How to Hack Your Nintendo Switch and Install Games

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Simple guide to installing custom firmware on Nintendo Switch

Written by Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: March 3, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Before You Begin
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• Adding a Modchip
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• Entering Recovery Mode
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• Sending the Payload to the Switch
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• Setting Up Custom Firmware
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• Downloading Games
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• Video
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• Tips

|Show more |Show less

Hacking your Nintendo Switch is the process of using an exploit to install custom firmware on your Switch. This allows you to install unofficial apps and games, use ROM hacks, backup, edit, and restore saves for different games, and play older games from other consoles using emulators, and more. However, there are risks involved in hacking your Nintendo Switch. This wikiHow article teaches you how to hack a Nintendo Switch.

What to Know Before Hacking Your Switch

• If your Nintendo Switch has been patched (true of most Switches released in 2018 or later), you’ll need to install a modchip to hack it.
• When modifying your Nintendo Switch, there is a possibility that you could brick your system and render it unusable. Proceed at your own risk.
• Going online with a hacked Nintendo Switch may result in your Nintendo account getting banned. Be careful how you use a hacked Nintendo Switch.

Steps

Part 1

Part 1 of 6:

Before You Begin

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1. 
   1
   Understand the risks. Before you begin, there are a few risks associated with hacking your Nintendo Switch that you need to be aware of. You assume the risks by following this guide. The risks are as follows:

   • You could brick your Nintendo Switch. This is rare, but by modifying your system, there is a possibility that you could permanently damage your system and render it unable to boot up or play games. To prevent this, read this guide in its entirety before you begin and follow the instructions exactly.
   • Going online with a hacked Nintendo Switch could get your Nintendo account banned. Be careful when going online with a hacked Switch.
2. 
   2
   Check if your Nintendo Switch can be hacked. Not all Nintendo Switches can be easily hacked. Newer models, as well as Nintendo Switch Lite and OLED models, have been patched to prevent hacking. If you have one of these models, the only way to hack it is to disassemble it and install a modchip. While you can install a modchip yourself, we recommend that you hire a pro to do it for you unless you’re very tech-savvy. Use the following steps to check and see if your Switch can be hacked:

   • Check the serial number on the bottom of your Switch.
     • You can also find your Switch’s serial number by going to System Settings > System > Serial Information from the HOME menu. Use this method if the sticker has been removed or damaged.
   • Go to in a web browser.
   • Use the drop-down menu to select the serial number prefix (If you don't see your prefix, it's probably a newer model that has been patched).
   • Enter your Switch's serial number in the bar.
   • Check the results. If your Switch has not been patched, you can continue. If it has been patched, you cannot continue without installing a modchip.
     • Some serial numbers are unknown if they've been patched or not. If you have one of these serial numbers, you won't know if your Switch has been patched or not until you try to enter recovery mode.
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3. 
   3
   Get what you need. You will need the following items to hack your Switch:

   • A microSD Card that has at least 128 GB of storage space.
   • A Windows computer with an SD or microSD card reader.
     • Alternatively, you may be able to do this on an Android device with a microSD card reader.
   • A microSD card adapter.
   • A USB-C charging and data transfer cable you can use to connect your Nintendo Switch to your PC.
   • Am RCM Jig (used to enter Recovery mode). You can order one from Amazon for under $10.
4. 
   4
   Change your DNS settings. Normally, when you connect to Wi-Fi, the DNS settings are set automatically. Changing your DNS settings will prevent your switch from sending information to Nintendo that may get your account banned. It will also block system updates and game updates, as well as prevent you from accessing the eShop. Use the following steps to change your DNS settings:

   • Open the Settings menu.
   • Select Internet.
   • Select Internet Settings.
   • Select your internet connection.
   • Select Change Settings
   • Select DNS Settings.
   • Select Manual.
   • Set the Primary DNS to 207.246.121.077 if you live in North America. For the rest of the world, set it to 163.172.141.219.
   • Set the Secondary DNS to 163.172.141.219 if you live in North America. For the rest of the work, set it to 207.246.121.077
   • Select Save.
   • Alternatively, you can configure your hacked Switch to automatically redirect any requests sent to Nintendo by installing a specific text file. See this guide from the Nintendo Homebrew Switch Guide for detailed instructions.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 6:

Adding a Modchip (Patched Switches Only)

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1. 
   1
   Purchase an RP2040 Picofly Switch modchip. This is the most popular and reliable chip for modding the Switch. You can buy these on AliExpress or from second-hand vendors like eBay and Etsy.
2. 
   2
   Take your Switch to a micro-soldering pro. If you don’t have good micro-soldering skills, we don’t recommend that you attempt this yourself. Your best bet is to take your Switch to a game console repair shop and ask them to add the chip for you. Do a search for businesses in your area using terms like “game console modding near me” or “game console repair in my area.”

   • You can also utilize mail-in console modding services, which you might be able to find through a console modding Discord or even on websites like Etsy.
   • Check out r/consolemodding on Reddit to get recommendations (or advice, if you feel brave enough to attempt the mod yourself).
   • If you want to add your own modchip, you can find detailed instructions on this page. Just be aware that you could do irreparable damage to your Switch if something goes wrong!
3. 
   3
   Prepare an SD card for your modchipped Switch. Modchipped Switches might not require you to enter recovery mode to add custom firmware (CFW). In many cases, you can simply install a payload directly onto a microSD card and boot directly from the microSD into your CFW. Here’s how to set up your SD card:

   • Download the latest version of hekate here. Open the extracted hekate folder on your computer. Copy the bootloader folder and the hekate_ctcaer_(version).bin file to the root of your microSD card.
   • On your SD card, rename hekate_ctcaer_(version).bin to payload.bin.
   • In some cases, you can bypass the custom firmware loader that is flashed to your modchip by holding down one or both of the volume buttons during boot-up. This will allow you to boot up your Switch with its stock firmware.
   • After your switch is modchipped, it might not be able to start up at all without a microSD card inserted.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 6:

Putting Your Switch in Recovery Mode (Unpatched Only)

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1. 
   1
   Power off your Switch. If your Switch is unpatched, you can put it in recovery mode (RCM) using a special tool called an RCM jig. To get started, turn your Switch off.

   • Skip these steps if you’re using a Switch with a modchip!
2. 
   2
   Insert the RCM jig. To do so, make sure both Joy-Cons are detached from the Nintendo Switch, insert the RCM jig into the right Joy-Con rail, and slide it down to the bottom of the rail.

   • There are methods for crafting your own RCM Jig out of a paperclip. Keep in mind that there is a risk of damaging the Joy-Con controller pins using these methods.
3. 
   3
   Press and hold the Power and Volume Up buttons at the same time. Both buttons are on the top of your Nintendo Switch. This will boot your Nintendo Switch into Recovery Mode (RCM), but the screen will remain off. You can now remove the RCM jig.
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Part 4

Part 4 of 6:

Sending the Payload to the Switch

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1. 
   1
   Boot up from your microSD card if you’re using a modchipped Switch. If your Switch has a modchip, you can skip most of the following steps. Simply insert a microSD card prepared using the instructions for a modded switch in the Adding a Modchip section, then turn on your Switch. It should boot up in the hekate GUI, and from there you can select your desired custom firmware environment.

   • For unpatched Switch models, keep reading.
2. 
   2
   Download TegraRcmGUI. If your Switch does not have a modchip, you’ll need to inject a payload while it’s in recovery mode. Use the following steps to do so:

   • Go to github.com/eliboa/TegraRcmGUI/releases/tag/2.6 in a web browser.
   • Scroll down and click TegraRcmGUI_v2.6_Installer.msi below "Assets". Alternatively, you can click the ZIP file to download it inside a ZIP file.
   • If you’re on a Mac, download CrystalRCM at github.com/prayerie/CrystalRCM/releases instead.
3. 
   3
   Install TegraRcmGUI on your computer. If you downloaded the ".msi" file, click the file in your Downloads folder and follow the instructions to complete the installation. If you downloaded the ZIP file, extract the contents of the ZIP file.

   • On Mac, launch the CrystalRCM dmg file instead. Open the mounted disk image, then copy CrystalRCM.app to your preferred location on your computer.
4. 
   4
   Launch TegraRcmGUI. It has a black icon that resembles the Nintendo Switch logo. If you used the MSI file to install it, it will be in the folder you installed it in. If you downloaded the zip file, it will be the executable file in the "TegraRcmGUI_v2.6_portable" folder inside the extracted folder. Click the TegraRcmGUI.exe file to launch

   • On Mac, open CrystalRCM instead. You may need to override your Mac’s security settings to open this unsigned app.
5. 
   5
   Install the APX driver. When you open TegraRcmGUI, you should be prompted to install the APX driver. Click Yes to install the driver. If you are not prompted, click the Settings tab and then click Install Driver.

   • Skip this step if you’re using CrystalRCM on a Mac. Instead, click Select payload and select the hekate_ctcaer_(version).bin file.
6. 
   6
   Connect your Nintendo Switch to your PC or Mac. If your Switch is unpatched/does not have a modchip, make sure it’s powered off and in recovery mode first. Then connect it to your computer using a USB-C-to-C or USB-C-to-A charging cable.

   • If you successfully put your Switch in recovery mode, it should say "RCM Ok" in the lower-left corner of the TegraRcmGUI menu.
7. 
   7
   Navigate to the Payload tab in TegraRcmGUI. You should see an indication that your Switch has been detected and is in recovery mode in the lower left corner of the screen.

   • If you’re on a Mac, click Push! in the CrystalRCM app after plugging in your Switch to inject the payload. You should now be good to go!
8. 
   8
   Select and inject the hekate payload. Click the File button next to Inject payload, then select the hekate_ctcaer_(version).bin file you downloaded earlier. Don’t use the hekate version that comes with TegraRcmGUI, since it’s outdated! Click Inject payload.

   • If you see text on your Switch that says “Update bootloader folder!”, this is normal and means that the payload was delivered successfully.
   • Your Switch should now boot into hekate! You’ll see the hekate interface on your screen. You can now safely disconnect your Switch from your computer and remove the RCM jig.
     • If your Switch is unpatched, you’ll need to follow these steps every time you want to boot into Hekate.
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Part 5

Part 5 of 6:

Setting Up Your Custom Firmware

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1. 
   1
   Partition your microSD card in hekate. There are a few different ways to set up your CFW (custom firmware) environment, but we’re going to teach you how to create an emuMMC, which is the safest option. Check out this guide for other options. For this method, you will need a microSD Card that has at least 128 GB of storage. If you’re using a card that you’ve already used with your Switch, back it up before you continue (since this method will delete everything on it!). Make sure to save the “Nintendo” and “Games” folders. If you’re using a new microSD card, make sure it is formatted in FAT32 format. If your Nintendo Switch has been updated, you can format it in ExFAT format. Once you’ve done so:

   • Insert the microSD card into your Switch while it’s booted up into hekate.
   • In the hekate menu on your Switch, go to Tools > Partition SD Card.
   • Set the slider next to emuMMC (RAW) to 29 FULL (or 58 FULL if you have an OLED Switch).
   • Select Next Step > Start.
   • From the Home menu, go to emuMMC > Create emuMMC > SD Partition > Part 1.
   • Select Close. Go to Change emuMMC > SD RAW 1 and select Close twice.
   • Go to Tools > USB Tools > SD Card. Plug your Switch into your computer (if it’s not already plugged in). You should now be able to access the microSD card from your computer.
     • Make sure you’re using a USB cable that’s capable of transferring data.
2. 
   2
   Download the files you need onto your computer. You must install several files on your microSD card. Some of these are essential, while others are optional but useful. You’ll need:

   • The latest release of hekate. You can find it at github.com/CTCaer/Hekate/releases/. This is the bootloader you’ll need to install custom firmware on your Switch. Download the file that has a name like hekate_ctcaer_(version).zip (replace “(version)” with the latest version number).
   • The hekate config file. To get it, right-click this link (or Ctrl-click, if you’re on a Mac with no right mouse button) and select Save Link As. Choose Text File or .ini File from the format menu.
   • The DNS.MITM DNS redirection config file. You don’t need this one if you’ve chosen a different method for changing your DNS server, but it will allow you to automatically redirect DNS traffic from your Switch. This can help you avoid getting into trouble with Nintendo. Right-click this link (or Ctrl-click, on Mac) and save the link as a text file.
   • The bootlogo zip folder. Click this link to download the folder now. This allows you to change your Switch’s startup logo.
   • The latest version of Atmosphère. This is the actual custom firmware for your Switch, which will give you access to all kinds of features that are unavailable from the stock firmware. Download it here. The file name should look like atmosphere-(version)-master-(version)+hbl-(version)+hbmenu-(version).zip (with “(version)” replaced with the latest version numbers).
   • The latest release of JKSV. This is a game save backup utility. It’s available here. Download the file with the .nro suffix.
   • The latest release of ftpd. This is a file transfer utility that allows you to transfer files wirelessly to and from your microSD card. Download the file called ftpd.nro at this link.
   • The NXThemesInstaller. As the name suggests, this app lets you install custom themes. Download NXThemesInstaller.nro here.
   • The NX Shell. This is your Switch’s new custom file manager. Download the latest version of NX-Shell.nro here.
   • Goldleaf. This tool has multiple purposes. It helps you browse, manage, and edit games and other content on your hacked Switch. Download Goldleaf.nro from this page.
3. 
   3
   Copy the appropriate files and folders to the root of your microSD card. The “root” is just the main directory on your microSD card. Copy the following files to the card. In some cases, you’ll need to place the files in a particular folder on the microSD card, so read the instructions for each file carefully:

   • The contents of the Atmosphère .zip file you downloaded. You’ll need to extract the compressed folder and copy the contents (not the entire folder) to the SD card.
   • The bootloader folder from the hekate .zip file. Extract the contents of the .zip file, then copy over the entire bootloader folder.
   • The bootloader folder from the bootlogo zip file. If you’re prompted to merge this folder with the other bootloader folder, allow the merge.
   • Copy hekate_ipl.ini into the bootloader folder on your microSD card. You may be prompted to replace a file of the same name; if so, allow the replacement.
   • Open the atmosphere folder on your microSD card and create a new folder inside called hosts. Place emummc.txt inside the hosts folder.
   • Copy JKSV.nro, ftpd.nro, NxThemesInstaller.nro, NX-Shell.nro, and Goldleaf.nro into the switch folder on the microSD card.
   • If you are using a microSD card that you’ve used before with your Switch, copy your backed up Nintendo folder to both sd:/emuMMC/RAW1 and the Nintendo folder on the root of your SD card. Copy your backed-up Games folder onto the root of your SD card as well.
4. 
   4
   Back up your Switch. This will help you restore your Switch in case something goes wrong. This process will create a backup on your microSD card, which you should then copy and save somewhere safe (like on your computer and/or another external drive of some sort). While you’re still booted up in Hekate, navigate to Tools > Backup eMMC on your Switch. Then:

   • Select eMMC BOOT0 & BOOT1. Wait for the backup to finish. This may take up to 1 minute.
   • Select Close > eMMC RAW GPP. It may take up to an hour for this backup to complete.
   • Select Close > Home.
   • Go to Tools > USB tools > SD card. If your Switch isn’t already plugged into your computer, plug it in now.
   • Navigate to the SD card on your computer. Copy the backup folder to your computer. You can now safely delete this folder from your microSD card. Eject the microSD card from your computer and go back to Home on your Switch in the Hekate menu.
5. 
   5
   Boot into the emuMMC on your Switch. Now it’s time to launch your custom firmware! With your switch booted into Hekate, navigate to the Home menu and select Launch. Navigate to Atmosphere PKG3 emuMMC and open it.

   • To make sure you launched successfully, navigate to System Settings > System and make sure you see “AMS” next to the version number under System Update. You should also see “E” at the end of the number.
6. 
   6
   Open the Homebrew menu. You can do so by opening the Album or by holding down R while launching any game or app!
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Part 6

Part 6 of 6:

Downloading Games from HBG Shop

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1. 
   1
   Select Album from the Switch home menu. Once your Switch boots into Atmosphere CFW, select Album to access the Homebrew menu.
2. 
   2
   Select Tinfoil Installer. This will install the Tinfoil application to your Home menu.
3. 
   3
   Open Tinfoil. You can select Tinfoil on your Switch home menu to open it.
4. 
   4
   Select New Game. It's in the menu bar to the left. This displays a variety of Nintendo Switch games you can download.
5. 
   5
   Select a game you want to install. Scroll through the list of games. Once you find a game you want to install, highlight it and press "A" to select it.
6. 
   6
   Select where you want to install the game. Use the drop-down menu next to "Location" to select "SD card" or "Internal Storage."
7. 
   7
   Select Install. This installs the game. You can open installed Games on your Nintendo Switch home menu.
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Tips

• For more detailed instructions and alternative options, check out the Nintendo Homebrew Switch Guide.
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• For more tutorials on how to use a hacked Nintendo Switch, check out www.cfwaifu.com/switch/. Learn how to download Homebrew software, remove identification information to prevent Nintendo from banning your account, and more.
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• The Nintendo Homebrew Discord Community is a great resource for troubleshooting and learning how to use your hacked Nintendo Switch.
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