What is a Master Key?

[Marcell]

I ran across NSP files which have accompanying NFO files describing the requirements. This NFO usually contains the minimum firmware version to run the game, but I also noticed that they also often mention a "Master Key version" as well, like Master Key v14.0 or Master Key v16.0. Can someone explain what this means? Let's assume I am planning to run the games on physical hardware (with Atmosphere). Is this Master key something I would also need to obtain and install, similarly to the sigpatches?

 

[masagrator]

Master key is a key used to decrypt NCAs inside NSP files, it's updated every few FW updates. It is an info that you won't be able to install some NSP unless you have FW version containing correct master key to decrypt it. All old keys are still stored in FW, so it's not like by installing new FW you won't be able to install older NSPs.

So if you are on the newest FW, you don't need to worry about anything.

 

[Bladexdsl]

it unlocks the door to the boss

 

[mathew77]

it unlocks the door to the boss

To the Master of the GYM..

 

[Marcell]

Okay, thanks for the explanation!

 

[The Real Jdbye]

Okay, thanks for the explanation!

It's also important to know for emulators. Emulators don't come with the keys, so you need a prod.keys file (dumped from a real Switch or found online) to play games, which contains the master keys (but only the keys up to the firmware which it was dumped from)