While prospects for homebrew on newer Nintendo Switch hardware, "ipatched" units, have been fairly bleak, it appears that a new exploit will be here soon. Mike Heskin (hexkyz) has confirmed that a method for users on current Switch hardware is set to be released later this week. Browserhax + nvhax will allow for ipatched systems below OFW 6.2.0 to access userland and use homebrew. This is far more limited than what can be done on unpatched units, but it marks the first breakthrough for newer hardware. Projects that work through userland mode can be found in GBAtemp's emulation, homebrew, and software projects section, and this also means you'll be able to utilize homebrew made for the bounty.

Anyway, browserhax + nvhax for < 6.2.0 will be released later this week (along with the writeup) so people with ipatched units can play around a bit in userland. It's not much, but hopefully will lead to more people researching other attack vectors in the latest firmwares.

— Mike Heskin (@hexkyz) December 17, 2018

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[SexiestManAlive]

does this mean softmod? or am i dumb?

 

[Subtle Demise]

Why am I not surprised? Does Nintendo ever learn from their software mistakes?

I'd say they do. The Switch is their most secure console yet. They also ban at slightest provocation, so yes they've learned quite a bit. Maybe they'll be smarter next time and do what Microsoft did with the dev mode on XBOX One

 

[Arras]

Why am I not surprised? Does Nintendo ever learn from their software mistakes?

Browsers are very complex pieces of software with the ability to run arbitrary scripts. The Vita and PS4 had(/have?) browser-based hacks too. Barring the RCM thing, which is more of an overlooked feature on Nvidia's side than an actual bug, the Switch is a lot more secure than past Nintendo consoles, so yes, they do learn.

 

[Valery0p]

What about the supernag? You can't use a browser exploit on older firmware versions...


*sigh* I hoped someone finally decided to put together an unthetered hack for the unpatched switches...

 

[Xandrid]

Funny it's a browserhax, always the go-to for exploits lol

 

[leon315]

All Nintendo consoles are killed by Browser's hand, why ninty still implement such ''useless'' feature? after 2 of their console got hacked?


quote from an AAA game dev

DON'T U HAVE A PHONE?

lul

 

[Deleted User]

Why am I not surprised? Does Nintendo ever learn from their software mistakes?

If NVidia and Sega (RCM exploit and 1.0 web browser) hadn't messed up, the system could full well still be locked down.

It's been stated by multiple hackers multiple times that Nintendo did an incredible job this time around, but it was infact external sources that caused the switch to be hacked/

 

[leon315]

i WISH THE MIGHTY hackers could stay close code so this amazing discovery could fuck some money leechers up!

 

[trainboy2019]

i WISH THE MIGHTY hackers could stay close code so this amazing discovery could fuck some money leechers up!

Closed source doesn't have the best reputation in the nintendo hacking scene *cough*themely*cough*

 

[tech3475]

All Nintendo consoles are killed by Browser's hand, why ninty still implement such ''useless'' feature? after 2 of their console got hacked?


quote from an AAA game dev

lul

Its meant for wireless access points which require user input e.g. accepting TOS.

If they didn’t include something people would be complaining because they can’t play online or download games/updates.

 

[leon315]

Closed source doesn't have the best reputation in the nintendo hacking scene *cough*themely*cough*

THEY CAN ALWAYS chose to release the source code 3-4 months later when everyone hack their switch, while money leechers watching

 

[Illuminaticy]

Oh, so when I win the switch from the gbatemp giveaway, I won't just have to sell it for an unpathched unit

 

[trainboy2019]

THEY CAN ALWAYS chose to release the source code 3-4 months later when everyone hack their switch, while money leechers watching

That's not how it works, if the source sin't released alongside the release, the creator will have a ton of pressure to release it from the get-go. Also, by releasing it, they're giving a pretty big hint as to where it is for the hunters to look, so might as well open the floodgates

 

[leon315]

That's not how it works, if the source sin't released alongside the release, the creator will have a ton of pressure to release it from the get-go. Also, by releasing it, they're giving a pretty big hint as to where it is for the hunters to look, so might as well open the floodgates

ton of pressure huh? why certain people ever got pressured? u know who.

 

[guily6669]

I honesty think Nintendo should have made the Switch games only, is like they forgot everyone who buys a Switch also has a smartphone.

Actually I think everything should have multimedia capabilities, poor is having good performance chips like the Xone\PS4 Pro and just let you play games and nothing else while a similar or better PC can do just anything out there...

I can't say I use the browser or multimedia in the console, but sometimes I'm in a game and I just use the console browser\youtube to see some hint\guide to do something in the game like in red dead redemption 2...

And yeah I have the phone near me, but I prefer not wasting battery in it, I barely connect it to 3G or WiFi and my tablet was OFF so I was even lazy to turn it ON and also waste battery 4 the next day so If I'm on PS4 I just use the browser\youtube and If I'm playing in the PC same thing, I use Firefox in it...

 

[trainboy2019]

ton of pressure huh? why certain people ever got pressured? u know who.

One example that comes to mind was Erman, who went and deleted everything related to the project.

 

[the_randomizer]

Will this allow homebrew to be launched without using that dongle for once?

 

[Kubas_inko]

inb4 Xecuter saying how they hacked ipatched units.

 

[leon315]

anyway ALL THE HEIR to the HACKERS for this amazing hack! for this great xmas gift for Switch owners!

hope it will stay Close code, so TX won't STEAL IT!

 

[pman152]

Wonder if unpatched units can take advantage of this in some way to boot CFW without annoying RCM