Switch 2 Requires a Firmware Update Out of the Box.

[MasterJ360]

Day 1 updates usually don't hurt exploiting chances. The end goal is to be on a low FW anyway. Gonna need that express SD card support to put the hack files on.

 

[bjaxx87]

Well, now it's a bit of a gamble. If the stock firmware contains a vulnerability, we'll probably kill the chance to make use of it just to have a temporarily working console that is able to launch early S2 games.

If we don't install the day 1 patch, we might not be able to use potential game exploits, though.

 

[The Real Jdbye]

few consoles have had firmware updates / patches at launch, this is nothing new, @I7777 why does the sdcard need pairing, seems like extra bogus DRM by Nintendo, though i'm probab;y wrong

Probably licensing, the same as exFAT on Switch. Each person who doesn't use a memory card (or exFAT) is money saved for Nintendo because they have to pay the exFAT license per user.
I guess this confirms that the Switch 2 still uses exFAT and not some proprietary encrypted file system.

Post automatically merged: May 28, 2025

I'd definitely hope this is the case as exFat is a shitty filesystem lol

Post automatically merged: May 28, 2025

Just activate both and throw the one back in the box after the day 1 patch.

There's nothing wrong with exFAT, let's just hope it's properly implemented this time around.
We really shouldn't be relying on a decades old file system that isn't even journaled.

 

[Mrsdude]

I’m not going to connect my second console to the internet at all. In regards to the possibility to transfer files on the console, the official website of Nintendo claims that you can load screenshots and videos of a normal microsd card. So we actually might not need the microsd express license to transfer potential homebrew files.

 

[yankii]

Most consoles have this exact requirement on launch to stop the systems from leaking out early. Switch did this with firmware 2.0.0 as well. PS5 now requires internet to activate the disc drive, Xbox forces on update required on first boot, etc. But to answer your question yes there is a notice on the box.

Post automatically merged: May 27, 2025

Honestly I'd be amazed if a hardmod happens even in the next few years. The hardware on this thing appears to have lots of modchip protection this time around.

PS5 Slim disc edition doesn't need an internet connection to pair the disc drive. Source: I've seen it in person.

 

[The Real Jdbye]

I’m not going to connect my second console to the internet at all. In regards to the possibility to transfer files on the console, the official website of Nintendo claims that you can load screenshots and videos of a normal microsd card. So we actually might not need the microsd express license to transfer potential homebrew files.

The license is more likely for exFAT, and we don't know if the Switch 2 still supports FAT32.

 

[Marc_LFD]

Day 1 updates usually don't hurt exploiting chances. The end goal is to be on a low FW anyway. Gonna need that express SD card support to put the hack files on.

Switch 2 without the D1 Patch won't be able to play even Switch 1 game carts so this thing is pretty much useless unless hackers find a way around it.

But then, there's still the issue that Express mSD need the D1 Patch, too.

 

[Mrsdude]

The license is more likely for exFAT, and we don't know if the Switch 2 still supports FAT32.

Sure, but it doesn’t say that it needs to be connected to the internet to use the microsd. Just for microsd express it explicitly tells us to connect to the internet. In a few days we’ll see.

 

[subcon959]

Switch 2 without the D1 Patch won't be able to play even Switch 1 game carts so this thing is pretty much useless unless hackers find a way around it.

But then, there's still the issue that Express mSD need the D1 Patch, too.

It's a tricky situation for sure.

 

[xFlesk]

so im looking on internet for express microsd card and largest i can find (at least here in eu) is 256gb.
256gb card is useless even on switch 1 in my opinion (few games and its full), then what about switch 2 where the games will be way bigger? im reading now about this express card activation day 1 patch and dont know what to do. should i buy smallest express card just to do the initial update ? really tricky indeed

 

[l7777]

so im looking on internet for express microsd card and largest i can find (at least here in eu) is 256gb.
256gb card is useless even on switch 1 in my opinion (few games and its full), then what about switch 2 where the games will be way bigger? im reading now about this express card activation day 1 patch and dont know what to do. should i buy smallest express card just to do the initial update ? really tricky indeed

No one knows these answers. Lexar and SanDisk are about the only manufacturers you should be looking at. Lexar has some larger cards but they've been out of stock since Nintendo announced the Switch 2 would require sd express.

 

[xFlesk]

i bought cheap, small 256gb sandisk ex card just in case and waiting for more info to reveal

 

[Seraphic]

Have two coming as well. Thinking keeping one stock and other updated to first firmware release. What are people thinking?
Question is if you need a Ezpress MC installed to unlock it like the original switch needed for SDXC update.

 

[AtelierRyza]

Long time lurker, but I made an account to bring something up.

People seem to be freaking out about whether to update to the day 1 patch or not for fear of losing SD card functionality AND access to a later (but exploitable) firmware version, but isn't there another path where you can stay on day 0 firmware for now, and update to version 2.0 later (even with 3.0 released)? It's likely the game carts themselves will contain the required firmware that is needed to play that game, and that you can update to that specific firmware with that game cart?


My plan is to stay on day 0 firmware (so no day 1 patch) and if an exploit eventually comes out on a later firmware and I need an SD card for it, instead of being screwed and needing to update to the latest (unexploitable) firmware, I can stick in a Mario Kart cartridge and get firmware 2.0 or whatever it is, and at that point I have a working SD card slot, but I wouldn't be on the latest firmware.

 

[NotUsingAnAltAccount]

i bought cheap, small 256gb sandisk ex card just in case and waiting for more info to reveal

Europe? You're from Poland, so: https://www.proshop.pl/Karta-pamieci/SanDisk-microSD-Express-880MBs-512GB/3360624

 

[a_username_that_is_cool]

i hope that the non-leaked models don't need this

 

[RyanTheArchivist]

PS5 Slim disc edition doesn't need an internet connection to pair the disc drive. Source: I've seen it in person.

I actually own a PS5 Slim and mine did require a 1 time connection to activate the drive. The original model didnt but all models with a detachable drive do.

Post automatically merged: May 28, 2025

i hope that the non-leaked models don't need this

Chances are all early models will with this changing down the line.

 

[yankii]

all models with a detachable drive do.

Maybe it's just the earlier ones then. The disc edition Slim I mentioned was paired, and yes, it was new.

 

[alepman90]

Anyone familiar with this brand? Seems Walmart exclusive and popular on Reddit
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ONN-MICRO-SD-EXPRESS/15708762625
wasn't planning on getting an SD card, but guess you have to if you want extra storage and stay on the lowest FW

 

[RyanTheArchivist]

Maybe it's just the earlier ones then. The disc edition Slim I mentioned was paired, and yes, it was new.

All I know is that Sony confirmed and still goes by the standard that any of the detachable drives need a 1 time server check.