Installing downloaded games on a modded Nintendo Switch is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things you need to do before you can get started. First, you’ll need to make sure that your Switch is running the latest firmware. You can check this by going to the System Settings menu and selecting “System Update.” If there’s an update available, download and install it. Next, you’ll need to install a homebrew application called “GoldLeaf.” This application will allow you to install games and other software on your Switch. You can download GoldLeaf from the official website. Once you have GoldLeaf installed, you can start installing games. To do this, simply copy the game files to the “switch” folder on your SD card. Then, launch GoldLeaf and select “Install Game.” Select the game file that you want to install, and then click “OK.” The installation process will begin, and once it’s complete, you’ll be able to launch the game from the Home menu.
Once you have GoldLeaf installed, you can start installing games. To do this, simply copy the game files to the “switch” folder on your SD card. Then, launch GoldLeaf and select “Install Game.” Select the game file that you want to install, and then click “OK.” The installation process will begin, and once it’s complete, you’ll be able to launch the game from the Home menu. If you’re having trouble installing a game, you can check the GoldLeaf website for troubleshooting tips.
Installing downloaded games on a modded Nintendo Switch is a great way to expand your gaming library without spending a lot of money. With a little bit of effort, you can install any game that you want, and you’ll be able to play it whenever you want. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
Preparing Your Modded Switch
Before delving into the installation process of downloaded Switch games, it’s crucial to ensure your modified console is adequately prepared. This involves several essential steps to create a stable and optimized gaming environment:
Hardware Modifications
- CFW Installation: Install a custom firmware (CFW) such as Atmosphere or ReiNX, which allows for modifications and access to non-authorized software.
- Autoboot Config: Set your Switch to automatically boot into CFW for seamless access to homebrew applications and games.
- Homebrew Installer: Install a homebrew installer like tinfoil or dbi to facilitate the installation of homebrew apps, games, and other content.
- Game Card Reader: Consider installing a game card reader to read physical game cartridges and extract game files.
File Management
- SD Card: Ensure you have an SD card with sufficient storage space for downloaded games and other files.
- File Structure: Create necessary folders on the SD card, including "tinfoil" for game installations and "switch" for saves and updates.
- NSP Files: Make sure the downloaded Switch games are in .nsp format, which is the standard file format for Nintendo Switch games.
Network Settings
- DNS Server: Configure your Switch to use custom DNS servers, such as DNS.MITM, to block Nintendo’s online services and prevent potential bans.
- Firewall: Consider using a firewall to restrict the Switch’s internet access and protect your network from vulnerabilities.
Locating Downloaded Game Files
After downloading a game, it’s crucial to locate the files on your device. Here’s a detailed guide to help you find them:
For Physical Game Files:
| File Location | Details |
|---|---|
| MicroSD Card | For games downloaded directly to the microSD card. |
| System Memory | For games that are too large to fit on the microSD card. |
For Eshop-Purchased Games:
| File Location | Details |
|---|---|
| MicroSD Card | Default location for most Eshop-purchased games. |
| System Memory | If the microSD card is full or certain games require more space. |
| Redownloadable Option | Games can be re-downloaded from the Eshop if previously purchased. |
For Homebrew Games:
| File Location | Details |
|---|---|
| MicroSD Card (atmosphere/titles folder) | For games installed using the atmosphere custom firmware. |
| System Memory (switch/titles folder) | For games installed using the ReiNX custom firmware. |
| Other Locations | Some games may have specific installation instructions or require different folders. |
Additional Tips:
- Use a file manager app to browse your device’s folders.
- Search for files with the “.nsp” extension (for games) or “.nsz” extension (for updates).
- If you’re having trouble locating a game, consult the game’s documentation or online forums for support.
Transferring Game Files to the Switch
Once you have obtained your desired NSP or XCI game file, you must transfer it to your Nintendo Switch in order to install it. There are two primary methods for doing so:
USB Transfer
If you have a microSD card adapter or a USB drive, you can transfer the game file directly to the Switch’s microSD card.
- Connect your microSD card adapter or USB drive to your computer.
- Create a new folder on the microSD card or USB drive named “switch”.
- Place the NSP or XCI game file inside the “switch” folder.
- Unmount the microSD card or USB drive from your computer and insert it into the Switch.
- Boot into Hekate and select “Launch > Install NSP/XCI from SD > SD Card”.
- Navigate to the game file and select “Install”.
Network Transfer
If you prefer to transfer the game file over your home network, you can use a technique called “Tinfoil FTP”
- Download and install the Tinfoil app on your Switch.
- Run Tinfoil and navigate to the “Settings” tab.
- Enable the “FTP” option.
- Connect your Switch to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.
- On your computer, open a file explorer and navigate to the following address: ftp://[Switch IP Address]:5000
- Drag and drop the NSP or XCI game file into the “switch” folder.
- Once the transfer is complete, open Tinfoil on the Switch and navigate to the “Installed” tab.
- The game should now appear in the list of installed games and can be launched.
Installing Games with Tinfoil
Tinfoil is a widely used and recommended tool for installing games on a modded Nintendo Switch. Here’s a detailed guide on using Tinfoil:
Step 1: Launch Tinfoil
Ensure your Switch has the latest version of Tinfoil installed. Locate the Tinfoil icon on the home screen and launch the application.
Step 2: Configure Tinfoil
Upon launching Tinfoil, you may be prompted to configure settings such as the default installation location and update notification preferences. Adjust these settings as desired.
Step 3: Install Games
To install a game, navigate to the “Games” tab in Tinfoil. Browse the available games or use the search bar to find a specific title. Once you find the game you want, select it and choose the “Install” option.
Step 4: Install Game Updates and DLC (More Detailed Explanation)
To install updates or DLC for previously installed games, follow these steps:
- Launch Tinfoil and go to the “Games” tab.
- Select the game you want to update or install DLC for.
- In the game’s details screen, check the “Update” and “DLC” tabs.
- If an update or DLC is available, select it and choose the “Install” option.
| Update Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Title Update | Major updates that introduce new features or content. |
| DLC Update | Smaller updates that add additional content, such as new levels or characters. |
Installing Games with Awoo Installer
Awoo Installer is a tool that can be used to install games and homebrew applications on a modded Nintendo Switch. It is a graphical user interface (GUI) that simplifies the installation process and makes it easier to manage your installed games.
Installing Awoo Installer
To install Awoo Installer, you will need to download the latest version from its official GitHub page. Once you have downloaded the file, extract it to a folder on your computer. Then, open the extracted folder and run the “AwooInstaller.nro” file. This will launch the Awoo Installer application.
Adding Games to Awoo Installer
To add games to Awoo Installer, you will need to download the game files from a trusted source. Once you have downloaded the game files, extract them to a folder on your computer. Then, open Awoo Installer and click on the “Add” button. Select the extracted game folder and click on the “Open” button. The game will be added to Awoo Installer.
Installing Games from Awoo Installer
To install a game from Awoo Installer, select the game in the list and click on the “Install” button. Awoo Installer will extract the game files and install them to your Nintendo Switch. Once the installation is complete, you will be able to launch the game by clicking on its icon in the homebrew menu.
Managing Installed Games
Awoo Installer can also be used to manage your installed games. To delete a game, select the game in the list and click on the “Delete” button. To update a game, download the latest version of the game from a trusted source. Then, extract the game files to a new folder on your computer. Open Awoo Installer and select the game in the list. Click on the “Update” button and select the newly extracted game folder. Awoo Installer will update the game to the latest version.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Easy-to-use GUI | Makes the installation process simple and straightforward. |
| Supports multiple file formats | Can install games in NSP, XCI, and ZIP formats. |
| Automatic game updates | Keeps your games up to date with the latest versions. |
Troubleshooting Installation Issues
1. Game Not Booting
Verify the game file is complete and not corrupted. Ensure CFW is installed correctly and up to date.
2. Black Screen
Restart the console. Reinstall the game or use a different game version. Update CFW or Atmosphere.
3. Game Freezes
Use a different game version. Close background apps. Update CFW or Horizon OS.
4. Installation Failed
Ensure the game file is compatible with your CFW version. Check free space on the SD card. Try a different file source.
5. Error Code 2002-4153
Update CFW or Atmosphere. Install the latest firmware. Delete and reinstall the game.
6. Error Code 2162-0002
Disable external storage devices. Install the game on the internal SD card. Use a different download source.
7. Advanced Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Missing Dependencies | Install any required libraries or title updates. |
| Region Incompatibility | Use a patched game file or change the console region. |
| Corrupted Atmosphere Files | Reinstall Atmosphere or delete specific problematic files (e.g., exFAT.ini). |
Backing Up Installed Games
Once you have installed your downloaded games, it is important to back them up in case something happens to your Switch or your SD card. To back up your games, follow these steps:
1. Insert an SD card into your computer
You will need an SD card with enough free space to store your backed-up games. The size of the SD card will depend on the size of the games you want to back up.
2. Open the “Nintendo Switch” folder on your SD card
This folder can be found in the root directory of your SD card. If the folder does not exist, create it.
3. Copy the “Nintendo” folder to your computer
The “Nintendo” folder contains all of your installed games. To copy the folder, right-click on it and select “Copy”. Then, paste the folder into a location on your computer.
4. Eject the SD card from your computer
Once the “Nintendo” folder has been copied to your computer, you can safely eject the SD card.
5. Insert the SD card into your Switch
Once the SD card is inserted into your Switch, the games will be restored automatically.
Troubleshooting
If you are having trouble backing up your games, try the following troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure that the SD card is formatted in FAT32.
- Make sure that the SD card has enough free space to store your backed-up games.
- Try using a different SD card.
- If you are still having trouble, contact Nintendo customer support.
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| I can’t find the “Nintendo Switch” folder on my SD card. | Create a new folder on your SD card and name it “Nintendo Switch”. |
| I can’t copy the “Nintendo” folder to my computer. | Make sure that the SD card is not write-protected. |
| The games are not being restored automatically when I insert the SD card into my Switch. | Try restarting your Switch. |
Updating Installed Games
Updating games on a modded Switch is necessary to ensure you have the latest fixes, features, and improvements. Here’s how to update installed games:
1. Prepare Your Switch
Connect your Switch to the internet and ensure it’s running the latest system software.
2. Open the Homebrew App Store
Launch the Homebrew App Store from your Switch’s home screen.
3. Search for "Updater"
Type "Updater" in the search bar and select the top result.
4. Install the Updater App
Follow the on-screen instructions to install the Updater app.
5. Launch the Updater App
Once installed, return to the home screen and launch the Updater app.
6. Scan for Updates
The Updater app will scan your Switch for installed games that have updates available.
7. Select Games to Update
Tick the checkbox next to the games you wish to update.
8. Update Games
Select the "Update" button to begin the update process.
9. Wait for Updates to Complete
The Switch will now download and install the updates for the selected games. This process can take some time depending on the number and size of updates. Once complete, the games will be updated to their latest versions.
| Steps | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Prepare Switch | Connect to internet, run latest firmware |
| Open Homebrew Store | Launch from Switch home screen |
| Search for “Updater” | Type in search bar, select top result |
| Install Updater App | Follow on-screen instructions |
| Launch Updater App | Return to home screen, launch Updater |
| Scan for Updates | App scans for updates on installed games |
| Select Games to Update | Tick checkbox next to desired games |
| Update Games | Select “Update” button to initiate updates |
| Wait for Completion | Switch downloads and installs updates |
Removing Installed Games
To remove a downloaded game from your modded Switch, follow these steps:
1. Go to the Home Menu and select the “Games” tab.
2. Find the game you want to remove and press the “-” button on your controller.
3. Select “Delete” from the menu that appears.
4. Confirm that you want to delete the game.
The game will be deleted from your Switch and all of its save data will be lost.
Additional Details
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when removing downloaded games from your modded Switch:
• You can only delete games that are installed on your internal storage. Games that are installed on an external microSD card cannot be deleted.
• If you have an external microSD card installed, you can move games from your internal storage to the microSD card to free up space. To do this, go to the Home Menu, select the “Settings” tab, then select “Data Management.” Select “Move Data to microSD Card” and follow the on-screen instructions.
• If you delete a game that you purchased from the Nintendo eShop, you can re-download it later for free.
• If you delete a game that you installed using a game card, you will need to reinsert the game card to play the game again.
Modded Switch: How to Install Downloaded Games
Installing downloaded games on a modded Switch is a relatively simple process. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Download the game you want to install to your computer.
- Format a microSD card to FAT32.
- Create a folder on the microSD card called “Switch”.
- Create a subfolder in the “Switch” folder called “games”.
- Copy the game files that you downloaded to the “games” folder.
- Insert the microSD card into your modded Switch.
- Launch the game from the Home menu.
Note that you may need to install additional software or plugins in order to play some downloaded games. You can find more information about this on the website of the software or plugin that you are using.
People also ask
How do I install downloaded games on a stock Switch?
You cannot install downloaded games on a stock Switch without modding it.
What is the best way to mod a Switch?
There are many different ways to mod a Switch, but the most popular method is to use a softmod called Atmosphere. Atmosphere allows you to run unsigned code on your Switch, which means that you can install homebrew apps and games.
Is it legal to mod a Switch?
The legality of modding a Switch varies depending on your location. In some countries, modding a Switch is legal, while in others it is not. It is important to check the laws in your country before modding your Switch.
