If you want to use custom software (commonly emulators) or allow your Switch to run older Nintendo titles, the only choice you have would be to mod your device. This process isn’t a simple task, though. Not all Switch consoles can be modded, and even for those that can, doing so comes with risks that you should understand.
This article helps you determine if you can mod your Nintendo Switch and if you should. Let’s get started.
Nintendo’s Take on Mods and Copyright Content
Nintendo is rather strict about what its users can do both on its consoles and games. Modding your Switch device will not only void any warranty but also make Nintendo refuse to service your device without any charges. You may also get banned from online use when using the console.
Nintendo has a history of being adamite about copyrights infringement, more than anyone else. They go after everyone who unlawfully distributes or offers games through mods, hacks, or ROMS, no matter how old the game is.
They also go after people who create Nintendo-themed games or include Nintendo designs in their games, such as a fan-based Mario game for the PC.
They work hard to maintain their rights, which is also perhaps why your Switch Minecraft game only allows the Mario world option to get played on and with other Switch consoles, excluding thousands of people on different devices during multiplay.
There is also a slight chance that any modifications to the Switch OS will brick your device. Seeing as Nintendo refuses to service any Switch that has been modded or shows any attempts of such, this essentially means that your only solution is to buy a new console.
Be sure to think it over before deciding to mod your Nintendo Switch because, more often than not, there’s no going back. If you think that the risks are worth taking, then read on.
Can My Nintendo Switch Be Modded?
Not all Nintendo Switch consoles can be modded. The mod, or hack, depends on a specific vulnerability to a piece of software called Fusée Gelée. After the vulnerability was discovered, it was disclosed to Nintendo, who patched it for later console releases. If your device hasn’t been patched, then it can be modded. Otherwise, there’s no way to mod your console.
There are several ways to check if your device has been patched or not. The simplest method involves comparing the serial number listings of patched and unpatched Nintendo Switch consoles.
- Find your device’s “Serial Number” on the underside of your device. It’s the number in the sticker with the bar code.
- If the sticker isn’t there, you can check it on your Switch by going to “System -> Serial Information.”
- For Serial Numbers beginning in XAW1
Serials between XAW10000000000 to XAW10074000000 are unpatched and moddable.
Serials between XAW10074000000 to XAW10120000000 are potentially patched.
Serials from XAW10120000000 and up are patched and unmoddable. - For Serial Numbers beginning in XAW4
Serials between XAW40000000000 to XAW40011000000 are unpatched and moddable.
Serials between XAW40011000000 to XAW40012000000 have potentially been patched.
Serials from XAW40012000000 and up are already patched and can’t be modded. - For Serial Numbers beginning in XAW7
Serials between XAW70000000000 to XAW70017800000 are unpatched and moddable.
Serials between XAW70017800000 to XAW70030000000 have possibly been patched.
Serials from XAW70030000000 and up are patched and can’t be modded. - For Serial Numbers beginning in XAJ1
Serials between XAJ10000000000 to XAJ10020000000 are unpatched and thus moddable.
Serials between XAJ10020000000 to XAJ10030000000 have likely been patched.
Serials from XAJ10030000000 and up are patched and unmoddable. - For Serial Numbers beginning in XAJ4
Serials between XAJ40000000000 to XAJ40046000000 are unpatched and can be modded.
Serials between XAJ40046000000 to XAJ40060000000 have likely been patched.
Serials from XAJ40060000000 and up have been patched and are unmoddable. - For Serial Numbers beginning in XAJ7
Serials between XAJ70000000000 to XAJ70040000000 are unpatched and moddable.
Serials between XAJ70040000000 to XAJ70050000000 have possibly been patched.
Serials from XAJ70050000000 and up are patched and can’t be modded. - For serials beginning in XKW1, XKJ1, XJW1, and XWW1 all of the consoles released with these numbers are patched and can’t be modded.
Devices that have possibly been patched mean that it’s highly likely that modding will not work on the console. There’s a slight chance that you can mod it, but the patch has closed the vulnerability more often than not.
If you don’t like looking at lists or are at a store and want to check if the console on the shelf is moddable, you can use this SSNC serial number checker tool or try the “ismyswitchpatched.com” serial number checker.
So, My Switch Is Moddable, What Now?
Depending on your firmware, there are several methods to mod an unpatched Nintendo Switch. You can find the firmware version of your device by going to the System Settings, tapping on System, and then scrolling down to see the Update Version.
All firmware versions of unpatched Switch consoles can be modded using the Recovery Mode or RCM method. In addition, consoles with firmware version 1.0.0 can be modded using Nereba, and versions 2.0.0 to 4.1.0 are patchable with another software called Caffeine.
Search on Google for Switch mod RCM, Nereba, or Caffeine to see the step-by-step method to do so. Regardless of the process available to you, you’ll want to read the directions carefully and perhaps multiple times before proceeding with the mod to your Switch.
Even if you have a patched Switch, future versions of these modding tools may crack the patch, and if you want to wait, do not update your version beyond 7.0.1. All updates after this will prevent any tampering with the console’s code.
Switch Modding, A Risky Proposition
Modding, though risky, can open up your Switch to a whole range of games and applications. Like jailbreaking or rooting mobile devices, modding allows your Switch to perform things it was never originally designed to do. It’s a weighty decision that comes with both pros and cons. While Android is open source and legal to mod in most cases, Nintendo Switch is not.
Do you know other methods to check if your Nintendo Switch is moddable? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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