did i get this right, if i buy a switch firmware 5.0.0+ if have to buy a hardware "jailebreak" tool?
You don't really need to buy a "jailbreak tool", you can make it yourself, it is stupid simple as I will explain below.
Also, in previous firmware there would be the possibility to avoid this, but you STILL will require a PC to (and a USB-A to USB-C cable) to send the exploit to the Switch by USB.
The "jailbreak tool" consists just on shorting pin 10 and ground (e.g. pin 1) on the right joycon slot on the Switch.
This slot is clearly visible if you unplug the right joycon from the console.
You can just use a piece of cable to short it, it is in fact very easy.
Some people are selling really cheap "jigs" that make this even easier, that is just a piece of plastic with the appropriate shape that can go down the joycon rail and already includes the piece of cable to short pin 10 and pin 1 in the correct place. It is handy, but not really needed.
Now, the procedure to send the exploit is as follows:
- Shut down the console completely
- Short pin 10 and pin 1 on the right joycon slot (you usually have to disconnect the right joycon for this)
- Press and hold Volume+
- Turn on the console
- The screen should go black, you can now take away the piece of cable and release Volume-
- Connect the console via USB to a PC
- Run a some software on PC that sends the exploit
If you get a firmware below 5.0, you may skip steps 1-5, but you will need to do some other steps instead (as e.g. using Pegaswitch). You could also use this same method on consoles with lower firmware if you want, the method above works for all current consoles on any firmware version.
I will see if I find a picture of the slot with the pins you have to short, so you can grasp how easy this actually is.
EDIT:
Look in
this thread you can see many "jailbreak tools" (jigs) that different users had made.
Take a look at
this one:
It is that simple. Just a piece of cable (or a paperclip in this case).