Why You Need Keys and Firmware for Switch Emulation
Nintendo Switch games are encrypted. Emulators like Eden and Citron need the encryption keys (prod.keys and title.keys) to decrypt and run your game backups. They also need Nintendo Switch firmware to properly boot games. Both keys and firmware can only be legitimately obtained from your own Nintendo Switch console. This guide explains the legal process.
Important Disclaimers
This guide describes obtaining keys and firmware from hardware you personally own — the legal method. Downloading prod.keys, title.keys, or firmware from any third-party website is not legal and exposes you to serious security risks (malware hidden in “key” downloads is extremely common). Setting up Custom Firmware (CFW) on your Switch may void your Nintendo warranty and will result in a permanent ban from Nintendo Online services on that console. Use a secondary Switch or one you don’t use for online play.
Which Nintendo Switch Models Can Be Modded
- V1 Switch (Original/HAC-001): Fully moddable via software RCM exploit — no hardware modification needed.
- V2 Switch (HAC-001-01) and Switch Lite: Patched. Requires hardware modification to enable CFW.
- Switch OLED: Requires hardware modification for CFW.
- Switch 2: Currently not moddable.
Check your serial number against publicly available compatibility charts to determine your Switch model.
Step 1: Set Up Custom Firmware
For V1 Switch models, the software modding process requires a USB-A to USB-C cable, a PC, an RCM jig (a simple device that shorts two pins in the Joy-Con rail), and the Atmosphere CFW package. The V1 Switch enters RCM mode by holding Volume Up and pressing Power while two pins in the right Joy-Con rail are connected by the RCM jig. Detailed, device-specific installation instructions are maintained by the Switch homebrew community — search for “Switch CFW guide [your Switch model]” on established homebrew documentation sites.
Step 2: Dump Keys with Lockpick_RCM
Once your Switch runs Atmosphere CFW: download Lockpick_RCM from its GitHub releases page, place it on your Switch’s SD card, boot into RCM mode and inject Lockpick_RCM via Hekate’s payload launcher. Lockpick_RCM automatically dumps prod.keys and title.keys to /switch/ on your SD card. Copy these files to your Android handheld.
Step 3: Dump Firmware with TegraExplorer
Download TegraExplorer from GitHub. Boot into RCM and inject it as a payload. Navigate to “Dump System Firmware” — the process takes 3-8 minutes and creates a firmware folder on your SD card. Copy to your Android handheld. Current recommended firmware for emulation: 20.0.1.
Installing Keys and Firmware in Eden
- Open Eden. Navigate to Settings > System > Install Firmware — select your firmware folder.
- Navigate to Settings > Keys > Import Keys — select your prod.keys and title.keys.
- Restart Eden. A green checkmark confirms valid keys.
Staying Safe After Modding
The most critical rule: never connect your CFW Switch to Nintendo Online services. Nintendo’s ban detection is thorough and permanent. Use your CFW Switch offline only. If you want Nintendo Online, use a separate, unmodded Switch console.
