Hacking Question Is it OK to just update microSD software on 3.00 Switch?

[edepot]

If a Switch that has never connected to the internet is updated to 3.00 with Pokken cart, is it OK to stick a microSD into the slot and get the software so microSD works?
Or will Nintendo Switch secretly contact Nintendo and check the firmware version and force you to update firmware to above 3.00 as well?

Need an answer before trying this out. I wish to use microSD, but heard that it needs to get software first via an internet connection on first insertion of microSD.
But want to keep Switch at 3.00 for future homebrew.

If it is OK, also need correct procedure to avoid updating firmware.

 

[Deleted-355425]

I wouldn’t risk it, as soon as you connect it will try and update to 3.0.2.

 

[duffmmann]

I don't believe putting a micro sd card in the Switch can force any update on you. Though I'm on the latest firmware so i personally can't verify for you.

 

[weatMod]

what are you people talking about? you mean the SD will not work on FW below 3.0.0 or that the SD will still not work even after you update to 3.0.0
until you connect to online? that it has to download something from online that is not included in the FW update for the SD card to work?

 

[subcon959]

what are you people talking about? you mean the SD will not work on FW below 3.0.0 or that the SD will still not work even after you update to 3.0.0
until you connect to online? that it has to download something from online that is not included in the FW update for the SD card to work?

• To use a microSDXC memory card, you must first connect the console to the internet and perform a system update.

 

[Deleted-355425]

what are you people talking about? you mean the SD will not work on FW below 3.0.0 or that the SD will still not work even after you update to 3.0.0
until you connect to online? that it has to download something from online that is not included in the FW update for the SD card to work?

To use 64gb and up micro sd cards (sdxc) you need to download a patch, if you want thatvpatch you have to go online and let the switch grab that patch but we don’t know if it’s bundled in with a firmware update too now.

 

[SonicMC]

32gb and below do no require, so those ones should be fine to put in without going online for an update.

 

[8BitWonder]

You can also use an sdxc card by formatting it as FAT32. (Without updating)
Though you would still be stuck with the limitations that FAT32 brings rather than exFAT.

I've personally done this with my switch, I'm using a FAT32 formatted 64GB sdxc card in it.
Without ever having connected it to the internet or updating it.

 

[edepot]

If I recall correctly, the update for the microSD card and the update for the firmware are separate processes. They update different areas of the Nintendo Switch. In other words, you don't need a firmware update to update the code for using >32GB microSD cards. So if someone has done this before, or someone who wants to try, can you check whether going online for the microSD automatically calls the function to check firmware version?

Isn't there an option in the menus that you have to click to make the version check and update? If you don't click on it, you should stay in 3.00.
Also, lets say it does contact Nintendo and lets you know that a firmware update is available. Can you then shut off your Nintendo Switch, turn off wifi router, turn it back on and pretend nothing happened?
Once the Switch knows a firmware update is available, does it write something inside the Switch so that you can't play any more games unless you update? (I hardly think that would be the case).

Can't you go online just for the microSD, but refuse the firmware update, but still good to go?

 

[digipimp75]

I put a 200gb sd in a 2.1.0 system and didn't get prompted to update, since I formatted it as FAT32 beforehand.

 

[Deleted-355425]

I put a 200gb sd in a 2.1.0 system and didn't get prompted to update, since I formatted it as FAT32 beforehand.

Thats all good until you try and put a file on it over 4GB as thats the limit, https://www.genie9.com/Support/KB/KnowledgeArticle.aspx?KBID=113

 

[8BitWonder]

Thats all good until you try and put a file on it over 4GB as thats the limit, https://www.genie9.com/Support/KB/KnowledgeArticle.aspx?KBID=113

I know you can't transfer files over 4GB, but lets say you have a 6GB file and try the following:

Split the file into two 3GB parts
Copy both parts onto the SD card
Combine both parts back into the 6GB file

Aside from that being a tedious task, would it be doable?

 

[PolloDiablo]

Why would you want to use a microSD card on older firmware if you cant access the eShop to download games?

 

[jimmyj]

Why would you want to use a microSD card on older firmware if you cant access the eShop to download games?

No shit,good point I didn't think about that. Tell us OP

 

[Deleted-355425]

for piracy when its available?

 

[digipimp75]

Thats all good until you try and put a file on it over 4GB as thats the limit, https://www.genie9.com/Support/KB/KnowledgeArticle.aspx?KBID=113

I know, that's the downside unfortunately. I actually end up updating that same system to the latest fw, so I'm going to reformat the card. Got another spare switch on low fw

 

[8BitWonder]

Why would you want to use a microSD card on older firmware if you cant access the eShop to download games?

Retroarch and personal homebrew. (At least that's what I'm wanting it for.)

 

[jimmyj]

Retroarch and personal homebrew. (At least that's what I'm wanting it for.)

well then it's not for homebrew because you can get far wuth 4GB homebrew i would say

 

[8BitWonder]

well then it's not for homebrew because you can get far wuth 4GB homebrew i would say

That's true, but I'm not going to order a 4GB sd card if I have a spare 64GB on hand.

 

[PolloDiablo]

Retroarch and personal homebrew. (At least that's what I'm wanting it for.)

I wouldn't worry about it for now. It's too early for homebrew. I'm in the same situation as you, 2.2.0 with a 200GB SDXC waiting to be used.