Hacking How do games I never had before know there is an update if I never went online?

[Chrushev]

I got a 4.1.0 switch when I launch some games with SX Pro I get a notification that there is an update and it will be downloaded (with option to start the game without it). This switch never launched these games before and it has been in Airplane mode without any internet even set up for 4+ months. Does each firmware have some sort of update database or something?

 

[Kubas_inko]

Horizon knows it.

 

[Priyam]

I got a 4.1.0 switch when I launch some games with SX Pro I get a notification that there is an update and it will be downloaded (with option to start the game without it). This switch never launched these games before and it has been in Airplane mode without any internet even set up for 4+ months. Does each firmware have some sort of update database or something?

Wow this is really incredible, definitely a good question

 

[chippy]

Because the makers of the game need to push a release for manufacturers but know there's more they will add. Like add in another chapter of the game.
Kerby had a day one patch and the cart had a flag programmed in to say there is a patch even when the switch hasn't been online

 

[noahc3]

You didn't mention what games this happens with, but:

On the Wii U, the system holds an update database with minimum versions of games that firmware is allowed to launch. Perhaps the Switch implements something similar?
Other games like LA Noire and Kirby probably get flagged at production that they need an update since the devs know the game is unfinished and will need a day one update to become playable.

 

[chippy]

The carts actully store the highest os its ran on so you cant run it on a different switch with lower os so I wouldn't be surprised it gets the patch info (version) from the other switch as well