Hacking Best practice for preserving Switch 2 exploitability?

[ehnoah]

Is a MicroSD required for the Switch 2? I guess I'll install the SD Card Patch and Day 1 patch, then shut it down, so I am setup for future things.

 

[Aezakmi9432]

Has anyone made dumps UFS chip memory? It seems to me that the vulnerability should be looked for in the software part, since the hardware part is so sensitive.

 

[Marc_LFD]

https://x.com/psgoclosed/status/1930318479825219778

Mig flash not working

That's to be expected. Nintendo isn't just gonna let people use flashcarts like they did on DS/DSi/3DS/2DS.

Post automatically merged: Jun 4, 2025

Is a MicroSD required for the Switch 2? I guess I'll install the SD Card Patch and Day 1 patch, then shut it down, so I am setup for future things.

It's not... But you only have like 230GB usable storage so it makes it a must to have one.

 

[AtelierRyza]

Speaking from a purely mathematical perspective, it's impossible for something to be unhackable. All complex systems have flaws. However, it is possible that the equipment, skill, and effort needed are so obscene that it is not practical.

Agreed, the Xbox 360 Bad Update exploit is proof of that. I read through all the blog posts trying to wrap my head around how the guy managed to get that exploit to work and it just breaks my brain the amount of effort it took him. Only a few hackers in the world have what it takes to do that which means it takes that much longer.

 

[Marc_LFD]

Agreed, the Xbox 360 Bad Update exploit is proof of that. I read through all the blog posts trying to wrap my head around how the guy managed to get that exploit to work and it just breaks my brain the amount of effort it took him. Only a few hackers in the world have what it takes to do that which means it takes that much longer.

Has that hack gotten easier to exploit or still takes a long time? I'd really like to have a hacked 360 it's such an awesome console.

 

[l7777]

Agreed, the Xbox 360 Bad Update exploit is proof of that. I read through all the blog posts trying to wrap my head around how the guy managed to get that exploit to work and it just breaks my brain the amount of effort it took him. Only a few hackers in the world have what it takes to do that which means it takes that much longer.

This has already been discussed.
https://gbatemp.net/threads/switch-...e-modchip-attack-vectors.668520/post-10639920

Bad Update took almost 20 years to be implemented. By security standards that's un-hackable.

 

[blaze5]

Can anyone confirm if any physical cartridges like Mario Kart World even contain firmware updates that can be installed offline to that specific version? While physical games have had specific firmware versions on them in the past, that may not hold true now meaning the people who intend on not taking their Switch 2 out of the box who have planned on performing on-cart firmware updates in the future may only have the option of whatever the current firmware available online to install at the time they want to execute whatever theoretical exploit that may exist then if they don't update and enable microSD Express now (I know there is supposedly some non-Express SD support, though I wouldn't count on that on its own likely needing microSD Express to do much of value).

I know the official page on Switch 2 microSD Express cards state an online update is required to enable microSD Express support, but if firmware can be updated offline from a physical cart like in the past and enable microSD Express cards, then that's a reason to leave a Switch 2 unopened in hopes of a future exploit. Even if no physical launch titles contain on-cart firmware updates, I suppose it'd be possible for them to do that in the future, though I'm not optimistic physical cart firmware updates are still a thing or that they alone can enable microSD Express, but maybe? Unless an on-cart firmware update can enable microSD Express, I think it's likely a safer bet to install the day 1 update and go offline and wait (though who knows if/when a softmod exploit will come?). There's probably not much difference between the shipped firmware and launch day firmware and setting up microSD Express support seems worth the gamble, though who knows maybe it'd make all of the difference down the road.

Another thing that would be interesting for someone to test is if they have 2 microSD Express cards, if they can set up a 2nd microSD Express card completely offline or if every new microSD Express card set up requires an initial online connection?

 

[AtelierRyza]

Has that hack gotten easier to exploit or still takes a long time? I'd really like to have a hacked 360 it's such an awesome console.

I don't think it's changed no. The developer himself said it was about as good as he could get it. Maybe someone else will improve it someday.

I think it's made RGHing the 360 a lot easier as you can use Bad Update to dump your nand instead of soldering up a nand dumper.

 

[ihaveahax]

Has anyone made dumps UFS chip memory? It seems to me that the vulnerability should be looked for in the software part, since the hardware part is so sensitive.

The data is encrypted, just like it was on Switch 1 (and every console since Wii). This won't be useful.

 

[falcorr]

Does the firmware update require linking a Nintendo account?

Is there any issue trying to link one Nintendo account to two Switch 2s?

What exactly changes between launch and day one firmware?

How exactly is the SD slot disabled?

Does an express microSD need to be used to activate the slot?

Does the functionality to 'load Switch 1 screenshots and videos' via normal microSD require the day one firmware update?

Need to know whether any physical cartridges contain firmware. And whether they require internet access to install.

How exactly does the Switch 1 to 2 system transfer work? And what requirements are there?

It'd be good if someone trusted updated to day one, let an express microSD setup, and posted an image of it.

I'm still not sure what I'll do. I don't want to miss a potentially vital firmware before the opportunity's gone forever. Gotta make the call right away.

 

[Hotmayo]

Does the firmware update require linking a Nintendo account?

Is there any issue trying to link one Nintendo account to two Switch 2s?

What exactly changes between launch and day one firmware?

How exactly is the SD slot disabled?

Does an express microSD need to be used to activate the slot?

Does the functionality to 'load Switch 1 screenshots and videos' via normal microSD require the day one firmware update?

Need to know whether any physical cartridges contain firmware. And whether they require internet access to install.

How exactly does the Switch 1 to 2 system transfer work? And what requirements are there?

It'd be good if someone trusted updated to day one, let an express microSD setup, and posted an image of it.

I'm still not sure what I'll do. I don't want to miss a potentially vital firmware before the opportunity's gone forever. Gotta make the call right away.

I can only give answer on your first question. When you update you dont need to link you nintendo account

 

[Mylink5]

For anyone who got the MK World bundle, is it advisable to just do the Day 1 patch, download the game, and then get it offline? I only had a budget for 1 console, so I'd like to play MK World, but if it diminishes the chance for a hack, I will hold on to it...

 

[bamboocappucino]

I've got the switch 2 and the micro SD express in my hands now. Can't decide whether to update or not though. Registered an account to see what everyone else is doing and the 50/50 split did not help!

 

[RyH2]

If you only have one console it seems kind of pointless to not update it at least with the day one patch.

Not having a gimped console far outweighs the small chance that there'll be an exploit for day 0 consoles that doesn't work with the day 1 update.

 

[Nekomaru]

For anyone who got the MK World bundle, is it advisable to just do the Day 1 patch, download the game, and then get it offline? I only had a budget for 1 console, so I'd like to play MK World, but if it diminishes the chance for a hack, I will hold on to it...

It's a gamble honestly. Only the launch day version guarantees Horizon 19.0, every next batch may have 20.1 or higher preinstalled. So one can stash the launch day version and buy another console later, new or used, already with the update installed. I expect an OS update to launch together with Bananza in July.

 

[Mylink5]

It's a gamble honestly. Only the launch day version guarantees Horizon 19.0, every next batch may have 20.1 or higher preinstalled. So one can stash the launch day version and buy another console later, new or used, already with the update installed. I expect an OS update to launch together with Bananza in July.

I already got a console ( I am expecting it today ). I just am not sure how big of a risk is to install the Day 1 patch to play MK World...

 

[Marc_LFD]

It's a gamble honestly. Only the launch day version guarantees Horizon 19.0, every next batch may have 20.1 or higher preinstalled. So one can stash the launch day version and buy another console later, new or used, already with the update installed. I expect an OS update to launch together with Bananza in July.

Assuming I have to update to use the Express mSD it's not much of a choice for users.

I've received mine, haven't booted it up yet.

 

[Nekomaru]

I'm happy for you, all my preorders got cancelled. Thank U Amazon.

 

[Mylink5]

I'm happy for you, all my preorders got cancelled. Thank U Amazon.

That sucks, hope you can get yours soon!

I got it from a local retailer, but I don't see it coming today after all. No shipping notification

 

[Blythe93]

Has that hack gotten easier to exploit or still takes a long time? I'd really like to have a hacked 360 it's such an awesome console.

It still takes a various amount of time, I'm afraid. Hardware modding is still the way to go.

Assuming I have to update to use the Express mSD it's not much of a choice for users.

I've received mine, haven't booted it up yet.

That looks neat. ^^ Congrats!
I'm yet to receive mine. From what I can see it's has been shipped already, both Switch 2 console and the NSO GameCube controller.