Common Switch Homebrew Errors

Find solutions for common errors encountered when using Atmosphere, Hekate, and other homebrew tools. This guide contains detailed troubleshooting steps for the most frequently encountered issues.

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Common Atmosphere Errors

Error 2001-0123

Description:

This error occurs when attempting to launch a game or application that requires a firmware version higher than what is currently installed on your Switch.

Solution:

  1. Check the required firmware version for the game you're trying to run (often printed on the game case or listed in online databases)
  2. Update your Switch firmware to the required version
  3. Ensure that your Atmosphere version is compatible with the firmware version you're updating to
  4. If you don't want to update, you can try using compatibility packs for some games (this doesn't always work)

Fatal Error: Failed to open the file system

Description:

This error typically occurs when Atmosphere tries to open files that either don't exist or are corrupted, usually during boot.

Solution:

  1. Ensure you have a complete and proper installation of Atmosphere (download the latest release from GitHub)
  2. Make sure your SD card is properly formatted as FAT32 (not exFAT)
  3. Check that required files and folders like /atmosphere/, /bootloader/, etc. are in the root of your SD card
  4. Verify that your SD card isn't corrupted by running a disk check (chkdsk on Windows)
  5. Try using a different SD card to rule out hardware issues
  6. If you recently updated Atmosphere or your Switch firmware, make sure they're compatible

Note: This error can have multiple causes, so you may need to try several solutions.

Error: Failed to stat: /atmosphere/package3

Description:

This error appears when Atmosphere cannot locate the package3 file needed for booting, often after an update.

Solution:

  1. Make sure you're using the latest version of Atmosphere that's compatible with your Switch firmware
  2. Re-download and install the complete Atmosphere package
  3. Verify that all files were properly extracted to your SD card
  4. If using a modified setup, make sure you have all required components
  5. For advanced users: verify that your fss0 folders contain the right files for your firmware version

Error: pkg1_unpack: Package1 header is invalid!

Description:

This error typically occurs when the bootloader is unable to properly unpack the Switch's package1 secure monitor and kernel.

Solution:

  1. Ensure you have the correct version of Atmosphere for your firmware version
  2. Re-download and reinstall Atmosphere completely
  3. If you recently updated your Switch, you may need to wait for Atmosphere to support the new firmware
  4. Try using Hekate instead of direct Fusee boot (or vice versa) to see if the issue persists
  5. Make sure you're using the correct payload for your setup

Failed to open HBL config!

Description:

This error occurs when Atmosphere cannot find or access the homebrew loader configuration file.

Solution:

  1. Make sure your Atmosphere installation is complete and not missing files
  2. Verify that the folder structure is correct with necessary files in the right locations
  3. Check if your SD card has become corrupted or has bad sectors
  4. Try creating or restoring the hbl_config.ini file in the /atmosphere/ folder
  5. If you've modified hbl_config.ini, restore the default version

The default hbl_config.ini usually contains basic configuration for launching the homebrew menu.

Error when launching game: "This software was closed because an error occurred"

Description:

This generic error appears when a game crashes or fails to launch properly on a modded Switch.

Solution:

  1. Make sure you have the latest sigpatches installed for your Atmosphere version
  2. Verify that your game files aren't corrupted (try reinstalling)
  3. Check if the game requires a firmware version higher than what you have installed
  4. Try launching the game while holding R to force it to run under the homebrew menu
  5. If you're using game mods, try disabling them temporarily
  6. Make sure your SD card has enough free space
  7. If using layeredFS game mods, check their compatibility with your game version

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Common Hekate Errors

No main boot entries found

Description:

This error occurs when Hekate can't find any boot entries in its configuration file, typically after a new installation or update.

Solution:

  1. Make sure you have a proper bootloader/hekate_ipl.ini file on your SD card
  2. Check if hekate_ipl.ini contains valid boot entries in the correct format
  3. Try creating a basic configuration file if yours is missing or corrupted
  4. Verify that all paths referenced in your boot entries actually exist on the SD card
  5. Re-download and reinstall Hekate with its default configuration

A basic hekate_ipl.ini should have at least one [config] section and a boot entry like [Atmosphere].

Failed to mount SD Card

Description:

Hekate cannot access or mount the SD card, which is essential for loading custom firmware.

Solution:

  1. Make sure your SD card is properly inserted into the Switch
  2. Format your SD card as FAT32 (not exFAT) with 32KB allocation size
  3. Check if your SD card is corrupted or has bad sectors (run a disk check on your computer)
  4. Try using a different SD card to rule out hardware issues
  5. Clean the SD card contacts with a microfiber cloth
  6. Some SD cards over 128GB may have compatibility issues - try a smaller card

Failed to launch HOS!

Description:

Hekate failed to launch the Horizon OS (Nintendo Switch operating system), which could be due to various configuration issues.

Solution:

  1. Make sure your Atmosphere files and folders are properly installed on your SD card
  2. Check that you have the correct version of Atmosphere for your Switch firmware
  3. Verify that paths in your hekate_ipl.ini file are correct
  4. Ensure all required files for booting (like fusee.bin) are present
  5. If using emuMMC, check that it was properly created and is not corrupted
  6. Try a different boot configuration (such as EMUMMC or SYSMMC)

BOOT0 error! / BOOT1 error!

Description:

These errors indicate that Hekate cannot properly read the BOOT0 or BOOT1 partitions of the Switch's internal memory.

Solution:

  1. This can be caused by hardware issues with the eMMC chip or improper RCM entry
  2. Try re-entering RCM and injecting the payload again
  3. If you've modified these partitions, try restoring a NAND backup
  4. If using a modchip, check its installation and connections
  5. In some rare cases, this might indicate physical damage to your Switch's memory

This is a potentially serious error. If the solutions above don't work, seek help from experienced modders.

Sept failed to run

Description:

This error occurs when Hekate fails to run the sept component, which is needed for certain boot operations.

Solution:

  1. Make sure your Hekate and Atmosphere installations are complete
  2. Verify that the sept folder and its contents exist on your SD card
  3. Re-download and reinstall Hekate and Atmosphere completely
  4. Check if you have the correct versions compatible with each other
  5. Try a different boot method (like directly booting with fusee.bin instead of Hekate)

General Troubleshooting

Nintendo Switch won't enter RCM mode

Description:

Your Switch isn't entering Recovery Mode (RCM) when you attempt to boot it with a jig or other method.

Solution:

  1. Make sure you're using a proper RCM jig that bridges the correct pins
  2. Verify that you're pressing and holding the Volume Up button while pressing Power
  3. Check if your Switch is an unpatched model that supports RCM exploit
  4. Try different methods of entering RCM (like the paperclip method or using aluminum foil)
  5. Ensure your jig is properly inserted all the way into the right Joy-Con rail
  6. If your battery is completely drained, charge it before attempting RCM
  7. Try holding the Power button for 15 seconds to force a shutdown before attempting RCM again

Not all Switch consoles can enter RCM. Use our patched checker to determine if your console supports the exploit.

Switch freezes on Nintendo logo

Description:

Your Nintendo Switch boots but gets stuck at the Nintendo logo screen.

Solution:

  1. Remove the SD card and try booting the Switch normally (if it works, the issue is with your CFW setup)
  2. If using AutoRCM, make sure you're properly injecting a payload
  3. Check if your Atmosphere/Hekate version is compatible with your Switch firmware
  4. Try reinstalling your custom firmware completely
  5. If the issue persists even without an SD card, try booting into recovery mode (power off, then hold Volume Up + Volume Down + Power)
  6. As a last resort, you may need to restore a NAND backup or perform a factory reset

SD card not detected in Atmosphere

Description:

Atmosphere boots but can't detect or access the SD card properly.

Solution:

  1. Make sure your SD card is properly formatted as FAT32 (not exFAT)
  2. Check if your SD card has become corrupted (try running a disk check)
  3. Try a different SD card to rule out hardware issues
  4. Clean the SD card contacts with a microfiber cloth
  5. Avoid using SD cards larger than 128GB as they can sometimes cause compatibility issues
  6. If you just updated Atmosphere, make sure the new version doesn't have known SD card issues

emuMMC stops working after update

Description:

After updating Atmosphere or Horizon OS, your emuMMC stops working or boots to an error.

Solution:

  1. Make sure your Atmosphere version supports the emuMMC firmware version you're trying to use
  2. Check that all required files for emuMMC are present and not corrupted
  3. Verify that the emuMMC settings in Hekate and emummc.ini are correct
  4. If you updated the firmware, make sure it was done properly for emuMMC (not SysNAND)
  5. Try booting without any game cartridges inserted
  6. As a last resort, you might need to recreate your emuMMC from a backup

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Need More Help?

If you're experiencing an error not listed here or the solutions aren't working, check these resources:

  • Make sure you're using the latest versions of Atmosphere, Hekate, and Horizon OS
  • Review our FAQ for common questions and solutions
  • Make a complete backup of your SD card before trying more advanced solutions
  • For serious issues, consider creating a fresh installation with the latest files
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