What does Homebrew do on Switch?
Homebrew on the Nintendo Switch refers to unofficial software written by hobbyists and amateur developers that allows users to access a wide range of custom features and applications on their console, including save editing tools, games, emulators, and more. By installing homebrew software, users can unlock their Switch’s full potential, but it’s essential to understand the risks and consequences associated with modding their console, including the potential for bans and bricking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Homebrew and Modding
What is Homebrew on Switch?
Homebrew on the Nintendo Switch refers to unofficial software written by hobbyists and amateur developers that allows users to access a wide range of custom features and applications on their console.
Is it worth it to Homebrew a Switch?
While Homebrew offers a plethora of cool features for your Switch, it also comes hand in hand with piracy and practices Nintendo comes down on like a hammer, so it’s essential to weigh the risks and benefits before deciding to mod your console.
Is it illegal to Homebrew a Switch?
It is illegal to import, market, sell, or distribute circumvention devices (such as game copiers, USB piracy sticks, and mod chips), and Nintendo has obtained many decisions from criminal and civil courts across the world that confirms this.
What does modding a Switch do?
A modded Switch can make use of custom firmware, some of which might offer a preferable user interface, or the ability to fully install physically owned Switch games files, enabling play without the need to change the cartridge.
Can I use Homebrew on my Switch?
Homebrew can be installed on the Nintendo Switch using a custom firmware, but be warned, this falls under hacking within Nintendo’s terms of Service, and may result in a ban.
Risks and Consequences
What happens if my Switch gets banned?
If your Switch gets banned, you cannot use the eShop anymore on that console, you cannot use Nintendo Switch Online, you can’t play online multiplayer (LAN play is still supported though), you can’t send or receive friend requests anymore, and you need to buy a new Switch if you do get banned to do any of those things.
Can Nintendo unban my Switch?
To appeal against a ban, contact Nintendo’s Consumer Assistance Hotline at 1-800-255-3700, but be aware that factory resetting the Switch won’t remove the ban.
Can I brick my Switch by installing Homebrew?
By installing the incorrect firmware, there is a fair chance you could inadvertently brick your Switch, so it’s essential to exercise caution and thoroughly research the process before attempting to mod your console.
Legality and Safety
Is it illegal to sell a modded Switch?
It is illegal to import, market, sell, or distribute circumvention devices (such as game copiers, USB piracy sticks, and mod chips), and Nintendo has obtained many decisions from criminal and civil courts across the world that confirms this.
Can I download games on my Switch using Homebrew?
No, downloading ROMs from direct download sites, linking sites, or other illegal sources, even when you own a copy of the video game, is not allowable under the Copyright Act.
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, so it’s essential to always purchase games from authorized retailers.
Modding and Customization
Why do people mod their Switch?
A modded Switch can make use of custom firmware, some of which might offer a preferable user interface, or the ability to fully install physically owned Switch games files, enabling play without the need to change the cartridge.
Is modding a Switch easy?
Modding the Nintendo Switch can be a difficult process, and it’s made even harder with these strict requirements, but if you’re able to, modding the Switch will grant you access to a wide range of custom firmware and homebrew games that would otherwise be impossible to use.
Can I jailbreak a patched Switch?
You have to use a mod chip, this includes the patched Switch, OLED Switch, and Switch Lite, but be aware that this is NOT an easy process and you could run the chance of completely bricking/ruining your entire system.
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
How do I know if my Switch is bricked?
The term bricking means a device won’t function and isn’t recoverable, and for the Nintendo Switch, this often appears as stuck in the boot screen or not booting at all.
Can a jailbroken Switch play online?
By jailbroken, I assume you mean modded for Homebrew with CFW such as Atmosphere or SXOS, and assuming the console hasn’t been banned from Nintendo Online services, then yes, it should be able to do everything a normal Switch can do.
What does a banned Switch look like?
If you are permanently banned, you’ll see the error code 2124-4007 or 2124-4508 along with the message: “The use of online services on this console is currently restricted by Nintendo“.