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A hacked Switch is such a great gaming console

KAL2006

Banned
Just got back into Switch after such a long time. I had the old SX OS installed, so had lots of catching up to do and installed the latest firmware with Atmosphere.

Here are the things I think are great on a hacked Switch

Use different controller's
You can use other controller's like Dualsense, WiiMote and etc

Boost Mode
For those games that have frame rate drops you can bump up the performance. There is a nice overlay you display with a button combination to boost clocks.

Cheats
Just like the old action replay days, you can do cheats, and again with a nice overlay where you can input, enable and disable cheats. I personally use cheats for certain grindy games.

Save Sharing
You can import community saves. Very useful if you want all the contend without the need to unclock such as all characters for Smash.

Emulation
Emulation is nothing new, you can emulate on so many devices. But what makes this special on Switch is the screen is the perfect size and portable. You can emulate on a desktop PC or a Pi but you are restricted to the TV or desk. On s phone, nowadays phone screen aspect ratio is so wide, playing retro 4:3 games look tiny. The Switch is the perfect size and it's hybrid. You can play portable on your own, on its stand with on the go multiplayer games and on the TV. I have Retroarch setup not only do I have SNES and GBA games but a ton of multiplayer arcade games where I play with other people by passing them Joycon.

Remote Play
This is the big one for me, I have only done remote play with the PS5 as I don't own a Xbox or a Gaming PC. And I don't have any lag. I'm playing fast action fighters and not missing any combos and not reacting late to attacks. Now my Switch can not only play Switch games, a backlog of retro emulated games, but it can now play full next gen games portably anywhere around the house. I've decided to even order a Binbok controller that has larger sticks and a grip just for remote play.

I still haven't tried other things such as mods but I'm sure I've left out tons of features for a hacked Switch in this OP. But
 
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BlackM1st

Banned
Remote Play
This is the big one for me, I have only done remote play with the PS5 as I don't own a Xbox or a Gaming PC. And I don't have any lag. I'm playing fast action fighters and not missing any combos and not reacting late to attacks. Now my Switch can not only play Switch games, a backlog of retro emulated games, but it can now play full next gen games portably anywhere around the house.
That's fucking crazy.
 

TintoConCasera

I bought a sex doll, but I keep it inflated 100% of the time and use it like a regular wife
Yeah it's great! I'm planning to play Persona 4 Golden on the Switch thanks to remote play, should be extra comfy that way.

What's your experience with boost mode? Is it safe to use?
 

Sleepwalker

Gold Member
In the process of hacking mine, any guides or tips? totally new to the switch homebrew scene but not a total noob to homebrew in general
 

KAL2006

Banned
Yeah it's great! I'm planning to play Persona 4 Golden on the Switch thanks to remote play, should be extra comfy that way.

What's your experience with boost mode? Is it safe to use?

It's safe to use but I only tried it a few times, Switch is designed to allow higher clocks. Just as a precaution I'd boost it to the same level as when Switch is docked as that's what Nintendo allowed it to. Docked boost levels in handheld mode should be sufficient enough to give you a good boost. Me personally I won't use it unless it's one of those games that has alot of frame rate issues
 

KAL2006

Banned
In the process of hacking mine, any guides or tips? totally new to the switch homebrew scene but not a total noob to homebrew in general

You need as Switch that was made before middle of 2018, there are guides out there when showing you if you Switch is even hackable by inputting the serial number. For any Switches after middle of 2018 I think you may need to get a modchip and get it professionally installed which is more pricey.
 

TintoConCasera

I bought a sex doll, but I keep it inflated 100% of the time and use it like a regular wife
It's safe to use but I only tried it a few times, Switch is designed to allow higher clocks. Just as a precaution I'd boost it to the same level as when Switch is docked as that's what Nintendo allowed it to. Docked boost levels in handheld mode should be sufficient enough to give you a good boost. Me personally I won't use it unless it's one of those games that has alot of frame rate issues
Thanks man. I used it when playing Bayonetta, but always wondered if I might be frying the CPU or the battery by doing so.

Can you play Switch games too?
Of course, but only those you dump by yourself from your own cartridges. Otherwise you'll go to hell.
 
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Can a Switch emulate GC/PS2/3DS? I'm pretty much covered for everything below that with my Vita, but I have been thinking of getting something for PS2 games
 

coffinbirth

Member
Can a Switch emulate GC/PS2/3DS? I'm pretty much covered for everything below that with my Vita, but I have been thinking of getting something for PS2 games
Not really. You can kinda get Dolphin up and running with Lakka, but it's not worth the hassle, IMO. 3DS has a libretro fork for Switch but it's early and behind a Patreon paywall. PS2 is a no.

My advice is get an Android device with a SnapDragon 865 or better SoC and go crazy. I have a LG G8X that is carrier locked(not using as a phone, so it doesn't matter) and I can do GC, 3DS and very recently(not counting Damon) Android has an extremely good PS2 emulator, AetherSX2. It runs VERY well for basically still being in beta. I can do GoW upscaled at 60FPS, for instance. I paid $100 for that phone, which was for a mint one, and slapped a Razer Kishi controller (analog triggers for GC is a must) on there and haven't looked back.
 

KAL2006

Banned
Can a Switch emulate GC/PS2/3DS? I'm pretty much covered for everything below that with my Vita, but I have been thinking of getting something for PS2 games

Nope

PS1/N64 is the highest it can do. Even some more recent smartphone and tablets with more powerful chips struggle with those systems. Your only bet is the Steam Deck.
 

KAL2006

Banned
Not really. You can kinda get Dolphin up and running with Lakka, but it's not worth the hassle, IMO. 3DS has a libretro fork for Switch but it's early and behind a Patreon paywall. PS2 is a no.

My advice is get an Android device with a SnapDragon 865 or better SoC and go crazy. I have a LG G8X that is carrier locked(not using as a phone, so it doesn't matter) and I can do GC, 3DS and very recently(not counting Damon) Android has an extremely good PS2 emulator, AetherSX2. It runs VERY well for basically still being in beta. I can do GoW upscaled at 60FPS, for instance. I paid $100 for that phone, which was for a mint one, and slapped a Razer Kishi controller (analog triggers for GC is a must) on there and haven't looked back.

Android is still hit and miss on my Tab S7 Plus with a Snapdragonn 865+. I tried Burnout 3 and there were glitches graphics. I tried Kid Icarus and major slowdowns. I have yet to try Dolphin. Yes maybe some games are fullspeed but not worth the hassle of tinkering I prefer my emulators where all games work 100 percent.
 

KAL2006

Banned
Why do you think everyone is excited for the Steamdeck.

It plays pc games and it can run Linux or Windows. A-Z of emulators can be run on Windows including switch wiiU etc. A pirates potable dream machine

I was going to get a Steam Deck, but after experiencing my Switch and Tablet with remote play I decided against getting one. I admit I'm not a PC gamer and not into the Steam ecosystem. As far as I'm aware I'd be missing out on PS2/GC/Wii emulation, PS3/360 generation games and more retro PC games (I won't include current gen and next gen games as I prefer streaming over lowering graphics and low battery life). And in some ways Switch and my Tablet are superior, Switch is lighter and has native Switch games, my Tablet has a beautiful 12 inch OLED screen. And the main advantage is I save £500ish as the stuff I already own is good enough for me.
 

Celcius

°Temp. member
Does the switch get noticeably hotter and louder when using the docked clocks in handheld mode?
 
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KAL2006

Banned
Yea, no fam. Im happy for you but will wait for the Steamdeck to drop.

It depends on the person. If you already own a hackable Switch and you are not in the Steam ecosystem then probably not worth it. Steam Deck is great for emulation, indie games and previous generation games. Id never play current gen games on it as id rather stream than lower graphics and have worse battery life running a demanding game. I'd rather stream a game like Guardians of the Galaxy and Horizon Zero Dawn than lower graphics and have 2 hour battery life. Your basically missing out on PS2/Dolphin emulation, PS3/360 generation PC ports and retro PC games. Majority of indie games come out on Switch and run great, many AAA and more demanding AA and Indie games come out on PC/Xbox/PS5 which can be streamed. Finally a Switch is much lighter to hold and that's even with a bulkier Hori Pad Pro attached.
 

Fahdis

Member
It depends on the person. If you already own a hackable Switch and you are not in the Steam ecosystem then probably not worth it. Steam Deck is great for emulation, indie games and previous generation games. Id never play current gen games on it as id rather stream than lower graphics and have worse battery life running a demanding game. I'd rather stream a game like Guardians of the Galaxy and Horizon Zero Dawn than lower graphics and have 2 hour battery life. Your basically missing out on PS2/Dolphin emulation, PS3/360 generation PC ports and retro PC games. Majority of indie games come out on Switch and run great, many AAA and more demanding AA and Indie games come out on PC/Xbox/PS5 which can be streamed. Finally a Switch is much lighter to hold and that's even with a bulkier Hori Pad Pro attached.

But sir, you can have every next gen game via Streaming service and Remote Play. Either way its all good.
 

KAL2006

Banned
But sir, you can have every next gen game via Streaming service and Remote Play. Either way its all good.

If Steam Deck had a OLED screen I would have been sold, but with streaming my Switch can play everything a Deck can so not worth the money for me. I actually prefer a Switch cause Deck won't be able to emulate Switch games and you can't stream Switch games. Also not having detachable controls isn't something I'd like having to open up the system if the buttons or sticks mess up. Where as with Joycons you can just replace them and even buy cheaper 3rd party ones.
 
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Kokoloko85

Member
Funny enough I started looking yesterday to buy my 2nd Switch, a used one homebrew etc.
I wanna play all my Nintendo games on my TV and on the go and Nintendo ain’t releasing enough classics on Switch. Id pay Virtual Console prices to buy them but Nintendo doesnt want that money lol.

But mostly Iwanna play OOT and MM 3D on my TV lol
 

Fahdis

Member
If Steam Deck had a OLED screen I would have been sold, but with streaming my Switch can play everything a Deck can so not worth the money for me. I actually prefer a Switch cause Deck won't be able to emulate Switch games and you can't stream Switch games. Also not having detachable controls isn't something I'd like having to open up the system if the buttons or sticks mess up. Where as with Joycons you can just replace them and even buy cheaper 3rd party ones.

Makes sense. I like your economical outlook.
 

THE DUCK

voted poster of the decade by bots
Just got back into Switch after such a long time. I had the old SX OS installed, so had lots of catching up to do and installed the latest firmware with Atmosphere.

Here are the things I think are great on a hacked Switch

Boost Mode
For those games that have frame rate drops you can bump up the performance. There is a nice overlay you display with a button combination to boost clocks.

Cheats
Just like the old action replay days, you can do cheats, and again with a nice overlay where you can input, enable and disable cheats. I personally use cheats for certain grindy games.

Save Sharing
You can import community saves. Very useful if you want all the contend without the need to unclock such as all characters for Smash.

Emulation
Emulation is nothing new, you can emulate on so many devices. But what makes this special on Switch is the screen is the perfect size and portable. You can emulate on a desktop PC or a Pi but you are restricted to the TV or desk. On s phone, nowadays phone screen aspect ratio is so wide, playing retro 4:3 games look tiny. The Switch is the perfect size and it's hybrid. You can play portable on your own, on its stand with on the go multiplayer games and on the TV. I have Retroarch setup not only do I have SNES and GBA games but a ton of multiplayer arcade games where I play with other people by passing them Joycon.

Remote Play
This is the big one for me, I have only done remote play with the PS5 as I don't own a Xbox or a Gaming PC. And I don't have any lag. I'm playing fast action fighters and not missing any combos and not reacting late to attacks. Now my Switch can not only play Switch games, a backlog of retro emulated games, but it can now play full next gen games portably anywhere around the house. I've decided to even order a Binbok controller that has larger sticks and a grip just for remote play.

I still haven't tried other things such as mods but I'm sure I've left out tons of features for a hacked Switch in this OP. But

After reading this seems to reaffirm the market for steam deck.
 

nordique

Member
If Steam Deck had a OLED screen I would have been sold, but with streaming my Switch can play everything a Deck can so not worth the money for me. I actually prefer a Switch cause Deck won't be able to emulate Switch games and you can't stream Switch games. Also not having detachable controls isn't something I'd like having to open up the system if the buttons or sticks mess up. Where as with Joycons you can just replace them and even buy cheaper 3rd party ones.

Detachable controllers is so underrated

I don’t know when it happened but my preferred gaming position is in bed all tucked in, arms wherever they damn well want to be, with switch across from me laying on my side

Can only do it with joy cons
 

Sleepwalker

Gold Member
You need as Switch that was made before middle of 2018, there are guides out there when showing you if you Switch is even hackable by inputting the serial number. For any Switches after middle of 2018 I think you may need to get a modchip and get it professionally installed which is more pricey.

Launch switch.

Already got the payload injector as well as the jig for rcm. Was mostly looking for tips or anything i need to take into account for the process itself haha :messenger_grinning_sweat:
 

mcjmetroid

Member
What switch app do you use for remote play? How are you getting tha working. Ideally what I'd like to try is remoting into my PC.
 

Tschumi

Member
I'm not not not trying to troll but Vita offers a sight more than GBA and SNES... AND it's more portable...

They're both great.
 
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coffinbirth

Member
Android is still hit and miss on my Tab S7 Plus with a Snapdragonn 865+. I tried Burnout 3 and there were glitches graphics. I tried Kid Icarus and major slowdowns. I have yet to try Dolphin. Yes maybe some games are fullspeed but not worth the hassle of tinkering I prefer my emulators where all games work 100 percent.
It's in beta, and you're gonna have to fiddle with the settings. I've had no problems playing games after setting them up properly.
It will be years until PS2/GC/3DS emulation on Android is perfect, and it will require more refinement and beefier hardware to do so.
 

mhirano

Member
I also have a modded Switch V1 but the Remote Play experience is not that great.
I tried Chiaki (and PS5) over WiFI AC 5ghz (good graphics, no lag but short range and some stutter) and WiFi 2.4GHz (no lag but crappy image quality).
RemotePlay works much better in my setup with the Vita (just wifi N 2.4ghz) and a Android Phone (over Wifi AC).
I suspect it is because of the Switch’s crappy wifi
 
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Ryu Kaiba

Member
Remote play is the only thing that sounds cool to me but you can do that with a bigger better screen on any modern tablet.
 

KemoSabe

Member
I want to hack my og switch as well.
I have the og, animal crossing edition and the OLED.
But is it still a problem when the console shuts down?
I heard that you need to do the hacking process all over again if it resets or shuts down...
 

KAL2006

Banned
I want to hack my og switch as well.
I have the og, animal crossing edition and the OLED.
But is it still a problem when the console shuts down?
I heard that you need to do the hacking process all over again if it resets or shuts down...

Yes u do and it takes 10 seconds
 

KAL2006

Banned
I've had cramps on my hands with the joycons and I'm still shocked Nintendo has not made an official Pro Joycons with better grips. I have ordered a Binbok controller they have a bundle sale with Binbok Slim and Binbok original for £60ish. I would have got the Hori Split Pad Pro but those only work in handheld mode where as the Binboks can be used wirelessly as well and even independently for multiplayer like normal Joycons.
 

KAL2006

Banned
Can u play multiplayer/online ?

Yes you can you can do the hack where you load up custom firmware in its own partition and regular firmware in its own partition so you don't get detected by Nintendo. I personally didn't bother with this as I don't care for online play. I am connected to WiFi without Nintendo servers for Retroarch updates and remote play.
 

arvfab

Banned
I need to try the remote play with PS5. Which app is best for it? Any guide you can advise?

If it wasn't for cheats, I wouldn't have finished BOTW. Making the weapons indestructible made the game a little bit more bearable.
 

cireza

Banned
Pretty much exactly what we have been enjoying on Vita for years. Nothing new here, but that's nice if more people discover this I suppose.
 
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KAL2006

Banned
Nope!!! There are handheld PCs already and worthy every single penny until the Steam Deck comes...

It's all a matter of opinion for me a Switch is a more elegant solution for emulation for easy multiplayer, on the go multiplayer with Joycons, hybrid factor with handheld and docked. Customizable with different Joycons (I have a D Pad Hori one). Majority of handheld PCs cost a lot, Steam Deck is the cheapest, but then it's a matter of PS2/GC/Wii emulation Vs Native Switch games. For me personally I'd take a cheaper handheld device that weighs less and has the addition of native Switch games as emulation for Switch on a Deck wouldn't be so great.
 

Fbh

Member
Maybe thing have improved but I remember looking into this and the emulation felt very limited.

PS1 and N64 seemed to struggle to run at full speed without overclocking. And the consensus seemed to be that overclocking should be fine in docked mode but might negatively affect the battery in handheld mode. So if I'm going to be playing on the TV anyway I might as well just use my laptop to emulate.
 
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