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!)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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!



___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.


______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!
___________________________________________________________________________

Get the newest Tinfoil by Adubbz here: Click!
Added old Tinfoil build. Works for me but no updates allowed!
_______________________________________________________________________________________________


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!

 

[pausuri]

@pausuri Update patching still doesn't work! The newest Tinfoil will install the update but it will still need an systemupdate!! This Tinfoil is the newer one in the OP. I think this problem is a limitation of the patching method and not a bug of Tinfoil, to be honest.

Thank you, that’s all I wanted to know, It was driving me crazy trying the new TinFoil to install all the updates and none of them worked (it always asked to update)

 

[coooooper]

I confirm that the newest Tinfoil installs the games but they still ask to update. Old version is the way to go for now.

 

[Andalitez]

Would like to know only one thing.
Can someone on 3.0.1 try to install/play dead cells for me please xD

Sorry I know its not polite to request things in threads,but I'm away from home for a week already and itching to play Dead Cells lol

 

[einfachGaer]

There are a bunch of new commits on Tinfoil, with DLC installation!

 

[pausuri]

There are a bunch of new commits on Tinfoil, with DLC installation!

Here's the latest version compiled by @DeuX :

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1GO2DcAtCVahOH6P-7NIsIqtMAbcM32qK


But for playing games/updates/DLCs that required a higher firmware it doesn't work as intended, you can install them but as soon as you start it, it requires an update...

My personal tests:

Switch on 4.1.0, nsp that require 5.X.X:

I can install and play base games with the "old but good" version.

I can install but NOT play base games with the new TinFoil version.

I can install but NOT play DLCs / updates with the new TinFoil version.

It seems like with the new version installs the nsp in an different way than the old version

 

[Zocker4444]

Newest Tinfoil build compiled and added to OP. Haven't tested it though.

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

Here's the latest version compiled by @DeuX :

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1GO2DcAtCVahOH6P-7NIsIqtMAbcM32qK


But for playing games/updates/DLCs that required a higher firmware it doesn't work as intended, you can install them but as soon as you start it, it requires an update...

My personal tests:

Switch on 4.1.0, nsp that require 5.X.X:

I can install and play base games with the "old but good" version.

I can install but NOT play base games with the new TinFoil version.

I can install but NOT play DLCs / updates with the new TinFoil version.

It seems like with the new version installs the nsp in an different way than the old version

for me the semi-old Tinfoil (with 54 commits) worked like a charm, just like the old one (minus update support). Base games and updates install just fine. Patched/hex-edited game updates still need their required firmware, though.

 

[tNz]

Anyone runs Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy or Worms W.M.D correctly on a 4.1 Switch?
Some nsp Files didnt appear in tinfoil (just a black line and I cant select these)

 

[Garou]

Here's the latest version compiled by @DeuX :

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1GO2DcAtCVahOH6P-7NIsIqtMAbcM32qK


But for playing games/updates/DLCs that required a higher firmware it doesn't work as intended, you can install them but as soon as you start it, it requires an update...

My personal tests:

Switch on 4.1.0, nsp that require 5.X.X:

I can install and play base games with the "old but good" version.

I can install but NOT play base games with the new TinFoil version.

I can install but NOT play DLCs / updates with the new TinFoil version.

It seems like with the new version installs the nsp in an different way than the old version

maybe you should report this on the tinfoil thread? he seems to be responding questions asked there
https://gbatemp.net/threads/tinfoil-title-installer-manager-by-adubbz.511763

 

[coooooper]

Newest Tinfoil build compiled and added to OP. Haven't tested it though.

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




for me the semi-old Tinfoil (with 54 commits) worked like a charm, just like the old one (minus update support). Base games and updates install just fine. Patched/hex-edited game updates still need their required firmware, though.

Maybe it's related to the firmware version? I'm on 4.1 and I can only play hex-edited base games with the old Tinfoil…

 

[pausuri]

Just a heads up guys, the latest version of TinFoil (v4560081)you can finally install and play hex mod updates/DLCs on a lower firmware, during the nsp installation use the ignoring firmware option.
I tried a few 5.X.X updates and DLCs on my 4.1.0 Switch and everything´s working as intended
https://buildserv.stayathomeserver.club/tinfoil/

 

[Zocker4444]

Just a heads up guys, the latest version of TinFoil (v4560081)you can finally install and play hex mod updates/DLCs on a lower firmware, during the nsp installation use the ignoring firmware option.
I tried a few 5.X.X updates and DLCs on my 4.1.0 Switch and everything´s working as intended
https://buildserv.stayathomeserver.club/tinfoil/

I just wanted to post this, but you were faster Did you try installing UNCHANGED updates or base games? I think hexediting might be obsolete/not needed anymore with the latest Tinfoil you mentioned.
Do game updates boot on your switch now, which previously didn't because they still needed a system update?

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

Maybe it's related to the firmware version? I'm on 4.1 and I can only play hex-edited base games with the old Tinfoil…

When I tried it I used Fw 4.1.0, too. But IIRC the semi-old tinfoil did install hexedited/unedited base games just fine.

 

[pausuri]

I just wanted to post this, but you were faster Did you try installing UNCHANGED updates or base games? I think hexediting might be obsolete/not needed anymore with the latest Tinfoil you mentioned.
Do game updates boot on your switch now, which previously didn't because they still needed a system update?

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



When I tried it I used Fw 4.1.0, too. But IIRC the semi-old tinfoil did install hexedited/unedited base games just fine.

Hi! Yes, I've tried both ways, hex mod and untouched updates and DLCs, the latest version of Tinfoil completely bypass the firmware requirement at all, so I believe this method is obsolete now.
On 4.1.0, the base games, updates and DLCs installed by this new version WORKS fine and don't ask to update

 

[loler55]

can confirm dungeon rushers runs now on 3.01 xDDDD ( before your method it comes a systemupdate message)
dragon quest builders works now on 3.01 ( before your method it comes a systemupdate message)
arcarrde archive mario bros runs now on 3.01
stardew valley works now on 3.01
steamworkd dig runs now on 3.01
super meat boy works now on 3.01
worms worked too on 3.01
Scribblenauts showdown woooooooooooooorks now on 3.01

crash bandy code collection have a higher key generation as 3.01
minecraft have a higher key generation as 3.01
i think ALL games here can work on 3.00 too
confirm toad theasure tracker have a to high key generation as 3.01
confirm loderunner demo have a to higher key generation as 3.01
@Zocker4444 thank you now i try out which games run on 3.01

only worked with xecuter os and tinfoil old version

 

[einfachGaer]

Unmodified update NSP for hollow knight working with latest tinfoil and SX OS on 4.1.0 console.
Thanks to everyone involved

 

[Ghassen-ga]

Hi! Yes, I've tried both ways, hex mod and untouched updates and DLCs, the latest version of Tinfoil completely bypass the firmware requirement at all, so I believe this method is obsolete now.
On 4.1.0, the base games, updates and DLCs installed by this new version WORKS fine and don't ask to update

so now we can install raw updates and they work on less than the required firmware ?

 

[pausuri]

so now we can install raw updates and they work on less than the required firmware ?

Basically yes, the newest Tinfoil bypass the system update message and you can install any update or dlc on a lower firmware Switch

 

[Ghassen-ga]

Basically yes, the newest Tinfoil bypass the system update message and you can install any update or dlc on a lower firmware Switch

finally some good news , god, thanks !

 

[loler55]

Basically yes, the newest Tinfoil bypass the system update message and you can install any update or dlc on a lower firmware Switch

donst work on 3.01
only old tinfoil works
with newest version i get systemupdate message
old version runs fine

 

[gabru]

Isn't possible atm to play xci files within a lower firmware? Want to play octopath on my 4.1.0 switch. Also I'm not going to update without burning efuses.

 

[loler55]

can anyone tell me why Stardew_Valley_with_update [Softco.nsp worked with the old tinfoil
that means for me i can install updated games too with the old version of tinfoil?????????????

im on 3,01 and with the new version from tinfoil i cant install base games vers 68