Hello there! I just found a way to play .NSP games for higher firmwares on my 4.1.0 Switch.

THIS ALSO WORKS WITH ATMOSPHERE /w sigpatches


These methods seem to be obsolete, since the newest Tinfoil builds ignore the "minimum required firmware"-info in the xml-files of any NSP. Just Install any game/update/DLC with the newest Tinfoil and it should just work out of the box! (If the keygeneration limitation is still met!)

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KEEP IN MIND:
1. only basegames and updates can be installed with newest tinfoil! DLC don't work, yet! But update patching doesn't work with my method (yet?)
2. Not every game can be used with every Switch Firmware! Read the red text at the end of this post for more Information!


I tested this method with Pokemon Quest and Captain Toad, both start after editing the games.

NEW Method for playing games with lower Firmware:

1. Open NSP with Hexeditor e.g. HxD (https://mh-nexus.de/en/programs.php)
2. search for "RequiredSystemVersion" in the file
3. change <RequiredSystemVersion>335675392</RequiredSystemVersion> to all zeroes like that <RequiredSystemVersion>000000000</RequiredSystemVersion>
3.1 Count the digits again! dont forget any of them!
4. save file and install nsp!

That means no extracting anymore! Installable with e.g. Devmenu, too!

Sadly this method doesn't work for game patches/updates: they still force you to update!

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Old Method for playing games with lower Firmware:
You need to do the following:
1. extract the .NSP file with hactool in a cmd window:
"/path/to/hactool.exe" -tpfs0 --pfs0dir=GameFolder "/path/to/YourGame.nsp"

keep in mind to change the path and name of hactool.exe and YourGame.nsp according to your setup!

2. edit the ....cnmt.xml file in the extracted folder with wordpad:
change e.g <RequiredSystemVersion>335675392</RequiredSystemVersion> to <RequiredSystemVersion>0</RequiredSystemVersion>

protip: the string is almost at the bottom of the xml file!

3. copy the folder of the game with all the nca, etc. files to
SD:/tinfoil/extracted/GameFolder/....

4. Boot ReiNX and install extracted NSP with tinfoil

5. ????

6. Profit!



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If you plan on doing this often, prepare a batchfile:

1. make a new whatever.txt file
2. edit and put in the following command (but according to your setup):

"/path/to/hactool.exe" -tpfs0 --pfs0dir=GameFolder "%1"
pause

3. save the file and rename the fileextension to .cmd.
4. you can now drag/drop any .nsp file on this .cmd file and you will get your game extracted into GameFolder.


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PLEASE HELP ME:

It seems that only some games run on lower firmwares through this method, since the game encryption etc. has changed over time!
The "Keygeneration" in the XML file should tell us which FW is at least needed to play a game!

Keygeneration 0=at least FW ??? needed?, e.g. VOEZ, Mario+Rabbids
Keygeneration 1=at least FW ??? needed?
Keygeneration 2=at least FW ??? needed?
Keygeneration 3=at least FW ??? needed?, e.g. Super Mario Odyssey
Keygeneration 4=at least FW 4.1.0 needed?, e.g. Captain Toad, Pokemon Quest, Octopath Traveler, Limbo, Lego Incredibles, Hello Neighbor
Keygeneration 5=at least FW 5.0.0< needed! e.g. Nekopara Thanks @puppydg68

I need help testing those games on low firmwares! Please tell me on which firmware you are on and what games work/don't work.

If I get enough data (game name+firmware of your switch+key generation of the game) I'll compile a list of compatible games!

When you try to install a game with higher key generation than your FW is capable of the game will install fine with tinfoil (no Error)! But in the home menu you will only have a grey box with a loading circle in it!
We have currently no way to play those games!
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Get the newest Tinfoil by Adubbz here: Click!
Added old Tinfoil build. Works for me but no updates allowed!
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UPDATE: Keyfile not mentioned anymore, since it doesn't seem to be needed for .nsp extraction! Thanks @Wizard0f0z for accidentally finding that out!
UPDATE2: Keygeneration in cnmt.xml should be an indicator which fw you at least need for the game to be played
UPDATE3: Newest Keygeneration (5) added. Those games seem to work only on 5.0.0+.
UPDATE4: Error when installing higher key generation game added.
UPDATE5: easier method added!
UPDATE6: Added Tinfoil files! @Adubbz I hope it's okay?
UPDATE7: greyed everything out (methods are obsolete as of Aug. 5th), since Tinfoil ignores the min. Fw. requirement!

 

[Zocker4444]

Okay, I'll try to help you.
You have to change the filenames and paths to your specific case. what name does your keyfile have?


change this:

hactool.exe -k keyfile.file -t pfs0 --pfs0dir=gamefolder game.nsp

to:

"C:\Users\YourUserName\Desktop\Pack CDNSP\CDNSP-GUI-Bob-v3.5.3\hactool.exe" -k "C:\Users\YourUserName\Desktop\Pack CDNSP\CDNSP-GUI-Bob-v3.5.3\keyfile.file" -t pfs0 --pfs0dir=gamefolder "pathtoyour game/gamename.nsp"

or in this case:
"C:\Users\YourUserName\Desktop\Pack CDNSP\CDNSP-GUI-Bob-v3.5.3\hactool.exe" -k "C:\Users\YourUserName\Desktop\Pack CDNSP\CDNSP-GUI-Bob-v3.5.3\keyfile.file" -t pfs0 --pfs0dir=gamefolder "C:\Users\YourUserName\Desktop\Pack CDNSP\CDNSP-GUI-Bob-v3.5.3\_NSPOUT\OCTOPATH TRAVELER [010057d006492000][v0].nsp"

but you still have to change the bold parts according to your filenames and paths!



and like ramoth said, please use cmd!

 

[Ghassen-ga]

Okay, I'll try to help you.
You have to change the filenames and paths to your specific case. what name does your keyfile have?


change this:

hactool.exe -k keyfile.file -t pfs0 --pfs0dir=gamefolder game.nsp

to:

"C:\Users\YourUserName\Desktop\Pack CDNSP\CDNSP-GUI-Bob-v3.5.3\hactool.exe" -k "C:\Users\YourUserName\Desktop\Pack CDNSP\CDNSP-GUI-Bob-v3.5.3\keyfile.file" -t pfs0 --pfs0dir=gamefolder "pathtoyour game/gamename.nsp"

or in this case:
"C:\Users\YourUserName\Desktop\Pack CDNSP\CDNSP-GUI-Bob-v3.5.3\hactool.exe" -k "C:\Users\YourUserName\Desktop\Pack CDNSP\CDNSP-GUI-Bob-v3.5.3\keyfile.file" -t pfs0 --pfs0dir=gamefolder "C:\Users\YourUserName\Desktop\Pack CDNSP\CDNSP-GUI-Bob-v3.5.3\_NSPOUT\OCTOPATH TRAVELER [010057d006492000][v0].nsp"

but you still have to change the bold parts according to your filenames and paths!



and like ramoth said, please use cmd!

Just add some screenshots and create an easy to follow tutorial please ?

 

[Clydefrosch]

so, could a cfw module have that functionality?

 

[Wizard0f0z]

The simple answer is don't use Powershell, it's not as simple to run cli programs with.

Use CMD instead

thanks for the fast answer!
trying on that now aside.
about the keyfile.file wich i don't see anywhere, only thing i got similar as i know would be the titlekeys.txt
should i create a text with it and rename it?
or is there anything i miss again?


thanks in advance!
hope you enjoy helping!

 

[Zocker4444]

Just add some screenshots and create an easy to follow tutorial please ?

I'll look into that later

thanks for the fast answer!
trying on that now aside.
about the keyfile.file wich i don't see anywhere, only thing i got similar as i know would be the titlekeys.txt

should i create a text with it and rename it?
or is there anything i miss again?


thanks in advance!
hope you enjoy helping!

It seems you missed something there. And please delete the picture, I'm quite sure it's not good to post it here.

Back on topic: you might already have a file in your folder. Maybe its called keys.ini or Keys.txt or whatever. Or you have to find this file somewhere else

 

[Wizard0f0z]

Okay, I'll try to help you.
You have to change the filenames and paths to your specific case. what name does your keyfile have?


change this:

hactool.exe -k keyfile.file -t pfs0 --pfs0dir=gamefolder game.nsp

to:

"C:\Users\YourUserName\Desktop\Pack CDNSP\CDNSP-GUI-Bob-v3.5.3\hactool.exe" -k "C:\Users\YourUserName\Desktop\Pack CDNSP\CDNSP-GUI-Bob-v3.5.3\keyfile.file" -t pfs0 --pfs0dir=gamefolder "pathtoyour game/gamename.nsp"

or in this case:
"C:\Users\YourUserName\Desktop\Pack CDNSP\CDNSP-GUI-Bob-v3.5.3\hactool.exe" -k "C:\Users\YourUserName\Desktop\Pack CDNSP\CDNSP-GUI-Bob-v3.5.3\keyfile.file" -t pfs0 --pfs0dir=gamefolder "C:\Users\YourUserName\Desktop\Pack CDNSP\CDNSP-GUI-Bob-v3.5.3\_NSPOUT\OCTOPATH TRAVELER [010057d006492000][v0].nsp"

but you still have to change the bold parts according to your filenames and paths!



and like ramoth said, please use cmd!

ok! well can't thank you enough for you help
and also thank to ramoth, sure did use cmd from now but here's my up-to-date issue(again)

would be a real less pain in the ass if the hactool.exe would just pop a simple files browser instead

anyway still appreciate all the effort from community
for helping peoples like me!

 

[Zocker4444]

ok! well can't thank you enough for you help
and also thank to ramoth, sure did use cmd from now but here's my up-to-date issue(again)
View attachment 137432
would be a real less pain in the ass if the hactool.exe would just pop a simple files browser instead

anyway still appreciate all the effort from community
for helping peoples like me!

please put all the paths in "quotation marks" or else they won't work if they have space in them.
Like this:
"C:\Users\YourUserName\Desktop\Pack CDNSP\CDNSP-GUI-Bob-v3.5.3\hactool.exe"

mind the " "!

 

[Wizard0f0z]

please put all the paths in "quotation marks" or else they won't work if they have space in them.
Like this:
"C:\Users\YourUserName\Desktop\Pack CDNSP\CDNSP-GUI-Bob-v3.5.3\hactool.exe"

mind the " "!

i just love you now!
ok! so, it seems that it worked.

only things maybe you can tell if it matters or should i do it again,
just after i did it on cmd, i saw that keys.txt file you where talking.

now should i do it again only changing the \keyfile.file" for \keys.txt"
and if so, do i need to go and delete something before redo it?

man! this is awesome, i'm so close!!!

 

[Zocker4444]

i just love you now!
ok! so, it seems that it worked.
View attachment 137434
only things maybe you can tell if it matters or should i do it again,
just after i did it on cmd, i saw that keys.txt file you where talking.

now should i do it again only changing the \keyfile.file" for \keys.txt"
and if so, do i need to go and delete something before redo it?

man! this is awesome, i'm so close!!!

This looks good, keep it that way. maybe you don't need a keyfile at all

 

[raphamotta]

I need to pack the nsp again to install the update game with devmenu, since the update requires higher firmware. Anyone knows how to do it?

 

[Wizard0f0z]

This looks good, keep it that way. maybe you don't need a keyfile at all

i'll give it a try, well maybe if it work, would be worth to try reduce a little the cmd line..!?
thanks again Zock..

You're the man!

i'll let you know if i manage to play it!

 

[Zocker4444]

i'll give it a try, well maybe if it work, would be worth to try reduce a little the cmd line..!?
thanks again Zock..

You're the man!

i'll let you know if i manage to play it!

Thank you! I updated my OP!!!

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

I need to pack the nsp again to install the update game with devmenu, since the update requires higher firmware. Anyone knows how to do it?

There are programs that can do that, but AFAIK the built .NSPs won't install.

 

[ShadowOne333]

Oh damn!
Can this be done to bring any higher fw game to play in something ike a 3.0.0 fw?
Or does it have certain restrictions?
I'm interested in trying Odyssey, Doom and Crash, but I'm on 3.0 unfortunately.

 

[Zocker4444]

Oh damn!
Can this be done to bring any higher fw game to play in something ike a 3.0.0 fw?
Or does it have certain restrictions?
I'm interested in trying Odyssey, Doom and Crash, but I'm on 3.0 unfortunately.

I assume that this indeed does have some restrictions, since new masterkeys were added to later firmwares. AFAIK 3.0.0 FW doesn't have all the Masterkeys and thus most new games probably won't work (since they can't be decrypted by your switch) - But we need someone to test this Assumption.

 

[loler55]

I assume that this indeed does have some restrictions, since new masterkeys were added to later firmwares. AFAIK 3.0.0 FW doesn't have all the Masterkeys and thus most new games probably won't work (since they can't be decrypted by your switch) - But we need someone to test this Assumption.

i hope i get the xecuter Os today then i will try some games on 3.01
in the future it gives emunand and we no need this anymore
but a few games more to play in the meantime is better as nothing

 

[Garou]

is this working for nsp updates?
and can we repackage those extracted files to a single nsp file again?

 

[Zocker4444]

is this working for nsp updates?

theoretically yes! but...

and can we repackage those extracted files to a single nsp file again?

the repacked packages won't install, since they are not well made.
and AFAIK Tinfoil will only install extracted base games (no Updates or DLC)

 

[ShadowOne333]

I assume that this indeed does have some restrictions, since new masterkeys were added to later firmwares. AFAIK 3.0.0 FW doesn't have all the Masterkeys and thus most new games probably won't work (since they can't be decrypted by your switch) - But we need someone to test this Assumption.

Maybe extracting the newer games with their respective masterkey, and once making the modification encrypting them witn 3.0.0 masterkey?
Dunno, I might be spouting shit and all lol

 

[Garou]

theoretically yes! but...

the repacked packages won't install, since they are not well made.
and AFAIK Tinfoil will only install extracted base games (no Updates or DLC)

actually I'm using SX OS to install nsp
too bad then. was installing bunch of updates and apparently those don't work on 4.1.0

 

[Zocker4444]

actually I'm using SX OS to install nsp
too bad then. was installing bunch of updates and apparently those don't work on 4.1.0

Does the SX OS installer also install extracted NSP games or only packed NSP files? And does it install Updates and DLC, too? I'm just curious