If your Nintendo Switch is patched, it means the console’s software has been updated in a way that the company has fixed its vulnerability and you can no longer use custom ROM or software on it. Many users love to install custom software on Nintendo Switch old models as they are not patched, or in other words, they have no security against such unauthorized software installations.
In 2018 Nintendo launched a new update patch for all switch consoles that were made after 2018, and all these consoles cannot be jailbroken or hacked to install custom software or free games. Before that users were able to bypass the official game purchase process that used to cost a lot. To know if your switch has been patched by the update, you need to check its model number very carefully and compare it to the models that were patched by Nintendo. Thankfully, you don’t have to do it manually. Instead, you can easily check it on Ismyswitchpatched.com. The website has all serial numbers of products that were patched in the 2018 update and it automatically compares your model with the one that was patched.
Why is an unpatched Switch better?
People love unpatched Nintendo Switch consoles because they can be easily hacked or modded to run custom firmware, homebrew applications, and even pirated games. You can install custom software and games created by the community without spending a dime if it is not patched. You can run custom emulators to run all games that are officially not available for the console, apps like media players, and various other things.
Custom firmware like Atmosphere allows for additional features and customization not available on the stock Switch firmware. It is no doubt an unauthorized act, but some users still hack their Switch to play pirated games without paying for them. An unpatched Switch can run emulators for various older consoles, allowing users to play classic games from systems like the NES, SNES, Game Boy, and more.
Apart from that, it can enable region-free gaming, allowing users to play games from any region without restrictions. It can save data by allowing you to backup and restore files easily. Though it has risks to count, including bricking the console, voiding the warranty, and facing possible bans from online services by Nintendo.
XKW1 Models are Patched
All models with XKW1 serial cannot have the benefit of custom firmware or software because they were all patched for security against hacking. You simply cannot do anything on your own about them. You can only resort to the paid games available in the Switch Game Store.
However, there is a pro method to bypass the patch security on Nintendo Switch and use custom games and software. It is known as Mod Chip Installation. Let’s discuss what it is in the next section.
How to JailBreak a Patched Switch Console via Mod Chip Installation
A mod chip installation involves adding a small electronic device (mod chip) to your gaming console to modify its functionality. The purpose is to enable users to run custom software, homebrew games, and free copies of games.
During the installation, your console is opened by a professional to access the internal hardware. Then they solder a mod chip to specific points on the console’s motherboard using their soldering skills and engineering knowledge. They join necessary electronic components together on the console of the chip to make it working. Once they have done the installation, they reassemble the console. This process requires expertise in electronics and soldering. It’s easy to damage the console if done incorrectly.
This technical process to enhance your console’s capabilities should be done only by a professional engineer and it can cost up to $100 from a reputable electronic game console mechanic. But the technician will also install custom firmware (CFW) on your console which will save a lot of time and effort that you might not be able to do yourself. This software allows the console to run unsigned code and bypasses the security measures set by the manufacturer.
Apart from the hardware chip installation and firmware update, the technician will create the homebrew environment to let you easily run custom applications and games. The technician tests the console to ensure everything is working correctly. They check that the custom firmware boots properly and that the console can run homebrew applications. They may install essential homebrew applications and tools. These can include file managers, backup utilities, and emulators. So these are all the benefits of getting a modchip done on a console by a technician to reap the real benefits of Nintendo Switch.
Not Sure if Your Console is Patched or Not?
If you are confused about this, you should know that all models made after 2018 are patched by the company’s regular software updates. These consoles cannot run any aftermarket software or firmware by default. You need to use Homebrew software on your computer called TegraRcmGUI while connecting to your console.
Checking Patch Status of Switch Using Homebrew and Payload Tools:
- On your computer system, first Install TegraRcmGUI. If you don’t know, it is a tool to load custom software on a Switch console via USB or data transfer cable. With it, your console can enter RCM (Recovery Mode).
- After downloading and installing TegraRcmGUI on your PC, connect your Switch to your PC via a USB-C cable.
- Now run the TegraRcmGUI and attempt to enter RCM mode.
- If the tool recognizes your Switch in RCM mode, it’s likely unpatched.
- If it does not recognize your console, it’s no doubt patched and cannot get into the recovery or software installation mode.
Switch purchased after June 2018 are factory-patched and can’t be modded without a chip
Switch consoles purchased after June 2018 are factory-patched, meaning they don’t allow users unauthorized modifications. However, with the help of a technician, you can go for a modchip installation to make it a fully customizable console. The company has targeted the vulnerability known as the RCM (Recovery Mode) in the Switch’s boot process in the models manufactured after 2018. Earlier models were not patched and they allowed convenient custom ROM installation. You could access so much by bypassing Nintendo’s official restrictions.
The decision to secure these consoles was likely done to protect against piracy and maintain control over their ecosystem. By closing this vulnerability in newer models (typically identified by their serial number prefix, such as XKW1), the console manufacturer wants to enforce adherence to their software distribution policies and protect the revenue streams associated with official game sales. The patching process they do with all new consoles also helps maintain integrity of online gameplay and increases security of user data on these devices.
It also makes it difficult for hackers to assault people online on their console. For users seeking to modify their consoles purchased after June 2018, installing a modchip becomes a must. A modchip bypasses the patched security measures by intercepting the boot process and allowing the installation of custom firmware, homebrew apps, and pirated games. However, this process requires technical expertise and comes with risks, including potential damage to the console if not done correctly.
Can’t Install Mod Chip? Consider Buying an Unpatched Switch from eBay
For those looking to install custom games and apps on their Nintendo Switch, purchasing an unpatched V1 model from eBay is an easy choice. The original V1 Switch, produced before June 2018, allows for the installation of custom firmware and homebrew applications without the need for a modchip. So maybe start searching for an unpatched V1 Switch on eBay, but also verify the serial number of the console before making the purchase to see if it is really bootable on a PC with a tool like TegraRcmGUI.
Serial numbers beginning with specific prefixes, such as XAW1, are typically unpatched models. Ask the seller to provide this information and confirm that the console is indeed the bootable version. If you are able to find a good condition console on ebay, consider buying it if you are serious about jailbreaking a Switch video game. For your information, Switch OLED is patched, so is Switch Lite that came after 2018’s core patch update.
Wrapping It Up
Checking if your device is patched by the software update can be easy as if you try to install custom rom on it via PC, it won’t be detected by your system if it patched and you won’t be able to change its ROM.
