Hacking Question I have all the tools needed to hack my switch. Which cfw/tool/OS should i use?

[thorasgar]

Nand backup can take as little as 10-20 minutes for a virgin fresh out of the box Switch to hours and hours reportedly for one with installed games and saves.

 

[ValenValentine]

I'll throw my hat in the ring for SX OS.

It's the easiest to use and comes with all you need, it's constantly updated *cough* to include all the features new CFWs release, and although it's not free, the value of their custom jig and not having to worry about converting to .nsp for everything makes it worth it. I researched them a lot and was still surprised at the quality of their hardware.

Imo it'll be another year before no one's buying it because other CFWs have fully eclipsed it, and even then you can use their hardware for other CFW anyways.

Depending on your allotted game time, 128 is fine for an SD card. I have a 200GB one and I'm 27 games deep for perspective. Zelda, Mario, LA Noire and fractured but hole are all larger games tho, if you're gonna do a lotta games of that nature 200 GB might be worth it just to not have to swap cards a lot.

Also, as one person mentioned back ups (yes definitely do) I'll mention auto rcm. Look into the pros and cons of that as well.

Congrats on your new toy, enjoy! You will pretty much whatever you do as long as you're backed up so you can't brick lol. And be careful with injecting payloads...one was posted that was designed to specifically brick

 

[LooP403]

It's really not that hard. Just make a backup beforehand, and keep your Switch in Airplane Mode until EmuNand support comes out. I have been going through a cycle of making NAND backups and restoring them to be able to play legit games online while avoiding bans when using ReiNX. It's a bit of a pain, but as far as I can tell Nintendo has no idea what I've been doing, and I still have not banned!

Is your process like this?:
1.) Make a backup of your not-cfw nand
2.)go into cfw and install nsp games and stuff then make a nand backup of that (in airplane mode)
3.)Whenever you want to play games like Splatoon 2 or Fortnite online you reinstall the nand backup from step 1
4.)If you want to play your game backups, then you reinstall the nand from step 2
5.)repeat steps 3-4

If this is your process then wtf! You are an absolute GENIUS! I don't care how long the process is, the fact that this is a way not to get banned is foolproof (if you know what you're doing).

 

[Roxasorg13]

I'll throw my hat in the ring for SX OS.

It's the easiest to use and comes with all you need, it's constantly updated *cough* to include all the features new CFWs release, and although it's not free, the value of their custom jig and not having to worry about converting to .nsp for everything makes it worth it. I researched them a lot and was still surprised at the quality of their hardware.

Imo it'll be another year before no one's buying it because other CFWs have fully eclipsed it, and even then you can use their hardware for other CFW anyways.

Depending on your allotted game time, 128 is fine for an SD card. I have a 200GB one and I'm 27 games deep for perspective. Zelda, Mario, LA Noire and fractured but hole are all larger games tho, if you're gonna do a lotta games of that nature 200 GB might be worth it just to not have to swap cards a lot.

Also, as one person mentioned back ups (yes definitely do) I'll mention auto rcm. Look into the pros and cons of that as well.

Congrats on your new toy, enjoy! You will pretty much whatever you do as long as you're backed up so you can't brick lol. And be careful with injecting payloads...one was posted that was designed to specifically brick

When i mentioned SX OS i was talking about the lisence . Im still considering that option just to avoid the hassle of Installing NSPs and managing space on my microsd card.
I dont see any problem in using RCM everytime my console turns off, i could use my cellphone or pc to boot it up in cfw right? I want to avoid any issues as much as posible!
Thanks a lot for the reply.

In case i install ReiNX, would you advice me to use CDNSP GUI to get my nsp files?

 

[RHOPKINS13]

Is your process like this?:
1.) Make a backup of your not-cfw nand
2.)go into cfw and install nsp games and stuff then make a nand backup of that (in airplane mode)
3.)Whenever you want to play games like Splatoon 2 or Fortnite online you reinstall the nand backup from step 1
4.)If you want to play your game backups, then you reinstall the nand from step 2
5.)repeat steps 3-4

If this is your process then wtf! You are an absolute GENIUS! I don't care how long the process is, the fact that this is a way not to get banned is foolproof (if you know what you're doing).

^ It's similar, but what you described is not actually foolproof. In step #3, you could potentially get banned. The problem is that we don't know all of the telemetry data that gets sent to Nintendo. There could be something as simple as a timestamp, "Last Time Online" field.

Say you've made your stock NAND backup, and the last time you were online was August 1st (just an example). You mess with CFW, NSPs, etc, then revert back to the NAND backup, and play online. You're not banned yet, but both Nintendo and your current NAND has recorded that your last time online was August 10th (let's say you went a week playing with backups before going back to stock to play online, and then spent 3 days playing Splatoon 2 online). So, now you decide to go in airplane mode, and play with CFW and backups again. Then, say on August 20th, you decide to go back online, so you restore your initial stock NAND backup. You go online, and BAM! BANHAMMER!

Why? Because your restored Switch says the last time it was online was August 1st, but Nintendo has records of it being online August 10th, so they know something fishy is going on. This is only one example, they could do the same thing based on error logs or other data as well.

So the only 100% safe way in my opinion (DISCLAIMER: I'M NOT RESPONSIBLE IF YOU GET YOURSELF BRICKED AND/OR BANNED) is to make a new "stock" NAND backup before each and every time you use CFW and backups. Yes it's a pain, but it seems to work. And it's a mostly temporary measure until EmuNand comes out, so I just try to switch back and forth as seldom as I can.

I don't bother making NAND backups of my switch after being in CFW, instead I just use Checkpoint to backup the saves that I care about. Delete the Nintendo folder when switching back to stock, or use separate microSD cards. Legit games can always be re-downloaded from the eShop (as long as you aren't banned), and NSPs can always be reinstalled with tinfoil.

 

[Slimmmmmm]

We don't know what rajkosto has planned for RajNX.

You should ask him in his topic

 

[ValenValentine]

When i mentioned SX OS i was talking about the lisence . Im still considering that option just to avoid the hassle of Installing NSPs and managing space on my microsd card.
I dont see any problem in using RCM everytime my console turns off, i could use my cellphone or pc to boot it up in cfw right? I want to avoid any issues as much as posible!
Thanks a lot for the reply.

In case i install ReiNX, would you advice me to use CDNSP GUI to get my nsp files?

I would avoid CDNSP or the free shop for now. They're issuing "super bans" to people who abuse them. You can find sites with .nsp and .xci files you can download direct from, but a super ban would prevent you from updating your system in the future, or downloading game updates, both which still work with a typical ban.

Auto RCM has cause issues with battery drain if you turn your switch off, and if it drains fully it can be a huge pain to get it going again. I use it but keep my system in sleep mode and monitor the battery to avoid problems.

There are a lot of arguments people make against SX OS, but having owned one, and being well aware of the other options, I would do it all over again. It's super convenient, bordering on idiot proof, and for $30 I mean hell why not lol. Whatever you choose, you're doing the right thing now researching it, just keep that up and you'll be fine

 

[LooP403]

^ It's similar, but what you described is not actually foolproof. In step #3, you could potentially get banned. The problem is that we don't know all of the telemetry data that gets sent to Nintendo. There could be something as simple as a timestamp, "Last Time Online" field.

Say you've made your stock NAND backup, and the last time you were online was August 1st (just an example). You mess with CFW, NSPs, etc, then revert back to the NAND backup, and play online. You're not banned yet, but both Nintendo and your current NAND has recorded that your last time online was August 10th (let's say you went a week playing with backups before going back to stock to play online, and then spent 3 days playing Splatoon 2 online). So, now you decide to go in airplane mode, and play with CFW and backups again. Then, say on August 20th, you decide to go back online, so you restore your initial stock NAND backup. You go online, and BAM! BANHAMMER!

Why? Because your restored Switch says the last time it was online was August 1st, but Nintendo has records of it being online August 10th, so they know something fishy is going on. This is only one example, they could do the same thing based on error logs or other data as well.

So the only 100% safe way in my opinion (DISCLAIMER: I'M NOT RESPONSIBLE IF YOU GET YOURSELF BRICKED AND/OR BANNED) is to make a new "stock" NAND backup before each and every time you use CFW and backups. Yes it's a pain, but it seems to work. And it's a mostly temporary measure until EmuNand comes out, so I just try to switch back and forth as seldom as I can.

I don't bother making NAND backups of my switch after being in CFW, instead I just use Checkpoint to backup the saves that I care about. Delete the Nintendo folder when switching back to stock, or use separate microSD cards. Legit games can always be re-downloaded from the eShop (as long as you aren't banned), and NSPs can always be reinstalled with tinfoil.

Thank you so much for telling me that. I was just about to do what I said, but I'll keep in mind to do a nand backup everytime I switch to cfw.

 

[Ashura66]

I would avoid CDNSP or the free shop for now. They're issuing "super bans" to people who abuse them. You can find sites with .nsp and .xci files you can download direct from, but a super ban would prevent you from updating your system in the future, or downloading game updates, both which still work with a typical ban.

Auto RCM has cause issues with battery drain if you turn your switch off, and if it drains fully it can be a huge pain to get it going again. I use it but keep my system in sleep mode and monitor the battery to avoid problems.

There are a lot of arguments people make against SX OS, but having owned one, and being well aware of the other options, I would do it all over again. It's super convenient, bordering on idiot proof, and for $30 I mean hell why not lol. Whatever you choose, you're doing the right thing now researching it, just keep that up and you'll be fine

CDNSP runs on your computer and uses donated certs from broken Switch consoles, perfectly safe to use. FreeShopNX in the other hand uses your own cert since it runs off your system so super not safe to use.

From all i've heard, the only advantages SXOS has is being able to run .XCI games and the dongle itself. Other than that...

 

[ValenValentine]

CDNSP runs on your computer and uses donated certs from broken Switch consoles, perfectly safe to use. FreeShopNX in the other hand uses your own cert since it runs off your system so super not safe to use.

From all i've heard, the only advantages SXOS has is being able to run .XCI games and the dongle itself. Other than that...

That's true about CDNSP, I haven't used it since there's no real reason to, but I was under the impression both used your own console's cert. If CDNSP doesn't then hell why not lol.

And yes, it essentially does come down to the dongle and running .xci for the time being. But you know that company, anything another CFW comes up with, they'll add, and that's something to consider for ease of use imo. I just happen to be in the "it's $30 and well made so it's worth it" camp, but I don't want this thread to become a debate. All CFW will get the job done at this point, I just think SX OS is the closest to "plug and play" currently available is all.

The best OP can do is read everything they can and make their own informed opinion. And backup their NAND immediately lol

 

[Ashura66]

That's true about CDNSP, I haven't used it since there's no real reason to, but I was under the impression both used your own console's cert. If CDNSP doesn't then hell why not lol.

And yes, it essentially does come down to the dongle and running .xci for the time being. But you know that company, anything another CFW comes up with, they'll add, and that's something to consider for ease of use imo. I just happen to be in the "it's $30 and well made so it's worth it" camp, but I don't want this thread to become a debate. All CFW will get the job done at this point, I just think SX OS is the closest to "plug and play" currently available is all.

The best OP can do is read everything they can and make their own informed opinion. And backup their NAND immediately lol

I mean you CAN dump your own cert and use it but you wouldn't be THAT dumb would you? There is a certain Discord server where you can get CDNSP complete with whatever public cert works at the time(Public certs are basically certs donated from either broken Switch systems or systems that have already been banned from online gaming)

Personally speaking i don't use SXOS, i use Hekate for two reasons:
1) just about every retailer for my country has the pro package set to over 50 Euro, that is WAY too much for my budget
2)Hekate/ReiNX/RajNX/Atmosphere on the other hand is free

But yes, information at this point is super critical. As is a NAND backup XD

 

[Halm]

128GB is going to get you a lot of games, and even some big ones like xenoblade and monster hunter. It also has the best price point per GB right now. One can also set up 2 SD cards with CFW and switch them out for more space economically.

Gonna say while the 128GB is the nice price point, Doom and Wolfenstein took up roughly 40gb of space...

think i used up the NAND and microSD for Doom/Wolfenstein/Ys/Shining resonance/Okami HD/Blazblue/Mariokart + other games for a total of i think 14-17 games...

Your mileage with a 128gb will vary with the types of games you want installed in 1 go

(yeah...too used to the Wii U with the terabyte external harddisk and all the games I could cram into that harddisk)


Regarding NSP vs XCI, ban risk wise, it's best to assume both are gonna get you banned in the long run, NSP faster than XCI. (I mean the banning report thread did have some people who played XCI offline then when going online in OFW to check eshop, found that they are banned).

NSP is probably more convenient as XCI loader is more like emulating a cart....you need to run the SXOS program to "load" a cart before you can play it....whereas NSP you just click on it and it starts.

I ultimately went with the 2nd used switch method and got another one (firmware 4.1 as well) and used that. Only thing an XCI loader offers is probably if someone clicks on the Galgun game icon, the game won't start without the "cart"....

 

[Roxasorg13]

I need help...
I did all the NAND backup process
but i didnt update my switch before doing all this stuff, so when i try to open homebrew loader my switch wont detect the microsdxc card, so im pretty much stuck right now, honestly i dont want to update using ChoiDujourNX (i dont like the idea of using AutoRCM)
What can i do?
Can i still update my switch using network? (i havent installed anything, just launched CFW/Try to run homebrew loader/Failed/Turned off the console)
Do i have to restore my nand backup to update the switch using network?
or the only solution is to use ChoiDujourNX and keep AutoRCM on my switch?
I would greatly appreciate any help

 

[Halm]

I need help...
I did all the NAND backup process
but i didnt update my switch before doing all this stuff, so when i try to open homebrew loader my switch wont detect the microsdxc card, so im pretty much stuck right now, honestly i dont want to update using ChoiDujourNX (i dont like the idea of using AutoRCM)
What can i do?
Can i still update my switch using network? (i havent installed anything, just launched CFW/Try to run homebrew loader/Failed/Turned off the console)
Do i have to restore my nand backup to update the switch using network?
or the only solution is to use ChoiDujourNX and keep AutoRCM on my switch?
I would greatly appreciate any help

Think there's a tutorial for doing the exfat update for microSD cards without updating firmware in the Tutorial section...

https://gbatemp.net/threads/how-to-...tch-console-on-any-ofw-without-update.505182/


I assume that's the problem you are facing with the switch not detecting the microSD card...it's missing the exfat update

 

[ValenValentine]

Yeah try using a computer or something else to format, some have had success. Some have claimed only updating the switch and having it format works.

Without using your nand backup, there is a possibility you will be banned simply for running CFW. We don't yet fully know what Nintendo logs, and if they're holding back on some bans for minor offenses to cast a wider net.

If I were you, I would try either using a computer, or the method Halm posted. Don't go online after using CFW without restoring your backup, it's not worth the risk :/

 

[thorasgar]

I need help...
I did all the NAND backup process
but i didnt update my switch before doing all this stuff, so when i try to open homebrew loader my switch wont detect the microsdxc card, so im pretty much stuck right now, honestly i dont want to update using ChoiDujourNX (i dont like the idea of using AutoRCM)
What can i do?
Can i still update my switch using network? (i havent installed anything, just launched CFW/Try to run homebrew loader/Failed/Turned off the console)
Do i have to restore my nand backup to update the switch using network?
or the only solution is to use ChoiDujourNX and keep AutoRCM on my switch?
I would greatly appreciate any help

The tutorial @Halm linked will work but ChoiDujourNX is much simplier. Since you are not upgrading the firmware but just want ExFat autoRCM is not needed. Head over to the ChoiDujourNX thread and poke around there for specific instructions on how to accomplish what you want.

 

[ganons]

NSP is probably more convenient as XCI loader is more like emulating a cart....you need to run the SXOS program to "load" a cart before you can play it....whereas NSP you just click on it and it starts.

Thought you had to load up cfw to play nsp? As in it won't load from horizon

 

[Reecey]

sxos without a doubt I suggest buy the pro dongle, if you can afford to spend a bit of money trust me it’s money well spent! You will not be disappointed. The development is well ahead of other cfw and has a professional team behind the project, anyone that says not is deluded! The ban thing don’t believe everything you read there are plenty of us using sxos online/updates/nsp for months now and still not been banned.

 

[Roxasorg13]

The tutorial @Halm linked will work but ChoiDujourNX is much simplier. Since you are not upgrading the firmware but just want ExFat autoRCM is not needed. Head over to the ChoiDujourNX thread and poke around there for specific instructions on how to accomplish what you want.

I just saw how to do it without AutoRCM, there is event an option.
Do you personally use AutoRCM?
Is it better if i just use it as well?
Is there a good benefit from preventing burning fuses?

 

[Ashura66]

I just saw how to do it without AutoRCM, there is event an option.
Do you personally use AutoRCM?
Is it better if i just use it as well?
Is there a good benefit from preventing burning fuses?

The benefits from preventing e-fuses to be burn is you'l be able to downgrade your firmware if you so choose. For example if in the future a coldboot/warmboot solution appears for a lower firmware you'l be able to downgrade to it if you don't have any e-fuses burnt