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

Cold boot

A method of booting a system that is not already powered on. Typically done when turning on your computer after shutting it down. Coldboot can also refer 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.

E

eMMC

The internal storage chipset memory of the Switch (think hard drive). It is a 32GB eMMC module that is removable. However at this time we cannot upgrade the storage space as all components seem to be linked to the device (eMMC, screen, motherboard, etc.) This is used to store the firmware and games for the switch.

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.

Horizon

The name of the firmware (OS) that runs on the switch, analogous to Windows 10 for PC or your favorite linux distro.

K

kip, kip1

.kip and .kip1 files are the customizable parts (system module, add-on) of a CFW. Examples of .kips in ReiNX are fs_mitm.kip (LayeredFS) and fs.kip (Enables exfat)

N

NAND/eMMC

The NAND design the storage of the Switch (think hard drive). It's a language deformation as the Switch doesn't use NAND chipset type but a 32GB eMMC module that is removable. However at this time we cannot upgrade the storage space as all components seem to be linked to the device (eMMC, screen, motherboard, etc.) This is used to store the firmware and games for the switch.

NXLoader

An Android app used to boot Fusée Gelée payloads from an android device. Required a USB OTG adapter and USB-A to USB-C cable. If your phone already has USB-C (congratulations) you just need a USB-C to USB-C cable.

NSP

A Nintendo eshop game package format, similar to .cia files for the 3ds consoles, or .wad files for the Wii consoles.

P

Payload

A program that is loaded into the Switch's memory and then run. Usually in a form of a binary file injected into an already running process, in contract to usual .elf, .nro, .cxi or other standalone executable programs. Usually used by Fusée Gelée to run another program or patch the switch firmware.

Privilege escalation

A method used to run code as a higher privileged user such as root or kernel. This is usually not possible since users run with limited privilege for security reasons.

R

Recovery mode, RCM

Recovery mode of the switch analogous to DFU mode on iPhones or safe mode on your PC. Usually it is used to diagnose issues with hardware/software.

RetroArch

Software used to emulate older game systems so you can play their games.

S

Signed code/Unsigned code

Code from Nintendo is "signed" by a special key that only they should have access to. Unsigned code is not signed by this key and cannot run unless done so by an exploit (like custom firmware) or allowed by Nintendo.

Soft mod

A method that uses software to modify your switch to allow for running unsigned code. It is usually an easier method than hard modding.

T

Tethered

A term referencing the requirement of a host device to boot a compromised device, usually via a program to send a starting payload. Without this the device will either boot into the normal (not moddable) os or not boot at all until you have access to a computer.

V

Vulkan

An API Used by software to get better performance from GPU's. The driver for Linux on Switch is still being worked on at this time.

W

Warm boot

A method of booting a system that is already powered on. Typically done during a reboot.

X

XCI

A Nintendo game card format, similar to .3ds files for the 3ds consoles