Switch Glossary

B

Boot loader

The boot loader is the program used after powering ON the Switch. It's used to loads the Switch Operating system (Horizon), it's also responsible for burning eFuse. A hacked/custom boot loader can be used to load different programs or patch the loaded firmware.

C

Coldboot

A method of booting a system that is not already powered on. Typically done when turning on your computer after shutting it down. Commonly referring to homebrew or patches running automatically at console boot. Example, a coldboot CFW is a custom firmware loaded automatically when powering the console without any user interaction.

Custom Firmware (CFW)

Firmware that has been customized by the hacking community to extend functionalities and allow users to run unsigned code on their device.

F

Firmware (FW)

A Firmware is the software that tells your device how to run. This is usually updated to provide new features/bug fixes. A device which allows for firmware upgrades means that a new version of the device doesn't need to be bought to get new features.

H

Hard mod

A method that uses a hardware modification to run arbitrary code. As it's name suggests it usually required modifying the Hardware and is also a Hard mod to do (usually). The nintendo swtich is lucky as it only requires bridging pin 10 to ground to allow privilege escalation.

Hekate, Hekate IPL

Named after the Greek Mythology God Hekate, it is a boot loader that allows you to choose what you want to boot your switch into (Horizon OS, Linux, Atmosphere, etc.). Still in development at this time.