emuMMC Setup Guide

emuMMC creates a complete copy of your Switch's internal storage on your SD card, allowing you to run custom firmware without modifying your original system. This significantly reduces the risk of getting banned by Nintendo.

Requirements:

  • A Nintendo Switch with Atmosphere already installed
  • A large microSD card (128GB+ recommended)
  • At least 32GB of free space on your SD card
  • Patience - this process may take 30-60 minutes

Step 1: Backup Your Current SD Card

Before proceeding, it's crucial to make a complete backup of your SD card contents. emuMMC setup will make significant changes to your SD card partition structure.

  1. Connect your SD card to your computer
  2. Copy all files and folders to a safe location on your computer
  3. Verify your backup is complete before proceeding

Step 2: Boot into Hekate

To create an emuMMC, you'll need to use the Hekate bootloader:

  1. Enter RCM mode on your Switch
  2. Inject the Hekate payload
  3. Your Switch should boot into the Hekate menu

Step 3: Create emuMMC Partition

Now you'll create the emuMMC partition on your SD card:

  1. From the Hekate main menu, tap "emuMMC"

  2. Tap "Create emuMMC"

    You'll see options for SD Partition or SD File. SD Partition is recommended for better performance.

  3. Select "SD Partition"

  4. Tap "Continue" and then "Part 1"

    Hekate will now create a 32GB partition at the end of your SD card.

  5. Wait for the process to complete

    This may take 10-20 minutes depending on your SD card speed.

Alternative: File-based emuMMC

If you prefer a file-based emuMMC (which doesn't require partitioning), select "SD File" instead. This is slightly slower but more flexible if you need to move files around later.

Step 4: Dump Your Switch NAND

Next, you need to copy your Switch's internal storage to the emuMMC partition:

  1. After creating the partition, tap "Dump NAND"

  2. Select "eMMC BOOT0 & BOOT1 & RAW GPP"

    This will dump all necessary parts of your Switch's internal storage.

  3. Wait for the dumping process to complete

    This will take 30-45 minutes. Do not interrupt this process!

  4. When complete, tap "Close"

Step 5: Configure emuMMC

Now you need to set up emuMMC in Hekate:

  1. Go back to the emuMMC menu and tap "Change emuMMC"

  2. Select "SD RAW 1"

    Or select "SD File" if you created a file-based emuMMC.

  3. Tap "Close"

  4. Go back to the Hekate main menu

Step 6: Configure Atmosphere for emuMMC

To ensure Atmosphere uses your new emuMMC:

  1. Create or edit the file "exosphere.ini" in the root of your SD card

    [exosphere]
debugmode=1
debugmode_user=0
disable_user_exception_handlers=0
enable_user_pmu_access=0
blank_prodinfo_sysmmc=0
blank_prodinfo_emummc=1
allow_writing_to_cal_sysmmc=0
log_port=0
log_baud_rate=115200
log_inverted=0

  2. Create or edit the "emummc.txt" file in the /atmosphere/hosts/ folder

    # Block Nintendo Servers
127.0.0.1 *nintendo.*
127.0.0.1 *nintendo-europe.com
127.0.0.1 *nintendoswitch.*
95.216.149.205 *conntest.nintendowifi.net
95.216.149.205 *ctest.cdn.nintendo.net

    This DNS blocking configuration prevents your emuMMC from connecting to Nintendo's servers.

Step 7: Launch Atmosphere with emuMMC

You're now ready to boot into Atmosphere using your new emuMMC:

  1. From the Hekate main menu, tap "Launch"
  2. Select "Atmosphere (emuMMC)"
  3. Your Switch will boot into Atmosphere using the emuMMC

Success!

Your Switch is now running Atmosphere on emuMMC. You can verify this by checking System Settings → System. If you see "E" next to your firmware version (e.g., "15.0.0|E"), you're successfully running in emuMMC mode.

Important Safety Tips

  • Never connect emuMMC to the internet without proper DNS protection

    The hosts file you set up earlier should block Nintendo connections, but it's best to use Airplane Mode when in emuMMC to be safe.

  • Keep your original system firmware (sysmmc) clean

    Only use your original system for legitimate gameplay and online features.

  • Regularly backup your emuMMC and important saves
  • Always use Hekate to switch between sysmmc and emuMMC
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