Known 3DS hacker, Plutoo, has released an exploit that enables users to install the Homebrew Launcher on a Nintendo Switch. This tutorial will detail how to install the homebrew launcher to be able to play homebrew games and applications on your Nintendo Switch.
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Which Nintendo Switch systems are compatible?
Currently, Plutoo’s exploit only supports Switch systems running Nintendo’s Official firmware 3.0.0.
If you are on a firmware version below 3.0.0 you can update directly to 3.0.0 with the help of Pokken Tournament DX by using the update loaded on the game cartridge and disconnecting from the internet. Though caution is advised as some users have reported that copies of this game have shipped with an update of a higher version.
Side Note: Though this exploit will not work if you are above firmware 3.0.0, there are other exploits to be released within a matter of time:
- deja vu, TrustZone exploit for firmware version 4.1.0 by SciresM
- fusée gelée, Nvidia Tegra exploit by ReSwitched Team
- Nvidia Tegra exploit by fail0verflow Team (plus Linux on switch)
SciresM has provided the following advice:
-1.0.0 is the best firmware. If you’re on 1.0.0, stay on 1.0.0. It will get public stuff via jamais vu on a timescale of [weeks].
-2.0.0-3.0.0 are next-best, and are interchangeable. If you’re on 2.0.0-2.3.0, feel free to update to 3.0.0 for homebrew (HBL launches next week!).
-3.0.1-3.0.2 are interchangeable, and also good. If you’re on them, stay on them. They’ll get stuff later than 2.0.0-3.0.0 but sooner than 4.x.
-4.0.0-4.1.0 is also “safe” in the long term to crack TrustZone with déjà vu. However, the exploit relies on another issue fixed in 4.0.0 (Memory controller access – “probably” fixable in the long term, but not in the short term).
(source)
If you want Homebrew in the near future, don’t update past 4.1.0. If you don’t have a Switch, purchase one before the Nvidia Tegra exploits (mentioned above) are released and Nintendo modifies the hardware in Switch systems to fix them.
How to Install the Homebrew Launcher
Please Note: Running untrusted homebrew could potentially damage your Switch, and will void your warranty. You are doing this at your own risk!- Download latest nx-hbmenu
- Put the hbmenu.nro on the root of your micro SD card.
- Insert the micro SD card into the Switch
- Turn on the console, then go to Settings, Internet section, and select DNS Configuration
- Set your Switch DNS server to 104.236.106.125, and perform a connection test.
- Click “Install”. If you see 2000-1337 on your screen it means installation succeeded.
- Restart the device, and perform a new connection test.
- Click “Run”. The exploit is finished when there’s a popup asking you to exit.
- Go to the home menu and click the Album icon.
Where to get Homebrew?
To install homebrew games and applications you’ll need to download them and place them on your Switch’s micro SD card. Homebrew games and application files have the extension .nro.
Check out this wiki for a list of all homebrew released for the Nintendo Switch.
Download homebrew apps/games from the link above and put them on your Switch’s micro SD card in the switch folder.
The homebrew launcher will scan your micro SD card for all .nro files and display them in the menu.
For Frequently Asked Questions, check out the official HBL exploit page here .