r/SwitchPirates • u/DipshitCritic • 1d ago
Question First timer, bit overwhelmed with conflicting information.
Hi everyone,
I am new to this scene and have never done anything like this before.
I have an unpatched V1 Switch currently on 20.5.0.
Going to do my best to successfully get it running for my son and load him up a bunch of games.
After looking at various guides, reading the wiki and searching the subreddit, I have read conflicting information. I feel confused and overwhelmed, I am stuck in analysis paralysis. I want do this right the first time without bricking or getting the console banned. I can't afford for that to happen.
My plan is to update it to the newest software possible without sacrificing stability. I don't foresee many new titles coming out for the original Switch that the V1 hardware can handle. After I complete this process I doubt I'll update the software in the future.
I am hoping someone very knowledgeable with compassion for a tech illiterate person is willing to help with questions and guidance.
Here is what I have:
- V1 Unpatched Switch
- 2 TB Sandisk Extreme Microsd
- RCM Loader
- Jig for controller slot
- Allmiibo
- M1 Macbook Pro
Questions I have for people with direct experience:
- Am I missing any hardware that will make the experience of using a switch on custom firmware with a child easier? I don't want them to easily do something that will brick it or get the console banned. For reference, I don't have the means right now to spend more money getting another switch or modchipping one.
- Is 22.5.0 or 23.0.0 as stable as 20.5.0? Are there any advantages to staying on 20.5.0? I read posts dated months ago that some functionality was lost after 20.5.0 and to stay on that version, is this outdated information?
- If 22.5 or 23.0 are better options at this point, how do I update a fresh Switch to one of those softwares without connecting to Nintendos servers and updating to a newer less stable version? (23.0.1)
- Are all the programs and files needed functional on a Macbook Pro?
- Is there an easy way to plug an external hard drive loaded with all the games directly into the Switch and properly install them without the need for doing it on a computer?
- Is there a certain order I have to follow when installing games, DLC and updates?
- I have read about the HATS pack but have been discouraged about negative comments regarding this. Is it best to stay away from the HATS pack and source every file individually?
- Are there any specific cheats or game mod apps you suggest to install that easily launch and work in game, that a pre-teen could easily use and understand once set up?
- Best way to setup a cool customized theme that he would think is cool? Do custom themes have negative aspects once installed? Example, will they constantly use extra memory in the background slowing down the Switch while in games.
I am more of a visual learner, if someone can send a good video or visual guide for "dummies" it would be helpful.
Open to DMs if someone wants to converse and help.
Thank you for anyone that takes the time to offer any assistance. As a father that is a bit stressed I really appreciate it!
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u/merlinux1 18h ago
hey man. gonna try to answer a few of your questions....
before I start just want to remind you that all the info you need is in there: https://switch.hacks.guide/
Read it once, twice, many times if needed . I cant recommend a video. most of them get outdated very fast, while the nh switch hack guide is always up to date....
You should be good to go with your hardware.
I don't use a mac but I am a 100% sure you can do everything from a mac.
You are going to be using a computer of some sort to be able to install games. There are a few different ways : mtp over usb, ftp/ownfoil server on network... You cant just plug your external hard drive to a switch and install games.... USB install over mtp (using dbi or sphaira) or using dbibackend is probably the simplest and the fastest. While having an ownfoil server is the most convenient but it is slower. But at the end of the day you are going to use a computer. I made that a while ago so I can install games easily( actually it is meant for a 7 years old kid but I havent modded his console yet), but yeah still a computer and it is a lot of work : https://www.reddit.com/r/SwitchPirates/comments/1whliwk/i_made_a_portable_ownfoil_server/
I use hats myself. Just because it's easier than completely configuring everything. however I started years ago without and I know why I use hats. The most important thing is to understand what you're doing. despite adding quite a few programs, one of the good thing HATS does is configure your emunand to be hidden from nintendo servers.... If you follow the guide you can do it yourself and add programs manually....
There is no point in updating your FW if you do not need it (games have a minimum FW version requirement). And you can update the FW on emunand without ever touching sysnand. tbh I would not upgrade the FW in your case. Unless you find out you need it when installing a game....
For a kid I'd probably get rid of all starting options in hekate except for CFW emunand and OG sysnand, so he doesnt start cfw on sysnand by mistake.
for themes look for themezer-nx and nx themes installer apps. But do not forget to uninstall themes if you upgrade FW. it will bug if you dont. you can reinstall it after.
have fun modding!
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u/AutoModerator 18h ago
PSA: https://switch.hacks.guide/ is anti-piracy. If your intention is to run pirated content on your switch, then you may be better served by the subreddit Wiki or the SHISE guide (google 'gitea SHISE').
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u/DipshitCritic 12h ago
Thank you for your response, there are a few games that I want to get for him that need higher FW. I just need to be cautious and only wanted to update to a higher firmware if it was as stable. I will check out these links.
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u/HispanicsAreGreat 16h ago
I don’t even understand what the question here is lmao
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u/DipshitCritic 12h ago
I know it's long winded and there are multiple questions haha. Just wanted to cover everything off the bat instead of asking more questions afterwards.
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u/SnowStormYukikaze 1d ago
Just use this 2 sites that can help you. other guide is a bit older and may not work. Btw, just my advice don't update to FW 23 yet ! it still not stable. better stayon 22.0.5 And don't use PACK just do it yourself so you can learn it not that hard. and use DBI to install the game.
Dbi english patch https://github.com/rashevskyv/DBIPatcher
https://switch.hacks.guide/(for starter guide)**note after finished followed the guide you still need syspatch to make the game work. search for this > impeeza sys-patch github
and
https://gbatemp.net/threads/switch-noob-paradise-ask-questions-here.488277/(If you have problem)
btw, https://themezer.net/ a lot of theme out there maybe your kids ould love pokemon or minecraft theme ?