What can a modded Nintendo Switch do?
A modded Nintendo Switch can unlock a plethora of exciting features and capabilities, including the ability to play homebrew games, run Android, access a web browser, and much more, essentially transforming the console into a versatile entertainment device. By jailbreaking the Switch, users can gain full access to the root of the operating system, allowing them to install custom firmware, backup save data, and even play pirated games, although the latter is illegal and strongly discouraged.
Understanding Modding and Jailbreaking
What is Modding?
Modding a Nintendo Switch involves modifying the console’s software to enable custom firmware, which can offer a preferable user interface, the ability to fully install physically owned Switch games files, and more.
What is Jailbreaking?
Jailbreaking is the process of exploiting the flaws of a locked-down electronic device to install software other than what the manufacturer has made available for that device, allowing the device owner to gain full access to the root of the operating system.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the risks of modding a Nintendo Switch? The largest risks of modding are getting your console banned from Nintendo’s online services or possibly bricking your console if you don’t know what you’re doing, rendering it a $299 paperweight.
- Is it illegal to mod your Switch? It is illegal to import, market, sell or distribute circumvention devices, such as game copiers, USB piracy sticks, and mod chips, although modding itself for personal use may not be illegal in some jurisdictions.
- What does a Nintendo Switch mod chip do? A modchip is a small electronic device used to alter or disable artificial restrictions of computers or entertainment devices, mainly used in video game consoles.
- Can Nintendo repair modded Switch? Nintendo will not repair any product found to be counterfeit or altered, including software or hardware modifications.
- Can Nintendo brick your Switch if you mod it? Installing custom firmware could brick your Nintendo Switch, rendering it unusable, aside from Nintendo intervening and banning your Nintendo Switch Online account.
- What happens if your modded Switch gets banned? If your modded Switch gets banned, you cannot use the eShop anymore on that console, you cannot use Nintendo Switch Online, you can’t play online multiplayer (although LAN play is still supported), and you need to buy a new Switch to do any of those things.
- Why do switches get banned? Nintendo will ban your online account and/or console if you breach the user agreements with activities such as fraudulent transactions, jailbreaking your Switch, downloading mods to your Switch, hacking, and more.
- Is downloading Switch games illegal? It is illegal to download a Nintendo ROM from the internet whether or not you own an authentic copy of that game.
- Why do people jailbreak Switch? Jailbreaking allows the device owner to gain full access to the root of the operating system and access all the features, enabling them to install software other than what the manufacturer has made available.
- Can Nintendo detect hacked switches? Nintendo can detect hacked switches if you go online with a modded console, as they are very good at detecting such activities.
- What games can be played on jailbroken Switch? Various games can be played on a jailbroken Switch, including AIR CONFLICTS PACIFIC CARRIERS, ASSASSIN’S CREED REMASTERED, ASTRAL CHAIN, and more, depending on the custom firmware and mods installed.
- Can you mod Skyrim on Switch? You can run mods on Skyrim on your Switch, but you have to hack your Switch, and the process is more complex with later Switch models.
- Can you mod an Animal Crossing Switch? You can mod an Animal Crossing Switch to play with mods on-the-go by using a real Nintendo Switch and loading mods for ACNH.
- Will homebrew ban my Switch? Using custom firmware via the Homebrew App falls under hacking within Nintendo’s terms of Service and may result in a ban, affecting access to official servers and online games.
- What does a bricked Switch mean? A bricked Switch means a device that doesn’t function completely, typically on a permanent basis, often appearing as stuck in the boot screen or not booting at all, making it as useless as a brick.