Switch 2 hacking has become harder: Nintendo patches the main loophole

Nintendo has released Switch 2 firmware update 23.5.0, which closes one of the main vulnerabilities used to hack the console and install unofficial software.

The update blocks the previous jailbreak method based on the game SmileBASIC. Thanks to this exploit, users could gain access to features normally unavailable to console owners. Specifically, it allowed running homebrew software, modding games, backing up save files, and dumping game files.

After installing version 23.5.0, the previous method no longer allows copying games and modifying their files. Thus, Nintendo has complicated the work of modders, although it has not yet succeeded in completely eliminating opportunities for experimentation.

Some future physical game editions, and possibly updates to already released titles, may contain new vulnerabilities. Therefore, the current patch does not necessarily mean the end of Switch 2 hacking—the community may find other ways to bypass protection.

In addition to fixing the vulnerability, version 23.5.0 includes several changes for everyday users. In particular, Nintendo added accessibility settings right at the console's initial setup stage. The company detailed the rest of the new features in the update notes.