Hacking Best practice for preserving Switch 2 exploitability?

[blaze5]

this is what i'm hoping for, i think updating the console when softmods weren't really a thing on switch 1 is just asking for issues later on.

Just to provide some background, softmods did exist even up to the initial 4.1.0 ipatched Mariko units with early Webkit exploits and Pegascape and Caffiene (in fact, firmware often needs to updated to certain versions to utilize certain exploits), but with an unpatchable hardware exploit on early units and mod chips exploiting a similar mechanism, there was a lot less incentive to pursue the softmod route.

With no need for other exploits, it's possible other exploits have already been discovered and left undisclosed remaining unpatched on Switch 2 to this day. Not saying the softmod route will prove fruitful with a full exploit chain to kernel level access and the level of security has certainly ramped up, but the possibility is out there as a day 1 ROP exploit (if real) demonstrates potential.

Hindsight could prove differently, but I think the best approach is to enable microSD Express support on as low of firmware as possible and then keep the unit completely offline as enabling microSD Express later on will force you on whatever the current firmware is.

 

[JackyD]

"using the method described in this thread."
Could you point to the exact post? I have seen a few.

Read the whole thread, here's what I've learned. I bought three Switch 2, all arrived on 19.0.0 firmware. I also bought the Mario Kart World cartridge, which doesn't work on 19.0.0, however there is a firmware update on the cartridge which updated the console to 19.1.0, and now the game version 1.00 will play. So we can indeed update the firmware via cartridge and it shouldn't require an online connection, which means, we can update to a specific firmware in the future if we can get our hands on the physical cartridge.

Firmware 19.1.0 doesn't allow for exfat or express SD card support, you'll have to update to 20.1.1 for that feature.

The first Switch 2 I updated online to 20.1.1, downloaded game patches and demos, and linked a throw-away Nintendo account to it, as well as enabled exfat + express SD card support, using the method described in this thread.

The second Switch 2 is currently on 19.1.0, and the third Switch is still on 19.0.0. I'm thinking that I should update at least two Switches to 20.1.1, link accounts to them (not my main one that I don't want to have banned, just in case), and add SD card support.

But what about the third one? Keep it on 19.0.0, or 20.1.1, that's the one I'm unsure about.

 

[Marc_LFD]

Just logged in to the website after it being hours unavailable and look at that... Nintendo hasn't released a new firmware. Probably not far away.

 

[Godorowski]

How I Totally Exploited the Nintendo Switch 2 with a Spoon


So there I was, minding my own business, eating a bowl of spaghetti, when suddenly it hit me—what if the new Nintendo Switch 2 could be hacked using spaghetti? I mean, everyone talks about software exploits and fancy hardware glitches, but nobody mentions pasta.

I grabbed a spoon, dipped it into my spaghetti and bam! I jammed the spoon into the USB-C port of the Switch 2. At first, nothing happened. I thought, “Maybe it needs more carbs.”


So I sprinkled some parmesan cheese on the console because cheese makes everything better, right? Suddenly, the Switch 2’s screen flickered, and a secret menu popped up—called Spaghetti Mode. From there, I typed in the hacker code: “MammaMiaBowserGay.”


The Switch 2 then started downloading something... and Hekate 2.0 screen appeared. Everything was there!
Game dumper, FBI2 installer and even Mission Control 2.


Nintendo probably thought, “No one will ever figure out the spaghetti exploit.”
Little did they know, I’m the master of pasta hacking.

 

[bamboocappucino]

How I Totally Exploited the Nintendo Switch 2 with a Spoon


So there I was, minding my own business, eating a bowl of spaghetti, when suddenly it hit me—what if the new Nintendo Switch 2 could be hacked using spaghetti? I mean, everyone talks about software exploits and fancy hardware glitches, but nobody mentions pasta.

I grabbed a spoon, dipped it into my spaghetti and bam! I jammed the spoon into the USB-C port of the Switch 2. At first, nothing happened. I thought, “Maybe it needs more carbs.”


So I sprinkled some parmesan cheese on the console because cheese makes everything better, right? Suddenly, the Switch 2’s screen flickered, and a secret menu popped up—called Spaghetti Mode. From there, I typed in the hacker code: “MammaMiaBowserGay.”


The Switch 2 then started downloading something... and Hekate 2.0 screen appeared. Everything was there!
Game dumper, FBI2 installer and even Mission Control 2.


Nintendo probably thought, “No one will ever figure out the spaghetti exploit.”
Little did they know, I’m the master of pasta hacking.

Very lame, OP

 

[lupo90]

Can the SD update be applied without the 20.x firmware update?

 

[Wolf2000]

Can the SD update be applied without the 20.x firmware update?

Currently no - directly Update to 20.x.
In Case of jailbreak this might be possible, but Nobody can say whats possible and not… so decide yourself

 

[falcorr]

The microSD update:

Already on the day one 20.1.1 firmware. Formatted a standard microSD with exFAT and chucked on some screenshots and videos in their normal Switch 1 directory structure - don't know if this was necessary. Went to the settings, data management, etc, and went to import from a Switch 1 microSD card. I was offline, it wanted to update, update failed due to being offline, it forced a restart anyway. Went online, did it again, update went through, a momentary update, forced restart. The reported firmware stayed at 20.1.1.

While I'm here, I'd also like to suggest those locking a Switch 2 away chuck a few games you don't care about on it before going offline, just in case having a specific one, or any game, is important later.

 

[stuhyde]

Did you add your Nintendo account to both units? If so, sounds like you can use one Express card to update both rather then purchase two Express cards?

You can use the same SDEX to do as many switches as you like. When you insert into the next switch, it says it wants to format it, but that's it, then it updates.
Only added NSO account to my main S2.

 

[l7777]

As I said. Lagunaloire88 is a shitmuncher. Not even one day has passed and there is already an exploit.

And as we've said, this is the equivalent of making notepad do something unexpected and then claiming you've exploited Windows. Userland exploits are will always exist and get you almost nothing in terms of access to the host operating system. It isn't something to be championing around as if the Switch 2 has already been modded to run homebrew/CFW.

My thoughts are that 20.1.1 will be useful since we'd be able to load S1 games and/or use the microsd express card to load files.

Just to be clear with regards to Switch 1 games, there is nothing in the 20.1.1 firmware that "enables" Switch 1 games. Most will still need a game update to launch. The firmware update likely tells the Switch 2 which ones need an update.

 

[boomfunk]

I ended up with two consoles. On the one for the hopeful future mods I decided to apply the 20.1.1 patch and install the Mario Kart key card, don't have a SD Express card but used a regular micro SD to get the sd update. I figure if something detrimental gets found soon that requires FW 19 it'll still be possible to find a new console. If not, hopefully this was the right move.

 

[PureFallen]

Catching up with the pages of the post.
When I understand right, the "SD Update" simply adds microSD EX and exFAT support?
Would that mean that drivers for FAT32 on a regular microSD exist on Switch 2? How likely is it even that an exploit will rely on exFAT or microSD EX support?

 

[stuhyde]

Catching up with the pages of the post.
When I understand right, the "SD Update" simply adds microSD EX and exFAT support?
Would that mean that drivers for FAT32 on a regular microSD exist on Switch 2? How likely is it even that an exploit will rely on exFAT or microSD EX support?

You don't want an exploited console with only access to the internal 256GB
The exploit won't rely on it but it may not be able to be added if the drivers are not there, but it's all speculation at the moment.

 

[odun96]

I didn't, but a lot of media outlets believed this SOB

You actually believed that?

 

[lordelan]

The other issue is that the Express mSD will only work after the D1 Patch. It's like the Disc Drive activation on PS5 Slim/Pro all over again.

I dunno what u guys have with that D1 patch.
I installed it as I highly doubt there'd be an exploit that only works prior to it. Because even if there was an exploit that only works on basically sealed stock firmwares, it'd be pointless and irrelevant since almost nobody would be on that firmware. Even most people keeping their consoles offline waiting for an exploit (like myself) did the D1 patch since it enables so much (mSD port, Switch 1 compatibility).
I'd even argue it would be wise to get that D1 patch now while you can because later you can't without getting the (then) most recent firmware which might patch first exploits that people found.

 

[bamboocappucino]

While I'm here, I'd also like to suggest those locking a Switch 2 away chuck a few games you don't care about on it before going offline, just in case having a specific one, or any game, is important later.

Switch 1 or switch 2 games?

 

[Marc_LFD]

I dunno what u guys have with that D1 patch.
I installed it as I highly doubt there'd be an exploit that only works prior to it. Because even if there was an exploit that only works on basically sealed stock firmwares, it'd be pointless and irrelevant since almost nobody would be on that firmware. Even most people keeping their consoles offline waiting for an exploit (like myself) did the D1 patch since it enables so much (mSD port, Switch 1 compatibility).
I'd even argue it would be wise to get that D1 patch now while you can because later you can't without getting the (then) most recent firmware which might patch first exploits that people found.

I just meant I'd like to have stayed on the original firmware, but that just wasn't possible.

 

[Chocoburger]

"using the method described in this thread."
Could you point to the exact post? I have seen a few.

From this post here

Hacking  Post in thread 'Best practice for preserving Switch 2 exploitability?'

Jun 6, 2025

I am not sure its same for me i used a normal SD card and it was exFAT empty card because dont have switch 1 and it did not work so i ordered last night micro Express and worked i dont think at all that normal sd work my Switch 2 said normal SD dont work put express in it so i think all people that say it work it is bullshit

To trigger the update using a regular microSD card, you need to create a folder structure as if it's a Switch 1 card (basically have a picture inside a folder like, for example, Nintendo\Album\2023\06\10\whatever.jpg), then go to settings > data management >...

• Xalusc

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[RustyMongoose]

Got one system with all my OLED's data transferred over to and fully up to date, and the other has only gotten set up offline and will remain on 19.0.0 unless we find out you need to update for an exploit.

 

[DbGt]

Catching up with the pages of the post.
When I understand right, the "SD Update" simply adds microSD EX and exFAT support?
Would that mean that drivers for FAT32 on a regular microSD exist on Switch 2? How likely is it even that an exploit will rely on exFAT or microSD EX support?

You can use a FAT32 regular microSD in fw 20.1.1. No additional updates required. Just D1 update. Exfat and express support do need an additional update

stock fw (19.0.0) cant use microSD cards at all. not even fat32

Game cards have firmware updates. Mario Kart World game card will update the switch to fw 19.1.0. Game can be played but still no microsd support, even fat32

You need to apply day 1 patch to use microsd. But we know game cards have fw updates so you could in theory leave switch 2 in stock fw, then update later on with a game card if necessary and you would have at least microsd support using fat32