My Nintendo Switch is Not Patched
Congratulations! Here's everything you need to get started with custom firmware.
Great news!
Your unpatched Nintendo Switch can run custom firmware (CFW), homebrew apps, and much more.
What You Can Do With an Unpatched Switch
Having an unpatched Nintendo Switch opens up a world of possibilities. Here are some of the things you can do:
- Run Custom Firmware (CFW) - Atmosphere is the most popular choice
- Install Homebrew Apps - Emulators, media players, save managers, and more
- Backup Your Games - Create backups of games you own
- Customize Your Experience - Custom themes, icons, and system modifications
- Run Android or Linux - Turn your Switch into a tablet
Important Notice
Be mindful of copyright laws and intellectual property. Only use backups of games you legally own. Piracy is illegal and harms game developers.
What You'll Need to Get Started
Before you can run custom firmware, you'll need a few essential items:
RCM Jig
Essential tool to enter RCM mode. Required for injecting payloads (Referral link unavailable).
Samsung 256GB microSD
Fast, reliable storage for homebrew and game backups.
USB-C Data Cable
Quality cable for connecting to PC. Needed for payload injection.
SanDisk 512GB microSD
Maximum storage for large game libraries.
Getting Started: Quick Overview
Here's a high-level overview of the process:
- Get your tools ready - RCM jig, microSD card, USB-C cable
- Prepare your microSD card - Format to FAT32 if larger than 64GB
- Download Atmosphere CFW - The most popular custom firmware
- Enter RCM mode - Using the RCM jig
- Inject the payload - Using TegraRcmGUI (Windows) or similar
- Boot into CFW - You're now running Atmosphere!
Useful Resources & Guides
We recommend following established community guides for detailed instructions. These are regularly updated and well-maintained:
Comprehensive guide for setting up Atmosphere CFW
Another excellent community-maintained guide
Reddit community wiki with FAQs and resources
Safety Tips & Best Practices
- Always create a NAND backup before modifying your console
- Keep your Switch offline when running CFW to avoid bans
- Use an emuMMC - A virtual copy of your system to keep your original safe
- Never update when prompted in CFW - wait for CFW updates first
- Use 90DNS or Atmosphere's hosts to block Nintendo servers
Related Guides
Best microSD Cards for Switch
Compare the top microSD cards for homebrew
How Does This Site Work?
Learn how we determine patch status
Disclaimer
Please note that it's important to fully understand what you're doing to your console before following these guides. Modifying your console may void your warranty and carries some risk. Proceed at your own discretion.
Good luck and happy gaming! 🎮
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