Ithy - Mastering Game Updates on Your Jailbroken Nintendo Switch

Key Insights on Updating Games with CFW

Multiple Update Methods: Games on a jailbroken Switch running Custom Firmware (CFW) can be updated through various means, including downloading update files (.xci or .nsp format), using homebrew applications like Tinfoil or AIO Switch Updater, or even via local wireless transfer from another Switch.
Avoiding Nintendo Servers: To minimize the risk of a console ban, it is generally recommended to avoid connecting your jailbroken Switch directly to Nintendo's official servers for game or system updates.
Importance of Sigpatches and Firmware: For updated games to function correctly on CFW, ensuring your Atmosphere and corresponding "sigpatches" are up-to-date is crucial. Compatibility with the current firmware is also a key factor.

Jailbreaking a Nintendo Switch opens up a world of possibilities, allowing users to install custom firmware (CFW) and run homebrew applications. One common question that arises after modifying your console is how to keep your games updated. Unlike a standard Switch, which relies on Nintendo's official online services for updates, a jailbroken Switch requires alternative methods to ensure your games are running the latest versions. This guide delves into the various ways you can update games on your CFW-enabled Nintendo Switch, highlighting best practices and essential tools.

Understanding Custom Firmware and Updates

Custom Firmware (CFW) replaces the standard Nintendo Switch operating system, allowing for greater control and the execution of unsigned code. When you jailbreak your Switch, you are essentially enabling the console to run this modified software. However, this deviation from the official system means that standard update procedures may not apply or are best avoided to prevent potential issues, including console bans.

Game updates, much like the games themselves, are distributed in specific file formats on the Switch, primarily .NSP (Nintendo Submission Package) or .XCI (NX Card Image). On a stock Switch, these updates are downloaded directly from the Nintendo eShop or through the system's online update feature. With CFW, you'll need to acquire these update files through other means and install them using homebrew software.

Keeping your CFW and related components, such as Atmosphere and Hekate, updated is also vital. New game updates or newer firmware versions released by Nintendo often require corresponding updates to the CFW and its associated patches (sigpatches) to maintain compatibility and functionality. Failing to update these components can lead to games not launching or encountering errors.

Methods for Updating Games on CFW

There are several reliable methods for updating games on a jailbroken Nintendo Switch. Each method has its own process and may be preferred depending on your setup and resources.

Using Homebrew Applications

Homebrew applications are user-developed software that runs on CFW. Several applications are specifically designed to manage game installations and updates on a hacked Switch.

Tinfoil

Tinfoil is a popular homebrew title manager that can connect to various online sources (often referred to as "shops") to download and install games, updates, and DLC directly onto your Switch. If you have access to a Tinfoil shop that provides updates, this is often one of the most convenient methods.

A large collection of Nintendo Switch games.

To update games using Tinfoil:

Ensure your Switch is running CFW and Tinfoil is installed.
Configure Tinfoil to connect to a shop that offers game updates.
Within Tinfoil, navigate to the updates section.
Select the games you wish to update and initiate the download and installation process.

AIO Switch Updater

AIO Switch Updater is another valuable homebrew tool that simplifies the process of updating various components of your CFW setup, including firmware, Atmosphere, sigpatches, and even game updates. It can download these files directly to your Switch, often without needing a separate computer.

Modded Nintendo Switch with Homebrew Launcher

A Nintendo Switch displaying the Homebrew Launcher.

Using AIO Switch Updater for game updates typically involves:

Installing and launching AIO Switch Updater from the Homebrew Menu.
Selecting the option to download and install game updates.
The application will often scan your installed games and list available updates.
Choose the updates you want and let the application handle the download and installation.

Other Installers (Goldleaf, DBI Installer, etc.)

Beyond Tinfoil and AIO Switch Updater, other homebrew installers like Goldleaf or DBI Installer can be used to install game update files (.NSP or .XCI) that you have acquired separately. These tools allow you to navigate your SD card or other storage and manually install the update files.

The general process for these installers is:

Obtain the game update file (often from community resources).
Copy the update file to your Switch's SD card.
Launch your preferred installer application from the Homebrew Menu.
Navigate to the location of the update file on your SD card.
Select the file and choose the option to install it.

Local Wireless Update

The Nintendo Switch has a feature to update software data via a local user group, requiring no internet connection. While primarily intended for stock Switches, this method can sometimes be utilized with a hacked Switch if you have access to another Switch (either stock or hacked) that has the desired game update installed.

This method requires:

Both Switches to be on firmware 4.0.0 or above.
Both Switches to be in close proximity.
Initiating the local wireless update feature from the game's options on both consoles.

This method avoids connecting to Nintendo's servers directly from the hacked Switch, reducing the risk of a ban.

Important Considerations and Risks

While updating games on a jailbroken Switch is feasible, it's crucial to be aware of the potential risks and best practices to maintain the health of your console and avoid issues.

Minimizing the Risk of a Ban

Connecting a jailbroken Switch to Nintendo's online services carries a significant risk of being banned. A banned console cannot access online multiplayer, the eShop, or other online features.

To minimize this risk:

Never connect your SysMMC (the original system memory) to the internet while CFW is running or if it has touched anything related to piracy.
Utilize an EmuMMC (emulated NAND) for CFW and piracy activities, keeping your SysMMC clean and separate for legitimate online use if desired.
Implement DNS blocking (like using the recommended DNS servers or tools) to prevent your Switch from communicating with Nintendo's servers.
Disable online features in homebrew applications when not necessary.

Keeping CFW Components Updated

Game updates are often tied to specific firmware versions. For updated games to run correctly on your CFW, you typically need to be on a compatible firmware and have the latest versions of your CFW (Atmosphere), bootloader (Hekate), and especially the "sigpatches" that allow the system to run unsigned code, including pirated titles and updates.

Nintendo Switch displaying system information

A Nintendo Switch screen showing system details.

Updating your CFW components usually involves:

Downloading the latest releases of Atmosphere, Hekate, and sigpatches from their official sources.
Copying these files to the appropriate locations on your Switch's SD card.
Injecting the updated Hekate payload to boot into CFW.

Tools like AIO Switch Updater can help automate this process.

Understanding File Formats (.NSP and .XCI)

Game updates, like the games themselves, come in .NSP or .XCI formats. When using manual installation methods, ensure you have the correct file type for the update and the corresponding base game.

Here is a table summarizing the common methods for updating games on a jailbroken Switch:

Method	Description	Pros	Cons	Risk of Ban
Homebrew Apps (Tinfoil, AIO Switch Updater)	Download and install updates directly on the Switch via online sources or SD card.	Convenient, can automate updates.	Requires access to reliable update sources, relies on app functionality.	Low, if DNS blocking is properly configured and not connecting to Nintendo servers.
Manual Installation (Goldleaf, DBI Installer)	Install downloaded update files (.NSP or .XCI) from the SD card.	Direct control over installed files.	Requires manually acquiring update files, can be more time-consuming.	Low, as no direct connection to Nintendo servers is involved during installation.
Local Wireless Update	Transfer update data from another Switch via a local group.	No internet connection required on the hacked Switch.	Requires another Switch with the update, limited by available updates on other consoles.	Very Low, as it's an offline process.

Troubleshooting Common Update Issues

Occasionally, you might encounter issues when trying to update games on your jailbroken Switch. Here are some common problems and their potential solutions:

Game Doesn't Launch After Update

This is often caused by outdated sigpatches. Ensure your sigpatches are compatible with your current firmware and Atmosphere version. Update Atmosphere and sigpatches if necessary.

Installation Errors

Errors during installation can be due to corrupted update files, insufficient space on your SD card or console memory, or issues with the installer application. Try redownloading the update file, free up space, or try a different installer.

Update Not Recognized

Ensure the update file you are trying to install is for the correct region and version of the game you have. Also, confirm that the base game is installed correctly.

Maintaining Your Jailbroken Switch

Keeping your jailbroken Switch running smoothly requires ongoing maintenance. This includes not only updating games but also regularly updating your CFW and homebrew tools. Follow reputable guides and communities for the latest information and best practices.

This video provides a comprehensive guide on jailbreaking the Nintendo Switch on firmware 19.0.1, covering the installation of Atmosphere, Hekate, and Tinfoil, which are essential tools for managing games and updates on a modified console.

FAQ

Can I use Nintendo's official update method on a jailbroken Switch?

It is strongly advised against using Nintendo's official online update method on a jailbroken Switch, as this significantly increases the risk of being banned. Always use offline methods or homebrew applications with proper precautions like DNS blocking.

What are sigpatches and why are they important for updates?

Sigpatches (signature patches) are essential files for CFW that allow the system to install and run unofficial software, including pirated games and their updates, which are not signed by Nintendo. Without up-to-date sigpatches, updated games may fail to launch.

Do I need a computer to update games on a jailbroken Switch?

Not necessarily. While some methods involve downloading update files to a computer and then transferring them to the SD card, homebrew applications like Tinfoil and AIO Switch Updater can download and install updates directly on the Switch if you have a working internet connection and have implemented precautions to avoid connecting to Nintendo's servers.

Will updating a game remove my save data?

Generally, updating a game should not remove your save data. Save data is typically stored separately from the game installation and update files. However, it's always a good practice to back up your save data regularly when using CFW.

Can I update physical game cartridges on a hacked Switch?

Yes, you can update games installed from physical cartridges on a hacked Switch using the same methods as digital titles. The update data is installed to the console's storage or SD card, not the cartridge itself. If you insert the cartridge into a different Switch, it will not retain the update.

Mastering Game Updates on Your Jailbroken Nintendo Switch

A Comprehensive Guide to Keeping Your Homebrew Games Current