Interactive Homebrew Guide

Follow this step-by-step guide to install Homebrew and Atmosphere on your Nintendo Switch. Make sure to read each step carefully before proceeding.

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Step 1: Check Switch Vulnerability

Verify if your Nintendo Switch model is vulnerable to the exploit.

Tips:

  • Look at the bottom of your Switch for the serial number
  • XAW10000000000 to XAW10074999999 are vulnerable
  • XAW10075000000 to XAW10120000000 are potentially vulnerable
  • XAW10120000001 and up are not vulnerable through RCM

Step 1: Check if Your Switch is Vulnerable

Not all Nintendo Switch consoles can run custom firmware. The vulnerability used to enable Homebrew on Nintendo Switch is only present in Switch consoles sold before July 2018.

How to check your Switch serial number:

  1. Turn your Switch over and look at the bottom of the console
  2. Find the serial number (it starts with XAW, XAJ, or XKW)
  3. Use the chart below to determine if your Switch is vulnerable
Serial Number PrefixStatus
XAW10000000000 to XAW10074999999Vulnerable (100%)
XAW10075000000 to XAW10120000000Potentially Vulnerable
XAW10120000001 and upNot Vulnerable

If your Switch is not vulnerable through the RCM exploit, you may need to use a modchip solution, which is not covered in this guide.

Step 2: What You'll Need

Required Hardware

  • Nintendo Switch (vulnerable model)
  • microSD card (at least 16GB, recommended 64GB+)
  • USB-C cable
  • RCM jig or alternative method to enter RCM mode
  • Computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux)

Required Software

  • Latest Atmosphere CFW package
  • hekate bootloader
  • Homebrew App Store
  • Tegra RCM GUI (Windows) or alternative for your OS
  • Switch payload injector
Download Required Files

Step 3: Prepare Your SD Card

  1. Format your microSD card to FAT32

    Even if your card is 64GB+ (which normally formats to exFAT), you must use FAT32 for best compatibility.

  2. Download the Atmosphere package

    Get the latest version from the Downloads page.

  3. Extract the Atmosphere files to the root of your SD card

    Make sure to properly merge the folders if prompted.

  4. Download and add hekate to your SD card

    This bootloader will help you launch Atmosphere.

  5. Create a basic hekate configuration file

    Save a file called "hekate_ipl.ini" in the /bootloader/ folder.

[config]
autoboot=0
autoboot_list=0
bootwait=3
backlight=100
autohosoff=0
autonogc=1

[Atmosphere]
payload=bootloader/payloads/fusee.bin
icon=bootloader/res/icon_atmosphere.bmp
{}

[Stock]
fss0=atmosphere/package3
icon=bootloader/res/icon_switch.bmp
{}

Step 4: Enter RCM Mode and Inject Payload

Now you'll need to enter Recovery Mode (RCM) on your Switch and inject the payload to boot into Atmosphere.

To enter RCM mode:

  1. Power off your Nintendo Switch completely
  2. Insert your RCM jig into the right Joy-Con rail
  3. Hold the Volume + button and press the Power button
  4. The screen will remain black if done correctly

To inject the payload:

  1. Connect your Switch to your computer via USB-C cable
  2. Open Tegra RCM GUI or your payload injector software
  3. Select the hekate_ctcaer.bin payload file
  4. Click "Inject Payload"
  5. Your Switch should boot into the hekate menu

Step 5: Launch Atmosphere

From the hekate menu, select "Launch" and then choose "Atmosphere" to boot into the custom firmware.

Congratulations! Your Nintendo Switch is now running Atmosphere custom firmware with Homebrew support.

Next steps:

  • Install the Homebrew App Store from the album app
  • Explore available homebrew applications
  • Set up emuMMC for safer homebrew usage (advanced)
  • Configure your system for increased safety

Advanced Setup: emuMMC (Optional but Recommended)

For increased safety and to minimize the risk of a Nintendo ban, we recommend setting up emuMMC, which creates a separate Switch environment for homebrew.

emuMMC Setup Guide
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