Hardware Switch eMMC FAQ

[Selver]

This thread is intended to provide answers to the most common questions about the Switch's eMMC module and the (built-in storage) and the break-out board it sits on.

Open Questions:

Spoiler: Is the NAND encrypted / encrypted uniquely per-console?

(To be determined) It is extremely likely to be encrypted with console-unique keys, much like the 3DS was.

Spoiler: Can you backup the built-in storage?

(To be determined) It is likely that the encrypted data can be read, thus allowing a backup image.

Spoiler: Can you restore a backup to the same console, after an update has been applied?

One of the first pressing questions, really.... I'm actively looking for an answer to this.

Spoiler: What are example compatible sockets for the breakout board?

The back of the board has a 30-pin ZIF socket... Looking for precise description so people can find replacement parts for the board (and matching socket).

Answered Questions:

Spoiler: What chip is used for the built-in storage?

There are at least two distinct eMMC NAND modules.
iFixIt teardown shows a Toshiba THGBMHG8C2LBAIL 32 GB eMMC NAND Flash IC.
GamersNexus.net teardown shows a Samsung KLMBG2JENB-B041 (closest parts found... not exact model)

Spoiler: Is it right to call the built-in storage NAND?

Technically, no;They are eMMC modules. However, it is also technically incorrect to label them simply "eMMC", without the term "chip" or "module" immediately following. This is because the term "eMMC" used alone is a protocol used to communicate with the chip, and define how the chip will respond. I've chosen to purposefully use the incorrect term NAND, as it increases familiarity for those coming from the 3DS.

Spoiler: How would I hard-mod the breakout board?

See https://twitter.com/maximus64_/status/838239246595014656 for initial pinouts.

I'll keep this post updated with answers and other questions as they arise... Feel free to recommend additional questions/answers in responses below.

 

[Selver]

Reserved.

 

[Duo8]

There is already a pin-out for the board.
However it would be nice if someone made a simple board that can house the board, making it accessible without soldering.

Also, once again, there are 2 types of chip. Something to keep in mind as they might have different usable sizes.

ALSO, these are actually called eMMC modules, so calling them eMMC would be correct.

 

[Selver]

There is already a pin-out for the board.
However it would be nice if someone made a simple board that can house the board, making it accessible without soldering.

Also, once again, there are 2 types of chip. Something to keep in mind as they might have different usable sizes.

ALSO, these are actually called eMMC modules, so calling them eMMC would be correct.

Great to hear there is already a pin-out. Do you have a link to that GbaTemp post or external article?

True, I could call them eMMC modules. That's a lot more characters than simply NAND. And just saying eMMC without the term "modules" is only as correct as calling it NAND. So, because of the familiarity of the term NAND, for now I will use that. I'll update the post with these details. Please understand I agree with you, and am simply making a (potentially temporary) choice until an informal standard arises.

 

[Kyubnyan]

I am also looking for the pin out, I can hard mod my switch that will come with 1.0 firmware on Monday.

 

[Duo8]

No it's not. Calling it eMMC is MUCH closer to being correct than calling it nand. Calling it eMMC in a context of memory modules would imply a eMMC module, while NAND would imply a NAND chip, which is very different.

https://twitter.com/maximus64_/status/838239246595014656

 

[Kyubnyan]

No it's not. Calling it eMMC is MUCH closer to being correct than calling it nand. Calling it eMMC in a context of memory modules would imply a eMMC module, while NAND would imply a NAND chip, which is very different.

https://twitter.com/maximus64_/status/838239246595014656

This is wonderful.

 

[Duo8]

This is wonderful.

A bit more difficult this time since you'll have to power it yourself.

 

[Kyubnyan]

A bit more difficult this time since you'll have to power it yourself.

Yeah, but I only need to get one extra part, so I'm ok with it.

 

[Selver]

updated with second type of eMMC NAND module, additional questions, more.

 

[Bug_Checker_]

This thread is intended to provide answers to the most common questions about the Switch's eMMC module and the (built-in storage) and the break-out board it sits on.

Open Questions:

Spoiler: Is the NAND encrypted / encrypted uniquely per-console?

(To be determined) It is extremely likely to be encrypted with console-unique keys, much like the 3DS was.

Spoiler: Can you backup the built-in storage?

(To be determined) It is likely that the encrypted data can be read, thus allowing a backup image.

Spoiler: Can you restore a backup to the same console, after an update has been applied?

One of the first pressing questions, really.... I'm actively looking for an answer to this.

Spoiler: What are example compatible sockets for the breakout board?

The back of the board has a 30-pin ZIF socket... Looking for precise description so people can find replacement parts for the board (and matching socket).

Answered Questions:

Spoiler: What chip is used for the built-in storage?

There are at least two distinct eMMC NAND modules.
iFixIt teardown shows a Toshiba THGBMHG8C2LBAIL 32 GB eMMC NAND Flash IC.
GamersNexus.net teardown shows a Samsung KLMBG2JENB-B041 (closest parts found... not exact model)

Spoiler: Is it right to call the built-in storage NAND?

Technically, no;They are eMMC modules. However, it is also technically incorrect to label them simply "eMMC", without the term "chip" or "module" immediately following. This is because the term "eMMC" used alone is a protocol used to communicate with the chip, and define how the chip will respond. I've chosen to purposefully use the incorrect term NAND, as it increases familiarity for those coming from the 3DS.

Spoiler: How would I hard-mod the breakout board?

See https://twitter.com/maximus64_/status/838239246595014656 for initial pinouts.

I'll keep this post updated with answers and other questions as they arise... Feel free to recommend additional questions/answers in responses below.

How many eMMC or NAND threads will be opened just for the switch? I'm guessing 6.
https://gbatemp.net/threads/emmc-memory-ic-is-easily-replacable.463213/page-5#post-7152476

 

[sigboe]

The board has a molex slimstack connector or Ill be damned.

http://www.molex.com/molex/products...dium=lit&utm_campaign=general&WT.mc_id=A03447

There is a ton of them, so good luck, the pitch is the distance between the pins. The mate height is the distance between the two mated boards. Good luck picking them out, when you find the correct one digikey has them, just pick the correct one (female or male)

http://www.digikey.com/products/en/...rs-arrays-edge-type-mezzanine/308?k=slimstack

 

[chartube12]

I am guessing the modular design is to make it easier down the road for Nintendo to produce units with more storage. This way they just have to order new storage chips. No wasting old mobo parts or having to use old ones up. I see 64gb and maybe 128gb switches being a possiblity quickly. I have already seen 128 micro sd cards at walmart and target priced under 50.00. Probably a year off from seeing them at 20.00

 

[leerz]

did someone already tried swapping the boards?

 

[lintz]

Any one who have tried booting the switch without the emmc connected?

And about the naming nand or emmc. This is what Toshiba wrote about their emmc.

"e ･MMC™ is a family of NAND flash memories with control functionality such as ECC, wear leveling and bad-block management.
e ･MMC™ also provides a high-speed memory card interface compliant with JEDEC/MMCA Version 5.0/5.1, eliminating the need for users to be concerned about directly controlling NAND flash memories. Thus, e ･MMC™ can easily be used as a storage device for embedded applications. "

 

[Duo8]

Any one who have tried booting the switch without the emmc connected?

And about the naming nand or emmc. This is what Toshiba wrote about their emmc.

"e ･MMC[emoji769] is a family of NAND flash memories with control functionality such as ECC, wear leveling and bad-block management.
e ･MMC[emoji769] also provides a high-speed memory card interface compliant with JEDEC/MMCA Version 5.0/5.1, eliminating the need for users to be concerned about directly controlling NAND flash memories. Thus, e ･MMC[emoji769] can easily be used as a storage device for embedded applications. "

There's a DFU mode of sort when you plug it in without the emmc.

 

[xile6]

Sounds like information from nintendo. There is nothing to say right now lol.....


I do hope that the nand is system lock tho. This system pops together so easily i can see so much being done if something break and you jsut buy the replacement part.

 

[Duo8]

Sounds like information from nintendo. There is nothing to say right now lol.....


I do hope that the nand is system lock tho. This system pops together so easily i can see so much being done if something break and you jsut buy the replacement part.

It's per-console encrypted apparently. There'salso anti downgrade (maybe, just that someone tried and it doesn't work, so at least not as straightforward as 3DS).

 

[urherenow]

It's per-console encrypted apparently. There'salso anti downgrade (maybe, just that someone tried and it doesn't work, so at least not as straightforward as 3DS).

How did someone try it? You mean they couldn't flash the old nand backup back after upgrading? Where's your source?

 

[Deleted User]

How did someone try it? You mean they couldn't flash the old nand backup back after upgrading? Where's your source?

Switch security system don't allow to run unsigned firmware or even reflash your current FW to old one. You don't need to prove that, you can just try it. You will just see Switch reverting everything and going back to it's previous state.