Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Nintendo Switch homebrew and custom firmware. This comprehensive guide addresses the most frequently asked questions about modding your Nintendo Switch.

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General Questions

What is custom firmware?

Custom firmware (CFW) refers to modified firmware that runs on your Nintendo Switch, allowing it to run unauthorized software (homebrew). Atmosphere is the most popular custom firmware for the Switch, providing a platform to run homebrew applications and games.

Can any Nintendo Switch be modded?

Not all Nintendo Switch consoles can be modded using the same methods:

  • Unpatched Switch consoles (older models, manufactured before mid-2018) can be modded easily using the fusee-gelee exploit.
  • Patched Switch consoles (newer models, OLED, Switch Lite) require different methods, typically using a modchip.

Use our patched checker to determine if your console can be modded.

Will I get banned for using custom firmware?

There is always a risk of being banned when using custom firmware, but many users avoid bans by following these precautions:

  • Use emuMMC/emuNAND to separate your CFW environment from your clean Switch OS
  • Configure DNS blocking or use Incognito to prevent your CFW from connecting to Nintendo's servers
  • Don't cheat in online games or use modified games online
  • Keep your clean environment completely separate from your CFW environment

Even with these precautions, there's always a risk. Nintendo bans consoles, not accounts, so your games and purchases will still be accessible on other devices.

What's the difference between SysNAND and emuMMC?

SysNAND is your Switch's internal storage where the operating system is installed.emuMMC (or emuNAND) is a copy of your Switch's NAND (internal storage) that runs from the SD card.

Using emuMMC allows you to keep your SysNAND clean and unmodified, which reduces the risk of being banned. You can run custom firmware on the emuMMC while keeping your original system untouched for online play.

What is Atmosphere?

Atmosphere is the most popular custom firmware (CFW) for the Nintendo Switch. It's an open-source project that provides a framework for running homebrew applications and modifying the Switch operating system. Atmosphere includes several components like Fusée (the bootloader), Exosphère (a reimplementation of Horizon OS's Secure Monitor), Stratosphère (a set of system modules), and Troposphère (a collection of application patches).

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Technical Questions

What are sigpatches and why do I need them?

Sigpatches (signature patches) are modifications that allow your Switch to run unofficial software that hasn't been signed by Nintendo. The Nintendo Switch normally verifies digital signatures to ensure only authorized software runs.

You need sigpatches if you want to run unofficial games or applications that aren't signed by Nintendo. Atmosphere CFW doesn't include sigpatches by default for legal reasons, so they must be installed separately.

Is it safe to update my Nintendo Switch firmware?

You should only update your Nintendo Switch firmware after confirming that your current custom firmware (Atmosphere) supports the new version. Currently, Atmosphere 1.8.0 supports up to Nintendo firmware 19.0.1.

Before updating, always check compatibility and back up your NAND as a precaution. It's recommended to wait until the CFW developers confirm compatibility with new firmware versions.

Check current firmware compatibility

What's the difference between Hekate and Atmosphere?

Hekate is a bootloader for the Nintendo Switch that provides a graphical interface to launch CFW, create/restore NAND backups, and manage partitions. It's often used to boot into Atmosphere.

Atmosphere is the actual custom firmware that runs on your Switch, providing the framework for homebrew applications and system modifications.

Think of Hekate as the tool that helps you boot and manage your Switch, while Atmosphere is the modified operating system that runs on it. They work together but serve different purposes.

What is AutoRCM and should I use it?

AutoRCM is a modification that forces your Switch to boot into Recovery Mode (RCM) automatically whenever it's powered on. This eliminates the need to manually enter RCM using a jig or other methods.

Pros of using AutoRCM:

  • Convenient - no need for a jig every time you want to boot into CFW
  • Reduces wear on the physical RCM pin/rail

Cons of using AutoRCM:

  • Your Switch won't boot without a payload injector available
  • Risk of battery drainage if your Switch is turned off and not plugged in for extended periods
  • Slightly increases the risk of brick if something goes wrong during updates

Whether you should use AutoRCM depends on your usage patterns. If you frequently reboot your Switch and always have a way to inject payloads, it can be convenient. If you often let your Switch battery run down completely or don't always have access to a payload injector, it might be better to avoid AutoRCM.

Common Homebrew Apps

What are the essential homebrew apps?

Here are some of the most useful homebrew applications for the Nintendo Switch:

  • Homebrew App Store - A graphical frontend for downloading and installing homebrew apps
  • Checkpoint - A save manager to backup and restore game saves
  • Tinfoil - A versatile installer for various game formats and content
  • FTPD - An FTP server for transferring files wirelessly to your Switch
  • NX-Shell - A file manager for browsing and managing files on your SD card
  • EdiZon - A save editor and game trainer for modifying game saves and memory
  • JKSV - Alternative save manager with some different features
  • NXThemesInstaller - For installing custom themes on your Switch
  • TegraExplorer - A payload that allows low-level system access and management

What are the best emulators for Switch?

The Nintendo Switch can run emulators for many retro consoles. Here are some popular ones:

  • RetroArch - A multi-system emulator that can run games from many systems
  • PPSSPP - PlayStation Portable emulator
  • Flycast - Dreamcast emulator
  • mGBA - Game Boy Advance emulator
  • melonDS - Nintendo DS emulator
  • SNES9x - Super Nintendo emulator
  • Genesis Plus GX - Sega Genesis/Mega Drive emulator
  • DeSmuME - Another Nintendo DS emulator

Performance varies depending on the emulator and the game being played. The Switch handles older systems well but may struggle with more demanding emulators.

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Common Issues

My Switch won't boot into Atmosphere

If your Switch won't boot into Atmosphere, try these common solutions:

  1. Make sure you're using the latest version of Atmosphere compatible with your firmware
  2. Check that your SD card is properly formatted (FAT32) and inserted
  3. Verify that all Atmosphere files are correctly installed on your SD card
  4. Try using a different payload injector or method
  5. Update your sigpatches if you're using them
  6. Try booting without any game cartridges inserted
  7. Remove any USB devices connected to your Switch
  8. Try holding Volume + when booting to enter the Hekate menu
View more detailed error solutions

I'm getting "Could not read the SD card" error

This error typically indicates issues with your SD card or its file system:

  1. Make sure your SD card is properly inserted
  2. Try re-formatting your SD card as FAT32 (not exFAT) with 32KB allocation size
  3. Check if your SD card is counterfeit or failing (try a different SD card)
  4. Your SD card may be too large or not compatible (try 128GB or smaller)
  5. Try cleaning the SD card contacts with a microfiber cloth
  6. If using an SD card adapter, try a different adapter
  7. As a last resort, backup all files and try a new SD card

How do I fix "Fatal error: Failed to get the latest atmosphere release info"?

This error occurs when the AIO updater or similar tool can't connect to GitHub to check for updates:

  1. Make sure your Switch has a working internet connection
  2. GitHub may be temporarily down or blocking requests from the updater
  3. Try updating manually by downloading the latest Atmosphere release from your computer
  4. If using 90DNS or Incognito, these may be blocking the connection to GitHub
  5. Wait a few hours and try again, as the issue is often temporary

My games show up but won't start, giving error

If your games are visible but won't launch, try these fixes:

  1. Make sure you have the latest sigpatches installed for your Atmosphere version
  2. Check if your firmware version is compatible with the game (some games require newer firmware)
  3. Try launching the game while holding R to run it with the homebrew menu instead of album applet
  4. Make sure your SD card has enough free space
  5. Try deleting and reinstalling the game
  6. Check if the game files are corrupt or incomplete
  7. If using emuMMC, make sure the game is installed on the same NAND you're booting

Safety & Legality

Is homebrew legal?

Creating, distributing, and using homebrew applications is generally legal in most jurisdictions. However, the legality becomes more complex in these cases:

  • Using homebrew to circumvent copy protection (may violate DMCA or similar laws)
  • Distributing copyrighted content or pirated games (illegal in most countries)
  • Using homebrew that enables cheating in online games (may violate terms of service)

The homebrew community focuses on custom applications, emulators, and tools that extend the functionality of the Switch. Using these for legitimate purposes is generally considered legal, though it likely violates Nintendo's terms of service and warranty agreements.

How can I avoid getting banned?

To minimize the risk of a ban when using custom firmware:

  1. Set up emuMMC/emuNAND and keep it separate from your SysNAND
  2. Use 90DNS, Incognito, or exosphere.ini to block Nintendo's servers on your CFW
  3. Never connect modified SysNAND to Nintendo servers
  4. Don't use cheats or mods in online games
  5. Don't share console-specific identifiers like your serial number or certificates
  6. Keep a clean SysNAND for online play and updates
  7. Use Hekate to create a NAND backup before making any significant changes
  8. Don't install unauthorized NSP files on your SysNAND

Remember that there's always some risk involved. Nintendo regularly updates their detection methods, and no method is 100% safe.

Have More Questions?

If your question isn't answered here, check our Common Errors page or visit our Tutorial for more information.

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