Which device would you like to play on?

• Switch - Proceed to Step 1
• Emulator on PC - Click here

First, check if your Switch can be hacked

If your Switch is already hacked, skip to step 5

First check your serial number.

• You can find on it on a sticker at the bottom of your unit:

• You can also find it in the System Settings menu on your Switch



• It should be the top entry in the "Serial Information" screen, labelled as "Console"

Then type your serial number into this website:

https://ismyswitchpatched.com/

• If it says your Switch is NOT patched, congratulations! Your Switch can be hacked! Proceed to step 2.
• If it says your Switch is possibly patched, you can still try the following steps to check, but no guarantees.
  It would be better to try to find a Switch that is guaranteed to be hackable(unpatched).


• If you can't find your serial prefix in the dropdown list, OR
• If it says your Switch is DEFINITELY patched, sorry, it can't be hacked for now. 😞 ^{Is there really no hope?}

Preparing the things you will need to hack your Switch:

You will need the following to hack your Switch

• First, make sure to have more than 32 GB free space on your Switch's microSD card.
  A 64 GB microSD card is the minimum recommended.
  
  

  ⚠️ If you've never used a microSD card on your Switch before, please insert it now.

  Your Switch may try to update, this is just the Switch downloading drivers needed for the microSD card.

• An RCM Jig.




• You can purchase one of this at Amazon or most online shops:
  https://www.amazon.com/s?k=rcm+jig
• ^{Do I really have to buy one of these?}




• For computer users: A USB-A-to-USB-C Cable will work.

  
  
  You probably already have one of these. These will work:
  • Pro Controller cable
  • 8BitDo controller cable (e.g. SN30Pro or Pro 2 cables)

• For users without a computer, and only have an Android/iOS phone they can use

  You will need a USB-C cable with the other end able to connect your phone's port (usually Micro-USB).
  
  Also be advised using a phone is usually MUCH harder than using a computer.

Setting up the Switch BEFORE hacking

Step 3.1 Making sure you have the game

If you already have the game installed, you can proceed to Step 3.2

If you have deleted the game, or if this is a different Switch from the one you used to play on:

You should still be able to redownload the game with any eShop account that has previously downloaded the game before, even if it is already delisted from the eShop.

You can find a full step-by-step guide here https://www.getdroidtips.com/redownload-nintendo-switch-eshop/

Step 3.2 Making sure you can run the game offline

Try to run the game.
Close the game beforehand if it is already open.

You should NOT get a message before the game starts, saying

• Checking if the software can be played...

If you don't get a message like that, you can proceed to step 3.3

Otherwise, you will need to make this Switch the primary Switch of the account that downloaded the game.

• First, you will need the other Switch you previously had set as primary.
  
  If this Switch is not available, please follow the steps on this site to deregister it:
  https://www.nintendo.co.za/Support/Nintendo-Switch/FAQ/How-to-Deregister-a-Primary-Nintendo-Switch-Console-1364365.html


• Open the eShop on this console with the account you downloaded the game with.
  Then select the picture of your icon in the upper-right corner
  


• Scroll down and find the option to "Deregister" this console as your Primary, and proceed with the steps.
  


• Finally, open the eShop on the Switch you want to use for the SMB 35 private server.
  This should set it as primary, you can check it in the same place in the eShop where you deregistered the other console.
  
  
  Try running the game again, you should no longer get the message
  • Checking if the software can be played...

Step 3.3 Move SMB35 to System Memory^why?

• In the Switch's System Settings, choose "Data Management" -> "Move Data Between System / microSD Card"



• Make sure you are moving TO System Memory, we do NOT want the game on the microSD card



• Move SMB35 to System Memory.
  If there is not enough space, archive some other games in the meantime.



• If at any point, the option is greyed out, it may be possible your SMB35 is already installed fully in System Memory.
  You can check this in the System Settings, "Data Management" -> "Manage Software"



• This image above shows that 488 MB of the game is in System Memory, and none in the microSD.
  This is what your "Manage Software" should looks like for SMB35 after moving it to System Memory
  (or if you didn't need to move it and it was already installed in System Memory)

• Set up your Internet settings on the Switch to block Nintendo from logging your hacked setup
  ^{(using something called 90DNS).}
  For step-by-step instructions, click here
  
  
  After you are finished, your Internet settings on the Switch should look something like this:
  
  Important: do this for ALL the "Registered Networks" in your Switch
  If you use a wired connection, do this for the Wired Connection on the Switch as well
  
  To check if it worked, try accessing the eShop. It should be unable to load.

Setting up the files

For users that already have Atmosphere installed, you will only need the file in exefs_patches/patch

• Download this file and extract the contents into a folder on your computer:

  Download Link (click here)
  (working as of System Update version 13.2.1 - Updated 28-Feb-2022) ^{What are these files?}

• Copy all the files in the "sd" folder into the root of your microSD card that you use on your Switch.

  If you have done it correctly, your SD card should look like this:
  
  (some extra files may be present)
  You should now insert the microSD in the Switch
  

⚠️ Before everything else: make sure your Switch is fully charged before starting Step 6 and Step 7.

Testing if your Switch can be hacked (Initializing the hack)

• Turn off your Switch

  Hold down the power button, until a menu appears, with the option "Power Options", and turn it off from there.
  
  
  
  
  After turning it off, test that it is really turned off by pressing the Home button on your right joycon.
  It should NOT wake up the Switch.




• Entering RCM Mode

  Do the following with the Switch still completely turned off:
  
  • Take off the right joycon if it is attached.
    Slide your RCM Jig all the way down to the bottom of the right railing, where the right joycon normally goes.
    Use a gentle force, not too hard. There should be a clicking feeling when it completely bottoms out.
  • With the RCM Jig in place, hold down the Vol+ button.
    While still holding down the Vol+ button, briefly hold the Power button for 2 seconds.
    The Switch should NOT turn on.
    You can now let go of any buttons and remove the RCM jig
    
    You should now be in RCM mode.
    In this mode, you should be unable to turn on your Switch.
    Try pressing the power button briefly several times (do not hold it down longer than 5-10 seconds).
    
    If it turns on at any point, start over from the beginning of Step 6.




• Injecting the Payload

  Remember the file you downloaded in Step 5?
  There were 2 folders: "sd" and "payloads"
  
  This time, we will be using the file inside the "payloads" folder
  It should be named something like hekate_ctcaer_(version-number).bin
  Keep this file handy for later.

  Instructions for Windows Users

  1. Download and install TegraRcmGUI on your computer
     (download either the .msi file and run that installer, or download the .zip file and just unzip that)
  2. Open TegraRCMGUI
  3. Navigate to the Settings tab.
  4. Click on Install Driver (this will install the driver required to communicate with your Switch).
  5. After the driver is installed, navigate to the Payload tab.
  6. Plug your Switch into your PC using your USB cable
     
     
     • Your PC should play the device connected sound and your Switch should not turn on.
       If your Switch turns on, repeat from the start of this "Step 6" section to enter RCM mode.
     
     
  7. Once your Switch is plugged in, you should see a green icon with the message "RCM OK".
  8. Select the hekate_ctcaer_(version-number).bin file in the "payloads" folder mentioned earlier
  9. Select "Inject Payload" if the payload has not already been injected.
     
     
     • If you get the error "RC=-50", restart the application and try again.
     
     
  10. If you see the Hekate logo on your screen, congratulations!
      You are now running software Nintendo didn't approve on your Switch
      (i.e. you've hacked it)
      You can proceed to Step 7
      
      
  
  
  ⚠️ If the application says the payload launch was successful, but nothing appears on your screen, unfortunately your Nintendo Switch is likely patched (unhackable).
  You should try a few more times to be certain, and consider trying another USB cable.
  
  ⚠️ TegraRcmGUI reporting the line "Smashed the stack with a 0x0000 byte SETUP request!" (specifically 0x0000 instead of some other number) is a reliable indicator that your Switch is patched.
  You should try a few more times to be certain, and consider trying another USB cable.
  
  Note: These instructions are taken from the Homebrew Guide, so if you encounter any problems, try checking out their site for troubleshooting tips.
  

  Instructions for MacOS, Linux, Android, and Chromebook Users

  You can use the Web Fusee Launcher website.
  
  Note: Works only in Chrome Web Browser. Get Chrome
  

  Instructions for MacOS, Linux, Android, and Chromebook Users (alternative)

  You can follow the instructions in the NH Switch Guide

  Instructions for iOS users (jailbreak required)

  You can use NXBoot
  If you need any assistance you can inquire in the GBATemp thread.

Setting up your "hacked environment" (creating emuMMC)

Now that your are in Hekate:

1. First pick "Tools"
2. Then pick "Arch Bit"
3. Then pick "Fix Archive Bit"

This fixes any issues people have had where the Switch cannot detect files that are in the microSD card.

This step should take only around 10 seconds.
You can press "Close" once the message stating how many files were "unset/set" is shown.

• Create an emuMMC

  1. In Hekate, choose "Home" to return to the main menu, then choose "emuMMC"
     
     
     
  2. Pick "Create emuMMC"
     
     
     
  3. You will be given 3 choices in the emuMMC creation tool
     Pick SD File ^why?
     Now we wait. This will take around 15-20 minutes
     
     
     

• Launch your emuMMC (i.e. start the Switch in "hacked mode")

  1. In Hekate, choose "Home" to return to the main menu, then choose "Launch"
     
     
     
  2. Pick CFW (emuMMC)
     
     
     

• emuMMC cleanup

  • Go to "System Settings" -> "Themes"
    Then set the theme to the opposite color of your main Switch's theme
    (e.g. if your unhacked/online Switch theme is Black, pick White for the hacked Switch, and vice-versa).
    
    This is important so you can never confuse the unhacked Switch (with the online games and eShop purchased games) and the hacked emuMMC.
    
    
    You need to take special precautions when using the hacked emuMMC.
    For example, when connecting to a NEW Wifi in hacked mode, you must also do the 90DNS setup for it again mentioned in Step 4.
    You do not need to do that (and you shouldn't) in unhacked/legit mode.
  
  
  
  • Now it is recommended to delete all the games in emuMMC except SMB35.
    Why?
    • You will be unable to play the games installed in microSD anyway.
      It will have a "redownload" cloud icon, as if the game was not installed.
    • The game will STILL be installed in your unhacked/legit Switch's system memory, even if you delete it here. This is a completely different environment, think of it as a different Switch living inside your SD card.
    • Also to save space in your emuMMC.
  
  
  
  • You can now try to launch SMB35.
    You can try if "Course Practice" works, or even try to play online if there are other players
    (you can check the "Server Status" link at the bottom right of the page to check).
    Note you are still not yet done with the setup.

After you have (hopefully) played a bit of SMB35 on the hacked emuMMC, you still need to do a few more steps to finish the process

SysMMC cleanup

• Return to your unhacked/legit setup by turning the Switch off, then turning it on again.
• You can confirm it worked if the theme is the opposite color of the emuMMC theme (i.e. your original theme) when the Switch loads
• Remove the DNS setting for 90DNS on the unhacked/legit Switch setup.
  Otherwise you will be unable to play online or access the eShop
  Just set the DNS setting for all "Registered Networks" to "Automatic"
  
  
  
  Do this ONLY for your unhacked setup, do NOT do this for the emuMMC/hacked setup.
  
  And you are DONE.
  You can now use your unhacked/legit setup as you would normally use it.
  But please read the final entries of this section.

How do I switch back to an unhacked/legit setup?

To play your other online/NSO games, or play your legit eShop purchased games:
In hacked/emuMMC mode, just turn your Switch off, then turn it back on again.

How do I switch back to a hacked setup to play SMB35?

You do not need to repeat most of the setup steps.
Simply do the following:

Repeat step 6:
1. Turn off Switch
2. Enter RCM mode with RCM jig
3. Inject hekate_ctcaer_#.#.#.bin with your computer
Then in Hekate, just choose "Launch" -> "CFW (emuMMC)"
And you should be back to the opposite color "hacked mode" again.
^{Is there an easier way?}

Can this get me banned?

Several measures in this guide are taken to prevent banning:

• Using an emuMMC - no changes are made to System memory (SysMMC)
• Blanking emuMMC serial number - prevent Nintendo from being able to identify which Switch to ban
• Blocking all internet communication with Nintendo in the emuMMC, twice, using Atmosphere DNS.mitm and 90DNS
• Removing CFW-SysMMC from Hekate to prevent accidental booting into CFW (hacked mode) in the system memory

So far, many people with hacked Switches have similar setups and have managed to prevent getting banned for several years now. Some users even claim going online with hacked setups and not getting banned, and that Nintendo supposedly only bans if they detect you installing pirated games or cheating online. HOWEVER, we can never have an absolute guarantee of preventing banning, Nintendo can implement changes any time to circumvent any of these measures (although historically they haven't, it is trivial for them should they decide to). So while so far such a setup has been safe from bans, there will always be a risk.

It says my Switch is "definitely patched" based on my serial. Is there really no hope?

There is currently no known way to hack "patched" Switches, except by installing a modchip.
But Nintendo has shut down the company manufacturing those modchips, as well as people who offer services to install such modchips.
So it is very unlikely to find one nowadays.
Also, using the modchip is a very complicated topic, which involves lots of chances of getting banned or bricking your Switch, unless you do lots of research, and are very careful. Even then some people do something as simple as accidentally pressing the update popup, bricking their modded Switches.
It is recommended to instead try to buy a second-hand "unpatched" Switch online (demand to see the serial first).

Do I really have to buy that "RCM Jig" thing?

Some people use other things instead of a jig to hack their Switch (e.g. paperclips, tin foil, screwdriver).
This is NOT recommended, and is troublesome if you wish to switch back-and-forth between "hacked" and "unhacked" mode, to play other NSO games (like Tetris 99, Pac-Man 99, Mario Kart 8, SMM2, etc.)
Whereas a jig like the one in the picture in Step 2 will work 100% and not damage your Switch.

What are the files in the download in Step 5?

Here are a list of the files:

• Latest minimal-install of Atmosphere/Hekate from https://www.sdsetup.com/ with the following modifications:
  • exosphere.ini at SD root, to blank emuMMC PRODINFO ^[Anti-Ban]
  • atmosphere/hosts/emummc.txt, using DNS.mitm to simulate 90DNS ^[Anti-Ban]
  • atmosphere/config/override_config.ini, added override_key=R, to allow users to access the Album easier, as this setup is not mainly for Homebrew purposes
• atmosphere/exefs_patches/patch - file that modifies SMB35 installation to connect to our private server (credits)
• Also the following Hekate modifications:
  • "Boot CFW - SysMMC" option removed ^[Anti-Ban]
  • Auto HOS Power Off disabled - as these users would most likely not prefer AutoRCM, and would most likely switch regularly to Stock/SysMMC, as they usually also play other "99-Battle Royale" games like Tetris 99, Pac-Man 99, or Super Bomberman R Online, or other NSO games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Super Mario Maker 2.

Why move SMB35 to System Memory in Step 4?

^{(Also applicable: Why setup 90DNS on Stock SysMMC)?}
This is so that once we create the EmuMMC, it will automatically have SMB35 installed in it, no need to fiddle with copying Nintendo folders, hoping to have enough space, or having to install NSPs.

For the same reason, we setup 90DNS in Stock SysMMC so that when we first boot CFW EmuMMC, it already has 90DNS all set up.

Why do you recommend to use a file-based emuMMC?

This guide is geared for users who will not be installing multiple NSP games into their emuMMC, which is what requires fast loading for better performance. This is aimed towards users who will be using it only to play SMB35, and are usually non-technical users, who have legit purchased games installed in their SysMMC with online capability/NSO sub requirement, like Mario Kart 8 or SMM2. As such, the easy-to-find, easy-to-backup file-based option is preferrable to the hard-to-backup hidden-partition option, when the only purpose is for SMB35. Also, SMB35 is not a game that will be heavily affected by quicker loading times, as it only loads once and the game runs flawlessly, and the actual bottleneck during loading is the players with slower connections.

Is there an easier way than having to connect my Switch to a PC every time I want to switch to the hacked setup (emuMMC)?

If you can find a payload injector dongle, such as the "RCM Loader" shown below, these dongles can auto-inject a payload for you without having to connect to a computer or even running any programs like TegraRCMGUI.


Once you load up hekate-ctcaer_#.#.#.bin into the dongle,
Step 6 will be reduced to:

• Turn off Switch
• Enter RCM mode (with the RCM jig also conviently attached to the RCM Loader dongle)
• Plug in the dongle on the Switch and you're done

Vendors of such dongles usually quickly disappear though, as Nintendo complains on online stores like Amazon to take such listings down. Sometimes some vendors stay listed for a while though. It also makes the entire setup portable (since you no longer need a PC).
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=rcm+loader

Help, my Switch isn't responding!

If your Switch doesn't want to turn on, despite pressing the power button, or injecting a payload - and you are sure that it has not run out of battery, or you have just tried charging it, it may be stuck in an RCM-like limbo state.

Fixing this is easy, just hold down the power button for 30 seconds.
This should hard power off your Switch, and pressing the power button again should turn it back on.

I'm not getting matched with anyone? Where are the other players?

The site dashboard has several tools you can use to match easier with other players:
https://smb35server.com/dashboard

• You can post a message on the Shoutbox/Chat
• You can also enable the sound alert
  (tick the checkbox on the upper left section, also you should have Auto-Refresh set to "ON".
  This will play an alert sound if someone tries to start up a game.


• You can also check the Twitch streams posted on the Shoutbox.
  These streams have the most active games, getting as many as 10-15 players in a single game.

Additional tips:

• When you start a game, and you don't match with anybody, don't cancel right away.
  Some players have the sound alert turned on, and it will take time for them to wake up/turn on their Switch, start the game, and get through all the loading screens.
  Even longer if they have to Switch from unhacked mode, as they'll have to restart their Switch.
  
  Try waiting a few minutes, and play a few games, giving time for people to boot up and prepare.


• If you find yourself in a game with several other players, and you lose, it's recommended to not leave immediately to start a new game.
  Try spectating until the end of the game, waiting along with the other players.
  This is what most of the SMB35 community players do, so as to not end up in different games
  
  Also since this server has less players now, you may still end up waiting outside the game as everyone else in the game waits for the current game to end.
  It's encouraged to use the Shoutbox at this time to chat with the other players.

tl;dr: Instructions for Power Users

Hack your Switch, install Atmosphere, do anti-ban stuff like 90DNS.
Download the file in step 5, and add the IPS file in atmosphere/exefs_patches/patch to your install.

Is this legal?

It should be. We do not distribute any copyrighted or pirated data in our files, the files we distribute are only unmodified versions of the open-source projects Atmosphere and Hekate, except for some .ini files, and a single patch file that only contains a few bytes to redirect the connection. The CFW files we distribute do not even include sigpatches, so they cannot even be used to play pirated games. The server code contains zero proprietary Nintendo code, and is purely 3rd party written code (credits). We intentionally do not use any of Nintendo's Intellectual Property, and any mentions or inclusion should be so slight that it should fall under fair use.