Getting Started - mapnerd-crossing/acnh GitHub Wiki

The first step to modding your Switch is to install custom firmware. Details and full instructions can be found here.

Preparation

  1. Check that your Switch can be modded before going any further. You are able to modify your firmware because of a defect in the first generation of Switches. Nintendo identified and "patched" (fixed) the problem in all Switch Lites, second-generation Switches, and the new Oled Switch. Enter your serial number in a website like Is my Switch patched?. If your unit is patched, there's nothing else you can do--thanks for reading :)
  2. You will need a few items in addition to your Switch:
  • A PC or Android device
  • A 64 gb SD card
  • An USB-C cord to connect your Switch to your PC
  • A jig

Download RCM files

TegraRcmGUI: This is a GUI ("goo-ee"--graphical user interface) we will use to launch your Switch in RCM. Download the most recent zip folder here: TegraRcmGUI

TegraExplorer.bin: Download the most recent file here: TegraExplorer.bin

Formatting your SD card

Your SD card needs to be formatted to FAT32. FAT32 is an older formatting version for external drives (such as your SD card). It is more stable and works better with Horizons OS (the Switch's Operating System). If there are any files on your SD card currently, move them onto your PC to back them up now.

  1. Unzip the TegraRcmGUI.zip folder
  2. Open the TegraRcmGUI exe. It looks like black Nintendo joycons
  3. Install the most recent driver by going to Settings tab > Install Driver. Click "yes" and click through the Configuration dialogs
  4. Go to the Payload tab > click the Browse Folder icon > navigate to the TegraExplorer.bin file and click OK.
  5. Enter RCM and click "Inject Payload". You can unplug your Switch from your computer if you would like.
  6. You will see the TegraExplorer options on your Switch screen. Use the Volume buttons to navigate to Tools > Partition the Sd
  7. Click the Power button to select this option
  8. Navigate to "Only FAT32" and click the Power button
  9. Click "Yes"--you are sure you want to format.
  10. Scroll down to "Power Off" and click the Power button

Entering ReCoveryMode (RCM)

RCM is a mode for your Switch that lets Nintendo technical support repair software failures. We use it to launch your Switch into Atmosphere OS.

To enter RCM:

  1. Turn off your Switch.
  2. Connect your Switch to your PC using the USB cable
  3. Open the TegraRcmGUI exe. The bottom portion of the dialog should be red and say "NO RCM"
  4. Remove your right joycon
  5. Slide your jig into the right joycon rail, the pins should be facing out and down. It will click in place.
  6. Press and hold down the Volume Up button on your Switch for 5 seconds. Do not let go of the button.
  7. While still pressing the Volume Up button, click the Power button on your Switch.
  8. Release all buttons
  9. If you've done this correctly, the bottom portion of the dialog should be green and say "RCM OK". Your Switch should not turn on. Turn it off and repeat if it's turning on.