reposting:
SX OS:
Pros:
XCI files - can mount and play XCI files direct from USB (no need to copy to SD card)
- No need to install each game, just mount and they run - just like inserting a cartridge.
- XCI files do not install tickets so *POTENTIALLY* are not as detectable as NSP files.
USB storage - NSP files can be installed to SD card direct from USB storage, no need for PC. Useful on long journeys.
EmuEMMC / emuNAND - makes it potentially possible to dodge a banned console due to no records kept in system NAND (online play under emuNAND not recommended however).
- different official firmware versions can be installed in system and emuNAND (no fuses are burned)
Cons:
Official software support is usually a couple of weeks after the update comes out.
Costs money - about the same price as a 200GB SD card for the jig, the dongle and the SX OS licence.
- about the same price as a 128GB SD card for just the SX OS licence.
Cannot use KIPs advanced features - like custom kernel modules (Overclocking module, etc)
MUST use the jig and payload injector on every cold boot (personally, if you're powering off completely regularly then why?).
Free CFW:
Pros:
Official firmware 8.0 support usually added just a few days after it is released.
No cost - just the included cost of your SD card for it to be installed on.
Can use KIPs advanced features - like custom kernel modules (Overclocking module, etc).
Can boot into CFW from Auto RCM - please note that auto-RCM has been extensively discussed as being potentially detectable by Nintendo and thus a bannable 'offence'.
Cons:
No XCI mounting.
No USB storage.
No emuEMMC / emuNAND.
Keep in mind that BOTH options allow installing of NSP titles to SD card and systemNAND (or emuNAND if using SX OS) via USB cable and NUT or SX server.
Both systems allow use of homebrew and backing up save games to alternate computers / storage for safe keeping.
The age old question - which CFW should I use?
Look at the pros and con feature lists and see which features are must have items for you.
So *IS* SX OS worth purchasing RIGHT NOW?
Both free CFW and SX OS have 8.0 support, so decide on which features you want and whether the cost is worth it TO YOU.