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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[Sayora]

Not even not having a web browser can save Nintendo from browser exploits.

 

[Techjunky90]

Wait, is this the kind of exploit that would not require a jig and could let me play emulators on my Switch and that new homebrew app that lets you stream your computer to the Switch? Cuz if so, holy shit, that's what I want. I don't care about playing backups, I don't want that, I'm not interested in piracy on my Switch, so if we're just limited to that kind of homebrew with this and there is no external hardware needed, then this would be exactly what I've been looking for.

But is that the case? Or do you still need to physically do something with your Switch? Beyond that, would having homebrew on my Switch be detectable by Nintendo and if so would I get banned just for having homebrew on my system?

Not interested in piracy, yet you want to play emulators. Where do you get the roms for those emulators? Do you dump your own physical cartridges? No, you pirate them. You look like an idiot, oh I'm not interested in piracy, even though that's exactly what I do when I emulate games.

 

[Slim45]

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

meanwhile Blizzard reps feel validated reading this comment.

 

[PatrickD85]

Oeh... 2 questions;
1] Is it < 6.2.0 or <= 6.2.0 ?
2] In userland, is something like Checkpoint on the table?

 

[PhiZero]

I wonder how long it's going to take to pry open these ipatched units like the original models, if it hasn't already been done behind the scenes.

 

[Prior22]

Pre june units doesnt really matter aslong as they dont throw us another 6.2.0, with a after june unit, it does matter

So if a system has firmware at 6.2 or higher it can't be modded? Would it be tough to find a new system sold at a store like Best Buy or Amazon with lower firmware?

 

[Paulsar99]

Great news. Sadly I wouldn't be also surprised if most ipatched units are on 6.2.0 by now because of smash.

 

[THYPLEX]

Interested for emulators purposes

 

[LightyKD]

The is cool and all but I just want Android apps support. In waiting for the day where I can turn my Switch into a cable box!

 

[hippy dave]

So if a system has firmware at 6.2 or higher it can't be modded?

It can if it's unpatched (made before ~June).

 

[YugamiSekai]

This is great for ipatched switches, but where's the warmboot exploit for 4.1.0 and below? Also, from looking at these replies, doesn't consoles need at least some form of a web browser, since there are wifi connections that require authorizations (which is how the 3.0.0 web exploit even worked)?

 

[LovesSwitch223]

But what about the risk of a ban using this compared to RCM?

 

[ertaboy356b]

Thanks WebKit! You're the best/buggiest browser ever!

 

[M7L7NK7]

So if a system has firmware at 6.2 or higher it can't be modded? Would it be tough to find a new system sold at a store like Best Buy or Amazon with lower firmware?

Consoles don't ship with anything higher than 5.1.0 currently

 

[Molhel]

Neat. Hopefully it leads to CFW/other exploits soon.

 

[gnmmarechal]

Another browser exploit on a Nintendo console, why am I not surprised

I mean.... WebKit.

 

[RocketRobz]

Haven't been watching the Switch scene much.

I've been wanting to run homebrew on my Switch console, but I didn't feel like doing the RCM jig thing, and risk a brick if done wrong (at least, that's what I've heard).
Assuming this also works on non-iPatched units, even though this is just userland, my console would be banned from using this, right?

EDIT: Found @LovesSwitch223 already asked this.

 

[medoli900]

Not interested in piracy, yet you want to play emulators. Where do you get the roms for those emulators? Do you dump your own physical cartridges? No, you pirate them. You look like an idiot, oh I'm not interested in piracy, even though that's exactly what I do when I emulate games.

Why couldn't he dump their own cartridge? You are assuming they download them, you have no proof. I myself dump my games when I play them on emulator, since I am against all piracy.

 

[Chrisssj2]

I'm..... not sure what this means? Some sort of Browser exploit?

You have to unlock bowser mini in smash brothers and glitch masterhand to get exploit.

 

[ciaomao]

You have to unlock bowser mini in smash brothers and glitch masterhand to get exploit.

Sir, this is a BROWSER hack, not a common BOWSER hack

 

[DJravingMonkey]

It sure is no new exploit. I would guess it gets published because it was closed in 6.2.0