Misc My switch is patched, what else can I do?

[K9T33N]

TLDR: the title, the rest of this post is mostly for an
explanation.

I was recently given an kinda old (about 2021, yes that's old now) switch. This was great and all until I figured out that that's not the be all and end all, switch games still cost a lot and they will only be for the switch which I might not even use that much so it's not a great investment.

So I wanted to be able to put my own games on it through the SD card like some Pokémon roms. But I found out my switch is patched since it's the XKJ7 version.
**Is there anything else I can do with it? **
Now I'm hoping for some kinda free emulation I can do even with this patch but absolutely anything else would also be useful because otherwise this would just be sitting on a shelf unless I wanted to actually play the crappy free games...

Edit: I just realised I bet you guys get this a lot so sorry if it sounds repetitive, but I can't find anything on what else I can do if I can't hack it. I don't really want to put on a mod chip so if that's the only answer I will probably give up I just want a firm confirmation

Post automatically merged: Jan 9, 2025

Doing some more digging around on this thread I have come across the caffeine exploit, but this requires a certain firmware version. How can I check this?

If you can't tell I'm slightly desperate I really don't want this switch to go to waste

 

[ditty_bitty]

To find your firmware version, open Settings, scroll all the way down on the left to System. In the right side, you'll see "System Update". Do not click this. Underneath that, in small text will be your firmware version. That Switch better be on firmware 4.1.0 or lower or the caffeine exploit will not work. Don't even look into a MigSwitch unless you want your console banned to play online. Maybe even banned from getting firmware updates (I don't own one and have done very little research on it because of the mess people have had getting it and getting banned using games downloaded from the internet. Use your own game cartridges and the dumper to put them on an mini SD card and its safe-ish.)

Your option is only a modchip. They're cheap ($15 on Amazon from a reputable source). And on average, folks will install it on your console for under $100. Sure is cheaper than buying a lot of games. Plus you get a LOT of homebrew. The issue with this is finding someone who you trust to install it. I know who did mine, but I don't even know if they're still active. It was cheap at $85+shipping for the v2 original Switch.

Up to you to make that choice. I'm just telling you what your options are. Not much.

 

[Hayato213]

If your firmware is above 4.1.0 then you can't use caffeine, you only option is modchip.

 

[K9T33N]

To find your firmware version, open Settings, scroll all the way down on the left to System. In the right side, you'll see "System Update". Do not click this. Underneath that, in small text will be your firmware version. That Switch better be on firmware 4.1.0 or lower or the caffeine exploit will not work. Don't even look into a MigSwitch unless you want your console banned to play online. Maybe even banned from getting firmware updates (I don't own one and have done very little research on it because of the mess people have had getting it and getting banned using games downloaded from the internet. Use your own game cartridges and the dumper to put them on an mini SD card and its safe-ish.)

Your option is only a modchip. They're cheap ($15 on Amazon from a reputable source). And on average, folks will install it on your console for under $100. Sure is cheaper than buying a lot of games. Plus you get a LOT of homebrew. The issue with this is finding someone who you trust to install it. I know who did mine, but I don't even know if they're still active. It was cheap at $85+shipping for the v2 original Switch.

Up to you to make that choice. I'm just telling you what your options are. Not much.

Okay I see, unfortunately as soon as I got the switch I updated it . About this migswitch though, I don't think I really care about playing online to be honest, is that still an option even if it's not recommended?

Post automatically merged: Jan 9, 2025

Oh also I have these old DS cartridges, found out Nintendo is a greedy pig and didn't re use that size. So is their an adapter available for them?

 

[emcintosh]

…switch games still cost a lot and they will only be for the switch…

So I wanted to be able to put my own games on it through the SD card like some Pokémon roms. But I found out my switch is patched since it's the XKJ7 version…

Edit: I just realised I bet you guys get this a lot so sorry if it sounds repetitive, but I can't find anything on what else I can do if I can't hack it. I don't really want to put on a mod chip so if that's the only answer I will probably give up I just want a firm confirmation

Sell the Switch and buy a (3)DS to play your DS games / hack and use emulators for GB(A) Pokémon. Or buy one of those emulation handhelds.
Well, yes, Switch games are only for Switch, and the unhacked Switch is only for Switch games. You can get some previous systems' games through the Nintendo Switch Online subscription (no mainline Pokémon, though).

Okay I see, unfortunately as soon as I got the switch I updated it . About this migswitch though, I don't think I really care about playing online to be honest, is that still an option even if it's not recommended?

Post automatically merged: Jan 9, 2025

Oh also I have these old DS cartridges, found out Nintendo is a greedy pig and didn't re use that size. So is their an adapter available for them?

MIG Switch is strictly for running games for which you have the cartridge but off an SD card so you don't need to bring the cartridge with you, and gives none of the additional benefits of a modded Switch e.g. emulation, game mods, overclocking, using other controllers. And piracy, but as the game shows up as a particular cartridge, you would also be contributing to getting legitimate purchasers banned if the cloned cartridge is re-sold.
Nope, you can't use DS cartridges on Switch.

 

[K9T33N]

Sell the Switch and buy a (3)DS to play your DS games / hack and use emulators for GB(A) Pokémon. Or buy one of those emulation handhelds.
Well, yes, Switch games are only for Switch, and the unhacked Switch is only for Switch games. You can get some previous systems' games through the Nintendo Switch Online subscription (no mainline Pokémon, though).


MIG Switch is strictly for running games for which you have the cartridge but off an SD card so you don;'t need to being the cartridge with you, and gives none of the additional benefits of a modded Switch e.g. game mods, overclocking, using other controllers. And piracy, but as the game shows up as a particular cartridge, you would also be contributing to getting legitimate purchasers banned if the cloned cartridge is re-sold.
Nope, you can't use DS cartridges on Switch.

Okay thank you a lot I will probably do this.

Post automatically merged: Jan 9, 2025

Thanks for helping everyone., how do I mark this as solved?

 

[M7L7NK7]

Sell your switch, pay the difference and get an unpatched one

 

[Dawnster]

Unpatched Switches are quite cheap. For selling you did miss your window tho as your Switch wouldve been a great ''last minute buy'' for the desperate parent/uncle who was searching the market place right before Christmas.

 

[Ondrashek06]

You thankfully don't have to regret flashing the new HorizonOS as "XKJ7" indicates that your Switch is Mariko, and Mariko switches were never softmoddable to begin with.

Ask yourself: "Am I sure that I'm skilled enough with soldering and have the necessary tools to be able to install a modchip to the console?"
If the answer is yes, you can buy yourself a HWfly or Picofly from Aliexpress and then follow the installation instructions, or just buy a RP2040 + the needed parts for cheap to make a Picofly yourself.

If the answer is no, you have 2 options:
- contact and pay someone who has the skills and tools, I've been told that most repair shops could accept this task
- just buy another Switch unit that you're sure is unpatched. You might need to search around for a bit to find a seller in your region (to avoid customs and the like) but if you do it this way, you'll still have your Mariko unit if you fuck up and get that unpatched Erista banned.