The Switch scene is getting wild. There's been a bootrom leak, Fusee Launcher, and seeing the scene groups getting heated over a Linux tease. There was even some whisper stuff of Dolphin potentially running on the Switch. Not to be outdone, Fail0verflow has stepped in, and released something new. After they showed Linux running on the Switch back in February, the team has released their work. If that wasn't enough, ShofEL2 was also released by them, which is a Tegra1, and more importantly, a Nintendo Switch exploit.

In short, this relies on the Tegra's recovery mode, which allows for the exploit to be run. ShofEL2 works as a bootrom exploit and a Linux launcher, though currently it's not really intended for use by most users at this time, this is another incredible advancement for scene hackers.

If your Switch catches fire or turns into an Ouya, it's not our fault. It's stupidly easy to blow up embedded platforms like this with bad software (e.g. all voltages are software-controlled). We already caused temporary damage to one LCD panel with bad power sequencing code. Seriously, do not complain if something goes wrong.

On the other hand, this exploit probably works on the Ouya...

Fail0verflow claims that this exploit is future proof, and will work on all firmwares. They make an even bolder claim that running Linux is undetectable by the system, and that you can dual boot the Switch and Linux OS.

Source

 

[sarkwalvein]

I think we owe something to anonymous resentful leaker.

On the other hand, this exploit probably works on the Ouya...

Now I'm missing my Ouya if only to try that... who the hell is so stupid as to steal an Ouya.

 

[Xzi]

I think we owe something to anonymous resentful leaker.

ALL HAIL ANONYMOUS RESENTFUL LEAKER!

 

[weatMod]

why did they post that pic of a copper wire tho?

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why did they post that pic of a copper wire tho?

that other pic had me guessing ,i could see an FTDI in the pic i feel like they just threw that in to confuse us
also why is it called shofEL2 ?

 

[Taleweaver]

Sweet. And...is that the kubuntu distribution?

On the other hand, this exploit probably works on the Ouya...

Meaning: if you screw up doing this on your ouya, you'll end up with a switch instead.

 

[Ericthegreat]

Okay guys, I look, how I get, free game?

 

[sarkwalvein]

Okay guys, I look, how I get, free game?

You download Linux provided above, go into the terminal and type "nethack".

 

[Reploid]

I thought f0f doesn't release anything ever, no?

 

[cots]

Nice, but I already have a tablet can that run emulators and media players. The only reason I would buy a Switch is for its native gaming experience.

EDIT: In case anyone was wondering I have a nvidia shield tablet; so using a Switch to do the same thing with less functionality would be stupid.

 

[byevoltor]

The important thing is to know if we can have a clean switch, updated to pay for the online and be the latest version, and have another version without being detected, to run homebrew and utilities (linux, dolphin, android, etc., vlc, reader of epubs, etc)

It is a small union (welding), but a great leap for the scene.

 

[Joom]

The important thing is to know if we can have a clean switch, updated to pay for the online and be the latest version, and have another version without being detected, to run homebrew and utilities (linux, dolphin, android, etc., vlc, reader of epubs, etc)

It is a small union (welding), but a great leap for the scene.

Why wouldn't you just get an Android device for all of that?

 

[bomigoton]

why did they post that pic of a copper wire tho?

Twiizers is back

 

[leonmagnus99]

Personally, I'm doing nothing until processes mature, programs are stable, etc.

same here

 

[tech3475]

On the other hand, this exploit probably works on the Ouya...

So that means all Tegra 3 devices? Would this also extend to any Tegra device (I have an old tablet with a broken emmc somewhere)?

 

[HaloEliteLegend]

If all the recent breakthroughs mean I can enjoy homebrew while staying on the latest FW and still being able to play online, then great! Sign me up. Not about to compromise the Switch's main utility -- playing new games -- in any way, or compromise my ability to play online. Gladly, seems I might not have to. Seemingly though, when the new hardware revision is out, new Switch owners will likely be out of luck until new software exploits are found.

 

[Taleweaver]

Nice, but I already have a tablet can that run emulators and media players. The only reason I would buy a Switch is for its native gaming experience.

EDIT: In case anyone was wondering I have a nvidia shield tablet; so using a Switch to do the same thing with less functionality would be stupid.

It's probably very optimistic at this stage, but if native linux runs on a switch, then steam should be a possibility*.



*this of course pretty much requires a way to emulate an xbox controller with the joycons.

EDIT: wait...scrap that. The xbox controller emulation seems pretty much doable, but steam requires x86 architecture whereas the switch has ARM. That'll make this very unlikely.

 

[DiscostewSM]

If all the recent breakthroughs mean I can enjoy homebrew while staying on the latest FW and still being able to play online, then great! Sign me up. Not about to compromise the Switch's main utility -- playing new games -- in any way, or compromise my ability to play online. Gladly, seems I might not have to. Seemingly though, when the new hardware revision is out, new Switch owners will likely be out of luck until new software exploits are found.

That's how I am. I'd like homebrew, emulation of older games, multimedia, etc, all while continuing to support with Switch game purchases on the newest FW and be able to play online.

 

[AdamFX990]

TIL there's an ARM version of Dolphin. That's got some potential to be inanely cool.

 

[DarthDub]

An actual release from fail0verflow? I must be dreaming.

 

[xtrem3x]

These releases all say any firmware... So I can update and be fine now?
Probably been asked a million times, but I like to be 100% sure otherwise if I update and am wrong then I wasted all that time keeping my Switch on a low firmware.

 

[sarkwalvein]

These releases all say any firmware... So I can update and be fine now?
Probably been asked a million times, but I like to be 100% sure otherwise if I update and am wrong then I wasted all that time keeping my Switch on a low firmware.

If you update, there are things you won't be able to do.
Using this exploit is not one of them.