Updating Games On A CFW Nintendo Switch: A Comprehensive Guide

Nov 3, 2025 by SLV Team 63 views

Hey gamers! Are you looking to keep your favorite titles fresh and updated on your custom firmware (CFW) Nintendo Switch? You've come to the right place! Updating games on a CFW Switch can seem a bit daunting at first, but don't worry, it's totally manageable once you understand the basics. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the initial setup to the actual update process. We'll cover important topics like the tools you'll need, the risks involved, and, of course, the safest and most effective methods to get those updates installed. Get ready to dive in and level up your CFW Switch gaming experience!

Understanding the Basics: CFW and Why Updates Matter

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let's make sure we're all on the same page. Your CFW Switch is a modified console that allows you to run homebrew applications, play games from backups, and, yes, update your games in a different way than a standard, unmodified Switch. The ability to update games on a CFW Switch is crucial for several reasons. First off, updates often include bug fixes, performance improvements, and sometimes even new content or features. Think of it like this: you wouldn't want to play a game with a bunch of annoying glitches, right? Updates help to iron out those issues and make the gameplay smoother and more enjoyable. Secondly, some games require specific update versions to function correctly or to access online features (if you're using them with CFW, it's generally not recommended to go online, but we'll get to that later). Without the latest updates, you might find yourself locked out of certain parts of the game or unable to enjoy the full experience.

Updating games on CFW also allows you to keep up with the latest content. Many games receive regular updates that introduce new characters, levels, modes, or other exciting additions. By keeping your games updated, you can ensure you're getting the most out of your purchase and experiencing everything the developers have to offer. Keep in mind that updating games on a CFW Switch is a bit different than updating on an official console. This is because CFW consoles are not connected to Nintendo's servers in the same way. We need to use other methods to get those updates, and that's exactly what we're going to cover. This means that you can also run into risks like bricking your Switch if something goes wrong. However, using this guide and following all the steps carefully will help to minimize these risks.

So, why do you need to be careful? Well, the main concern with updating on a CFW Switch is the potential for getting your console banned from Nintendo's online services. Nintendo is pretty strict about modifications to their hardware, and if they detect that your console is running CFW, they might ban your console from accessing online features like the eShop and online multiplayer. This is why it's super important to take precautions to protect your console, and to only use methods that are considered safe within the CFW community. Also, installing updates incorrectly can lead to a brick, which means that your Switch becomes unusable, and you'll have to go through a complicated process to fix it. We will explore the best methods available to update your game while reducing the risk of being banned, and also prevent your Switch from bricking. Let's make sure we understand the risks and how to mitigate them.

Tools You'll Need: Setting Up Your Arsenal

Alright, guys and gals, before we get started, let's gather the necessary tools. Think of this like preparing your workbench before starting a project. Having the right tools makes the process much smoother and less stressful. Here's a list of what you'll need to update your games on your CFW Switch.

Your CFW Nintendo Switch: This one is a no-brainer, right? Make sure your console is already running CFW. If you're new to this, you'll need to install CFW first. There are plenty of guides available online for that, but it's beyond the scope of this article.
A computer: You'll need a computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux) to download and transfer game updates. Most methods involve downloading update files and then transferring them to your Switch. Any computer will do, as long as it has internet access and can connect to your Switch (either via USB or, more commonly, through a microSD card reader).
A microSD card: This is where you'll store your games, updates, and homebrew applications. Make sure you have a microSD card formatted in the FAT32 or exFAT format.
A microSD card reader: You'll need a way to read your microSD card on your computer. If your computer doesn't have a built-in card reader, you'll need an external USB card reader. These are readily available and inexpensive.
A reliable source for game updates: You'll need a place to download the update files. There are various websites and communities where you can find these files. We'll discuss this in detail later on, but it's important to be careful and only download updates from trusted sources to avoid viruses or corrupted files. Be wary of malicious sources!
Homebrew applications (optional but recommended): Some homebrew applications can make the update process easier and safer. For example, some applications allow you to install updates directly from your Switch.

Once you have these tools ready, you can start the preparation for the update process. These steps are essential to ensure a smooth, safe and satisfying update process. Always remember to back up your data and to use the tools wisely to avoid any problems. Take your time, pay attention to the details, and make sure you understand each step before proceeding. If you have any doubts, take some time to do more research.

Method 1: Using a USB-Connected Computer and SD Card

Okay, let's dive into the most common method for updating your games: using a USB-connected computer and SD card. This is generally considered a safe and reliable method, and it's what most people start with. Here's how it works.

Find the Update Files: First, you'll need to find the update files for the game you want to update. Search for the update files on your chosen website or community. Make sure you get the correct region and version of the update. Region codes are important (e.g., USA, EUR, JPN). Also, verify the update's compatibility with your game version, otherwise, the update process will fail.
Download the Update Files: Download the update file to your computer. These files usually come in a .xci or .nsp format. Always scan downloaded files with an antivirus program to ensure they're safe.
Transfer the Update Files to Your SD Card: Connect your SD card to your computer using your card reader. Create a folder named