This new homebrew will allow you to install XCI files directly to your Switch without having to convert them to NSPs first. It is based off the NSP-installer homebrew, Tinfoil by @Adubbz.

What is an XCI file?
An XCI file is a gamecard dump, while an NSP is an installable eShop file. While XCI files can only be played directly with SX OS, they can now be installed just like an NSP on both SX OS and ReiNX.


How does it work?

• It extracts the NCAs from the XCI file
• It changes the one byte in the header that differentiates gamecard files and eShop titles
• It rebuilds the metadata file and sends it to Tinfoil to begin installing (the metadata file describes the other NCAs present in the file)

Precautions
This homebrew is still a WIP.

• If you use an exFAT-formatted SD card, please back up all your data before using this homebrew, as it has a small chance to corrupt the card.
• Some XCI files will not work. If you come across any that do not work, please report them in the main discussion thread.

Where can I get it?

• Gitlab repository is here
  
• Official discussion thread is here

Who is 2168-0002?
The members are as follows:

• @AveSatanas
• @EliseZeroTwo
• @roothorick
• @nopjmp
• @Adubbz
• @Crusatyr
• @Adran_Marit
• @tinbs
• @Drakia
• @jakibaki
• @Darth Meteos (public relations)

They can be reached by Twitter at @2168_0002 and can be identified on GBAtemp by their signatures. There are more projects in the pipeline.

 

[Reploid]

Well, one less step. Not revolution or anything.

 

[gnmmarechal]

This is pretty cool, I suppose.

 

[Pluupy]

Lots of ReiNX people in that team. Nice work guys.

 

[NeoSlyde]

Bruh...
The most important point of XCI is being able to load them from SD Card without having to install them or any shit
Drag and Drop.

 

[tinbs]

XCI's were unusable directly with CFW that wasn't SX OS without conversion. This is an option for people who have (access to) dumps to just use them as-is.

Proud of you guys

 

[Crusatyr]

The most important point of XCI is being able to load them from SD Card without having to install them or any shit

I think when it started out, yes, this was true. But now since their are other free and open source solutions available, there's a fair amount of SX OS users who want to switch over to other CFW but don't want to have to re-download all their games in a new format. This is an easy way for those users to convert their XCI to a format that other CFW are capable of using, without having to manually convert it themselves.

 

[Adran_Marit]

Bruh...
The most important point of XCI is being able to load them from SD Card without having to install them or any shit
Drag and Drop.

Patience is a virtue.

​

There are more projects in the pipeline.

 

[Darth Meteos]

Bruh...
The most important point of XCI is being able to load them from SD Card without having to install them or any shit
Drag and Drop.

Certainly, but I'm sure happy I don't have to look around for an NSP link when XCI links are everywhere am a good human who doesn't pirate.

Lots of former ReiNX people in that team. Nice work guys.

ftfy

 

[Adran_Marit]

@Crusatyr that lizard sig is boss

 

[regnad]

Kind of pointless if you have 4nxci

 

[Adran_Marit]

Kind of pointless if you have 4nxci

This eliminates a whole step though

 

[xXDungeon_CrawlerXx]

I will still use my custom NSPs.

 

[Ev1l0rd]

Almost makes me think there's been some split in ReiNXs dev team.

Anyway, best of luck to all those involved.

 

[Darth Meteos]

Almost makes me think there's been some split in ReiNXs dev team.

There hasn't. I made good friends in ReiSwitched, and getting into some petty war with them is not in my intentions. We bear them no ill intent.

Mostly.

 

[limpbiz411]

where do i place my xci"s?

edit: Nevermind

 

[JellyPerson]

@Create_ it's time brother

 

[AveSatanas]

where do i place my xci"s?

"/tinfoil/zerotwoxci/nameofgame.xci"

Replace nameofgame with anything you want.

I originally stated that they had to go in a folder but apparently that behavior was changed right before release, neat.

 

[SkittleDash]

Very nice! At this rate, I can drop SXOS and move onto ReiNX. Something that's constantly updated and open source. Keep up the good work, 2168-0002. <3

 

[sj33]

Does this work with split xci files for FAT32 users?

 

[EliseZeroTwo]

Does this work with split xci files for FAT32 users?

completely slipped my thoughts. ill work on this now if you'd like.

 

[Darth Meteos]

Does this work with split xci files for FAT32 users?

completely slipped my thoughts. ill work on this now if you'd like.

And by "if you'd like" she means "already working on it" because Elise is just that reliable.