With my Switch 2 expected to arrive in about a week, I’m seeking advice on how best to prepare for potential future modifications. Given the recent release of a new system update, I’m uncertain about the optimal initial setup. Should I connect to the internet to update to the latest firmware and activate the microSD card slot, or is it preferable to remain completely offline on the launch firmware to preserve options for a jailbreak? I want to ensure my storage is properly configured from the start.
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I remember the same dilemma with my original Switch—staying offline on launch firmware was key for early homebrew, so I’d definitely avoid that update if you’re serious about jailbreaking. Setting up the microSD slot offline might be tricky, but you can always format it on a computer first. What’s your main goal for modding, like emulation or game backups?
Thanks for sharing your experience with the original Switch—you’re right that staying offline on launch firmware was crucial for early access. If your main goal is preserving a potential jailbreak path for emulation or backups, I’d recommend keeping the Switch 2 offline initially and formatting your microSD card on a PC to exFAT for immediate use. Feel free to share what specific projects you’re hoping to tackle once the scene develops!
I remember the same dilemma with my original Switch—staying offline on an early firmware ended up being the right call for homebrew later. Since you mentioned the new system update just dropped, I’d personally avoid connecting at all and set up the microSD offline to keep your options open. What’s the general consensus in the modding communities you follow on launch firmware risks?
Thanks for sharing your experience with the original Switch—that offline strategy is exactly what many are considering now. The current consensus in modding circles is to stay offline on the launch firmware, as the first system update likely patches initial exploits, so I’d recommend setting up your microSD card manually without connecting. Keep an eye on trusted sources like the usual Switch hacking subreddits for the latest on firmware vulnerabilities, and let us know what you decide when your console arrives!
I remember facing this exact dilemma with my original Switch, and I ended up staying offline for months waiting for a jailbreak that never came for my firmware. Since you mentioned the new system update just dropped, I’d probably hold off on connecting until the modding community has a chance to assess it, as launch firmware is always the most valuable for exploits. What’s the general consensus on the forums you follow about this specific update?
Thanks for sharing your experience—that “waiting for months” feeling is all too familiar in the modding scene. The current consensus on the forums is indeed to stay offline on launch firmware for now, as this new update hasn’t been fully vetted for vulnerabilities yet. I’d recommend bookmarking a trusted source like the SwitchBrew wiki to monitor the exploit status, and maybe use this offline time to test your microSD card with a PC for formatting. Let me know what you decide when your console arrives!
I remember the same dilemma with my original Switch—staying offline on launch firmware for months paid off when the first jailbreak dropped. Since you mentioned wanting to properly configure storage from the start, I’d personally avoid that update and keep it offline until the modding scene catches up; you can always format the microSD on a computer if needed. What’s your usual approach with new hardware, patience for mods or immediate updates for features?
Thanks for sharing your experience with the original Switch—that patience definitely paid off. My approach aligns with yours; I’m keeping my unit offline on the launch firmware to preserve any future jailbreak potential, and I’ll format the microSD on my PC for initial storage setup. I’d love to hear how your strategy works out once the modding community gets a closer look at the hardware—keep us posted on your progress.
It’s impossible to know until it’s too late. A vulnerability might be discovered a year from now that only affects the current firmware update, and that specific version won’t be available on game cards to reinstall.
Realistically, the first practical method will likely come from mod chips. I seriously doubt we’ll see another simple software exploit like the original Switch, or a major security flaw like the Wii and Wii U.
For now, I plan to use mine normally. I’ll only update the firmware if a game I really want to play requires it, and I won’t worry about it otherwise. Either a mod chip I can use will become available, or I’ll buy a second-hand modded console once reliable hacks are stable and those units become common.
It really depends, and no one can definitively say whether you should keep it fully stored or open it to update and unlock the SD Express slot and Switch 1 backwards compatibility before storing.
Using common sense, unlocking those two features would likely put you in a better position in case of an exploit, compared to leaving it fully stored with nothing unlocked.
By updating now, you’d be on version 2.0.1.5, which was released yesterday. Most who have unlocked and stored are on 2.0.1.1. While you’d technically be behind an update, it likely isn’t a significant issue.
By updating now, you’d be on version 2.0.1.5, which was released yesterday. Most people who have unlocked their devices for storage are still on 2.0.1.1. While you’re technically behind an update, it likely isn’t a major issue.
To be fair, only Nintendo knows the exact details of what was patched. However, you generally need a functional SD card to use any custom firmware features.
While I don’t disagree, we don’t have enough information yet.
It’s best to stay offline.
It’s impossible to predict what will happen with Switch 2 modding. Opinions generally fall into two camps, though neither knows for certain.
The first camp advises leaving the console completely untouched in its box. The problem with this approach is that it renders the Switch 2 non-functional. You can’t play Switch 1 games, use the SD card slot, or even redeem a bundled game code.
The second camp, which I personally follow, recommends updating the console just enough to enable basic features. Then, delete all Wi-Fi settings, enable Airplane mode, and play offline. This preserves the SD card slot, which would likely be needed for any future softmod to load payloads.
Ultimately, no one knows. You could keep it boxed for years with no modding developments. My advice is to update now to unlock SD card functionality and Switch 1 game compatibility—in case a future exploit uses a Switch 1 game—and then permanently disable all online connectivity.
Don’t open it; just put it in a closet. Using it won’t help you at all.
At the very least, turn it on to ensure it works and has no defects. Performing the SD card and system compatibility update will confirm that the SD card slot and Wi-Fi are functional, while also giving you a chance to check the screen and Joy-Cons for any issues.
If you leave the Switch in the box for three years waiting for an update, you’ll be out of luck if there’s a hardware problem.
Camp 4 players, who I’m not part of, use the Mig Switch and get banned.
Camp 3 likely doesn’t belong in this subreddit. Alternatively, they may have abandoned the idea of a softmod and are simply waiting for a hardmod.