Nintendo Switch mod chip firmware hit by 144 GitHub takedowns

What is a Switch mod chip?

Early Switch models had a hardware flaw in recovery mode that can't be fixed with a software update. Nintendo closed that hole on the Switch Lite and Switch OLED, but that didn't stop modders. On those protected models, unofficial software needs a mod chip soldered onto the console's motherboard. A special firmware on the chip bypasses the protection and takes control of the device. Picofly is one example, and it has been installed in a Switch Lite.

Will my modded Switch stop working?

According to the report, chips that are already installed won't be affected. The takedown targets the firmware repositories, not consoles in people's hands.

It's not only about piracy, either. These chips can be used to pirate games, and they are, but they also open the door to homebrew software, emulation, alternative operating systems, game mods and overclocking.

This is part of a longer campaign. Nintendo has already had GitHub repositories removed that held Switch emulators and tools for running pirated games, such as a key extraction tool. Recently it also patched an exploit used to hack the Switch 2, and hackers reportedly went back to square one.