Can My Switch Be Modded, and How Can I Tell?

Ever wondered if you can mod your Nintendo Switch? Let’s break it down and see if your console can join the moddable club.

How to Determine If Your Nintendo Switch Can Be Modded

Alright, so modding your Switch can take your gaming experience to a whole new level, but not every Switch is up for it. Here’s how you can find out if yours is game.

Check the Firmware Version

The firmware, or system version, is a big deal. To check this, hit “System Settings” on your Switch, then “System.” You’ll see the update version at the bottom. If it’s below 7.0.1, you’re likely in the clear. Firmware versions up to 8.0.1 might still work, but anything beyond that and you’re probably out of luck. So, keep an eye on those updates if you’re aiming to mod.

Check the Serial Number

Your Switch’s serial number is another key piece of info. You can find it in “System Settings” > “System” > “Serial Information,” on the box your Switch came in, or on the sticker at the bottom of your device. Pop that serial number into a site like IsMySwitchPatched, and you’ll get the scoop. Generally, if your serial number starts with XAW and was made before July 2018, you’ve got a good shot at modding it.

Check the Hardware Version

Nintendo upped their game in July 2018 with the Switch V2, making it tougher to mod. The newer V2 models and both the Switch Lite and OLED versions have fewer vulnerabilities. This doesn’t make them entirely unmoddable, but you might need to get your hands dirty with hardware tweaks like installing a modchip.

Other Methods

• Check the Manufacturer: Switch models made before July 2018 are your best bet for modding. If the first four digits of your serial number show it was made back then, like “XAW7” for July 2017, you’re probably good to go.
• Join Modding Forums or Communities: Places like Reddit’s r/NintendoSwitchHacks are goldmines for advice. Share your Switch’s details and get some input from the modding community.

Background and Principles of Switch Modding

The Nintendo Switch runs on an Nvidia Tegra X1 chip. Back in 2018, a nifty exploit called Fusée Gelée was discovered, letting users run arbitrary code during boot. However, Nintendo caught on and patched this in later models. Essentially, modding is about poking through these vulnerabilities to install custom firmware and really take control of your console.

Risks of Modding

• Voiding the Warranty: Mess around with your Switch, and you can kiss that warranty goodbye. If something blows up, Nintendo’s not going to help.
• Online Service Bans: You might get locked out of Nintendo’s online services if they catch you running unauthorized software.
• Bricking the Console: One wrong move and your Switch could become as useful as a brick.
• Legal Issues: Pirating games or messing with copyrighted content is a big no-no legally, so watch out.

So, if you find your Switch is moddable, weigh up those pros and cons carefully. Stay within the lines legally and ethically to keep your fun, well, fun.

Okay, folks, if you’re itching to know whether your Nintendo Switch can be modded, you’re gonna have to do a little homework. Here’s the deal:

First off, you gotta figure out which Switch model you have. There’s a bunch of them out there, like the Original Nintendo Switch, also known as Erista, released back in March 2017. Then there’s the Nintendo Switch Lite from September 2019, and the shiny OLED version from October 2021. Also lurking around is the Patched Erista—kind of like the original, just beefed up to stop the exploits.

Now, here’s the kicker—only the unpatched original Switch can be modded. If you have the Lite or OLED models, sorry, you’re outta luck.

Next up, grab your Switch and hunt down that serial number. There’s a sticker on the bottom of the console, or you can dig it out through system settings. Once you’ve got that serial number, you’ll need to play detective. Compare it to the known ranges to see if your device is patched or unpatched.

• If you’ve got a serial number starting with XAW1, XAW4, or XAJ1, here’s the scoop:
• XAW10000000000 to XAW10074000000 is your lucky unpatched range.
• Numbers creeping higher, like XAW10120000000, are pretty much patched.

And I can’t forget those other XAJ serials – they follow similar rules, so you gotta check the guides on those.

Okay, moving on. It’s time to check the firmware version on your Switch by heading over to System and then System Update. If you’re rocking anything below 8.1.0, you might have some easier modding options in the bag, like using software tweaks. Anything above? Well, get ready for the more involved stuff, like Recovery Mode exploits.

Now, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, here’s a cheat: online verification tools are your best buds. Pop in your serial number and let them do the heavy lifting to tell you if your Switch is patched.

Bottom line? If you’ve found that unpatched original model and you’re sitting on a friendly firmware version, you might just be in business for modding.

Happy hunting!

If you’re trying to figure out whether your Nintendo Switch can be modded, here’s the scoop: it all depends on your model and what you’re working with. Modding is a way to run custom software or emulators, among other things. But you’ve got to have the right hardware and know-how to pull it off. Let’s dive in and see what you need to know.

Check Your Switch Model

The ability to mod your Switch largely hinges on its hardware version:

• Unpatched V1 (2017–2018): The early models are your best bet for modding, thanks to a big vulnerability that lets you get creative with software exploits like RCM (Recovery Mode).

  • Get that serial number: You’ll find the serial number at the bottom edge or in the system settings. There’s a database you can use to see if your serial falls within the “unpatched” range—look for serials starting with XAW1…XAW9.
  • Model number: Keep an eye out for HAC-001 on the back. You’re in luck if you spot it.

• Patched V1, V2 (2018+), Lite, or OLED: These models don’t have the bootROM flaw. Modding means diving into hardware mods like HWFLY or SX Core, which isn’t for the faint-hearted—it involves soldering and some serious tech skills.

Discover Software Exploits

If you’ve got an unpatched V1 model:

• RCM Exploit: Through a USB-C connection, you can push payloads using tools like TegraRcmGUI to run custom firmware.
• Prerequisites: The Switch firmware should ideally be ≤ 11.0.0. Newer versions might still work with updated payloads.
• Test the waters: Use a jig or paperclip to short specific Joy-Con rail pins, trying to get into RCM mode. If it works, your payload injector could recognize the device.

Go for Hardware Modding if You’ve Got the Later Models

If you’re dealing with patched models or newer versions:

• Modchips:
• HWFLY/SX Core: These modchips make it possible by interfacing with the console’s components. Installation involves cracking open your Switch, soldering wires, and it’s a whole operation.
• Handle with Care: Mess up, and you could wreck your console for good. If you’re not confident, find a pro to handle the installation.

Watch Out for These Risks

• Home Sweet Brick: There’s a risk of bricking your Switch if things go south with your firmware or software.
• Unwelcome Bans: Nintendo doesn’t take kindly to modded consoles—they’ll block you from their online services. A clever workaround is using emunand to keep your modded system separate from official servers.
• Say Goodbye to Your Warranty: Modding kills off any warranty you had with Nintendo.

Here’s the Wrap-Up

Frankly, snagging an unpatched V1 Switch, maybe second-hand, is probably your easiest route to modding. Before you leap in, back up everything and immerse yourself in community guides (like the Switchbrew Wiki) to know what you’re up against.

Trying to figure out if your Nintendo Switch can be modded? Here’s the lowdown on what you need to do.

First, find your Switch’s serial number. It’s usually on the bottom edge of your console or you can spot it in your system settings under System > Serial Information. Once you have that number, head to an online checker like ismyswitchpatched.com. Plug in your serial number and see if your Switch is unpatched (which is good news for modding) or if it’s patched (less so).

While you’re at it, check your Switch’s firmware version in the system settings (System > System Update). Not all firmware versions play nice with mods, so you might need to dig around to see if yours will do the trick.

Next up, size up your Switch’s hardware. The old-school models from before 2018? They’re a modder’s dream. But the Lite versions and newer models? They’re harder nuts to crack when it comes to modding.

Here’s where you can really get into the nitty-gritty: hit up community forums like GBAtemp.net or pop by the Reddit hive mind at r/SwitchHacks. Folks there are always swapping stories and tips about what works and what doesn’t.

And if your Switch just won’t budge on the modding front? You might want to scout around for an older, mod-friendly model on the second-hand market.

This does the job of helping you figure out if you can hack your Switch. And hey, just a little reminder – make sure whatever you do, you stay on the right side of the law and double-check your sources so you’re not led astray.

Keep these resources in your back pocket:

• ismyswitchpatched.com
• GBAtemp.net
• Reddit r/SwitchHacks