blocks all Nintendo traffic. By
configuring your set up using 90DNS, you can connect to the Internet without connecting to Nintendo
at all. Note that this is not a 100% risk-free solution, so only do at your own risk. Can use together
with stealth mode.

Atmosphere/Kosmos/ReiNX
Other custom firmware options besides SXOS. These are free to use. Read more here.

Bootloader
This is the software that controls how the Nintendo Switch boots up. When turning on normally
without dongle/RCM jig/AutoRCM, this will check whether your burnt fuse count matches your
firmware expected number. By using recovery mode, we bypass this check and start the switch up
by using our own bootloader.

Brick
The state when your Nintendo Switch can't boot up anymore. Your switch then becomes a useless
block aka brick. Potential causes of bricking are if you let the battery go flat while in AutoRCM or if
your battery goes flat while creating a NAND backup.

Checkpoint
A homebrew application to backup/restore game saves.

Cold Boot
You need to hack the switch when you turn your Nintendo Switch on. All hardware moddable
switches use this to run Fusée Gelée (the hack).

Custom Firmware (CFW)

Custom firmware is the hack firmware that we use to run the Nintendo switch our way, allowing us
more options as compared to the official firmware. If done without emuNAND, this is still running on
the switch sysNAND.

Emulator NAND (emuNAND)

Emulator NAND works by cloning a separate "operating system" that can be used instead. Your
activities while in emuNAND will not be logged in sysNAND. It is normally created as a hidden
partition on your micro SD card, but it can be done on the switch internal memory if you really want
(not advisable). As it is ~30gb, recommend to use at least a 256gb micro SD card so that you have
sufficient space for games.

Horizon
The Nintendo Switch's official operating system.

Maintenance Mode
A mode that allows you to do factory reset without having to initialise all your save data. This mode
also helps to remove any firmware updates that you may have accidentally downloaded but not
installed yet.

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Moddable Switch
Hardware moddable switches are those with a chip that can be exploited in recovery mode. Software
moddable switches are already patched for the hackable chip, so must use browser based hack
instead.

Official Firmware (OFW)

The Nintendo Switch official firmware that's used on sysNAND. You enter this by turning on without
dongle/RCM jig. You can use OFW to update your XCI games/firmware on sysNAND if you aren't
banned or just to play your legit games.

Payload
A binary file sent to the Nintendo Switch while in recovery (RCM) mode. This allows you to execute
custom programmes before the Switch's official OS Horizon starts up.

Payload Device/Sender/Injector
A device plugged into your Nintendo Switch's USB-C port to send your payload. This can be a
dongle, or PC/phone.

Recovery Mode (RCM) / AutoRCM

Recovery Mode (RCM) is initially intended for troubleshooting and can be accessed by pressing Vol
Up + Short certain pins + power on button. We exploit this state to boot up our own codes.

Stealth Mode
An inbuilt function in SXOS to block connection to Nintendo Servers. Can use together with 90DNS.

System NAND / sysNAND

Nintendo Switch’s official internal flash storage. Your switch will normally run the official firmware
(OFW) and your activities are stored on sysNAND. Activities are also stored when running CFW on
sysNAND too.

Tickets
Nintendo uses tickets as a way to manage your game purchases. They provide the “key” to unlock
and decrypt the game title that it belongs to. If you install an NSP, it will also contain the
corresponding ticket, unless it’s an unofficial NSP that was converted after removing the ticket.
If the game requires the ticket to play, but you delete the ticket, your game will become unplayable
as your console doesn’t have the key to decrypt the game content.
The only reason you’d ever want to remove a ticket is after you uninstall an NSP to “remove traces”.
If you’re playing on emuNAND, it’s better to just leave the ticket there rather than potentially cause
more issues for your games.

Warm Boot
You need to hack the switch when it is already turned on. Only patched switches use this as the
hardware exploit is not available. You will typically have to boot up a browser for this to work.

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