Nintendo Switch system software#Technology

Nintendo has released only limited information about the Switch's internals to the public. However, computer security researchers, homebrew software developers, and the authors of emulators have all analyzed the operating system in great depth.{{cite web|url=https://media.ccc.de/v/34c3-8941-console_security_-_switch|title=Console Security - Switch|date=30 December 2017 |access-date=30 May 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://yuzu-emu.org/entry/yuzu-progress-report-2018-p1/|title=Progress Report 2018 Part 1 |publisher=yuzu}}

Notable findings include that the Switch operating system is codenamed Horizon, that it is an evolution of the Nintendo 3DS system software, and that it implements a proprietary microkernel architecture. All drivers run in userspace, including the Nvidia driver which the security researchers described as "kind of similar to the Linux driver". The graphics driver features an undocumented thin API layer, called NVN, which is "kind of like Vulkan" but exposes most hardware features like OpenGL compatibility profile with Nvidia extensions. All userspace processes are sandboxed and use Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), a computer security technique involved in preventing exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities.

Nintendo made efforts to design the system software to be as minimalist as possible, with the home menu's graphical assets using less than 200 kilobytes. This minimalism is meant to improve system performance and launch games faster.{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/08/the_switchs_home_menu_uses_less_than_200_kb_of_resources_for_super-fast_load_times |date=22 August 2018 |access-date=22 August 2018 |last=Craddock |first=Ryan |website=Nintendo Life |title=The Switch's Home Menu Uses Less Than 200 KB Of Resources For Super-Fast Load Times}}

As early as July 2018, Nintendo has been trying to counter Switch homebrewing and piracy. Measures include an online ban, and on the hardware side, patching of the Tegra to prevent exploits.Rishi Alwani, [https://gadgets.ndtv.com/games/news/nintendo-switch-mariko-patch-hack-1882136 Nintendo Fixes Nintendo Switch to Prevent Homebrew and Piracy] On 11 December 2018, Nintendo sued Mikel Euskaldunak for selling a Switch modification that can play pirated games.{{cite web |last1=Cullins |first1=Ashley |title=Nintendo Sues California Man for Allegedly Rigging Consoles and Pirating Games |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/nintendo-sues-man-allegedly-rigging-consoles-pirating-games-1168690 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=12 December 2018 |access-date=20 April 2021}} Since August 2019, the difficulty of homebrewing has gone up, as the new Mariko chip replaced the old Erista chip.{{cite web |last1=Rahming |first1=A.K |title=Prominent Switch hacker not confident new 'Mariko' chips can be hacked |url=https://www.nintendoenthusiast.com/prominent-switch-hacker-not-confident-new-mariko-chips-can-be-hacked/ |website=Nintendo Enthusiast |date=15 August 2019 |access-date=22 April 2021}}{{cite web |last1=Lane |first1=Gavin |title=Digital Foundry Investigates New Chip Potentially Destined For Switch Mini And Switch Pro |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/06/digital_foundry_investigates_new_chip_potentially_destined_for_switch_mini_and_switch_pro |website=Nintendo Life |date=28 June 2019 |access-date=22 April 2021}} After the release of the Lite in late 2019, tools for hacking all Switch consoles were announced.Ernesto Van der Sar. [https://torrentfreak.com/nintendo-sues-stores-selling-new-team-xecuter-switch-piracy-hack-200518/ Nintendo Sues Stores Selling New ‘Team-Xecuter’ Switch Piracy Hack]. Torrent Freak. 18 May 2020 In September 2020, Gary Bowser was arrested in the Dominican Republic, and later appeared in court in the USA afterwards.[https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/two-members-notorious-videogame-piracy-group-team-xecuter-custody Two Members of Notorious Videogame Piracy Group “Team Xecuter” in Custody]. Department of Justice. Friday, 2 October 2020 The prosecution alleges that Bowser was a piracy group leader.[https://www.justice.gov/opa/press-release/file/1324026/download Indictment]. United States District Court For the Western District of Washington At Seattle

Despite popular misconceptions to the contrary, Horizon is not largely derived from FreeBSD code, nor from Android, although the software licence{{Cite web|url=http://wololo.net/2017/03/09/hackers-know-nintendo-switch-far/|title=What hackers know of the Nintendo Switch so far|date=9 March 2017|website=Wololo.net|access-date=13 March 2017}} and reverse engineering efforts{{cite web |title=Sockets services |url=https://switchbrew.org/wiki/Sockets_services |website=Switchbrew Wiki |access-date=30 August 2020}}{{cite web |title=Nvnflinger services |url=https://switchbrew.org/wiki/Nvnflinger_services#dispdrv |website=Switchbrew Wiki |access-date=30 August 2020}} have revealed that Nintendo does use some code from both in some system services and drivers. For example, the networking stack in the Switch OS is derived at least in part from FreeBSD code. Nintendo's use of FreeBSD networking code is legal as it is made available under the permissive BSD licence, and not even particularly unusual – for instance and interface, the Microsoft Windows TCP/IP stack (used since at least 2000 and XP) was originally derived from BSD code in a similar fashion, using part of its TCP/IP code for its implementation of TCP/IP, which was legal.{{cite web|title=Actually, Windows DOES use some BSD code|url=https://lwn.net/Articles/245805/|access-date=24 March 2018}}{{better source needed|date=February 2024}}{{cite web|url=http://www.kuro5hin.org/?op=displaystory;sid=2001/6/19/05641/7357|date=June 19, 2001|first=Adam|last=Barr|title=Microsoft, TCP/IP, Open Source, and Licensing|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051114154320/http://www.kuro5hin.org/?op=displaystory%3Bsid%3D2001%2F6%2F19%2F05641%2F7357|archive-date=November 14, 2005|url-status=dead|access-date=June 7, 2019}}

Components derived from Android code include the Stagefright multimedia framework,{{cite web|url=https://www.heise.de/security/meldung/Hacker-nehmen-Nintendos-Switch-ins-Visier-3646891.html?view=zoom;zoom=2|title=Hacker nehmen Nintendos Switch ins Visier|work=heise online|publisher=Heinz Heise|language=de|access-date=14 March 2017}} as well as components of the graphics stack including the display server (derived from SurfaceFlinger) and the graphics driver (which seems to be derived from Nvidia's proprietary Linux driver).{{cite web |title=NV services |url=https://switchbrew.org/wiki/NV_services |website=Switchbrew Wiki |access-date=30 August 2020}}

Although a full web browser intended for general browsing is not available on the console {{As of|2025|01|lc=y}}, several so-called 'applets' are included which utilise the WebKit rendering engine to display web content within a stripped back interface. A WebKit-powered applet is used to allow users to log in to captive portals when connecting to certain wireless networks, as well as for operating system features such as the Nintendo eShop, social media integrations, and digital manuals.{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/03/nintendo-switch-ships-with-unpatched-6-month-old-webkit-vulnerabilities/|title=Nintendo Switch ships with unpatched 6-month-old WebKit vulnerabilities|last=Cunningham|first=Andrew|work=Ars Technica|access-date=14 March 2017|date=13 March 2017}}{{cite web |title=Internet Browser |url=https://switchbrew.org/wiki/Internet_Browser#Browser_Applets |website=Switchbrew Wiki |access-date=30 August 2020}}

The Nintendo Switch home screen has battery, Internet and time information in the top right corner, and below it is a grid showing all software on the system, downloaded or physical. Underneath that it has shortcuts to OS functions such as Nintendo Switch Online, the News, eShop, Album, GameShare, Controller settings, Virtual Game Cards, System Settings, and a Sleep Mode button.{{Cite web|url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22308/p/897|title=HOME Menu Overview|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=10 June 2020}} Unlike previous Nintendo systems, the Nintendo Switch home screen currently lacks a web browser and a messaging system.

The News function of the Nintendo Switch software allows users to read gaming news and advertisements provided by Nintendo and third-party developers.{{Cite web|url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22488/p/897|title=News Overview|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=10 June 2020}} News is also displayed when the system is locked.{{Cite web|last=Ravenscraft|first=Eric|date=16 June 2017|title=How to Disable the Lock Screen On Your Nintendo Switch|url=https://www.howtogeek.com/311241/how-to-disable-the-lock-screen-on-your-nintendo-switch/|access-date=18 February 2021|website=How-To Geek|language=en-US}}

The News interface was originally available in the 1.0.0 version of the software, however new headlines were not transmitted until the 2.0.0 update was released. The 3.0.0 update revamped the News system, adding multiple news "channels" for different games that users can subscribe to. The news headlines that appear depend on which channels are subscribed to. The 4.0.0 update further improved the News screen, updating its layout. The 9.0.0 update added search support to the News channel, allowing users to narrow the list via filters or free text. The 10.0.0 update added a "Bookmark" feature, allowing users to save their favorite News articles.{{Cite press release|author=Amelia N.|title=New features have arrived!|type=Nintendo Switch News item|publisher=Nintendo|date=14 April 2020}}

{{main|Nintendo eShop}}

The Nintendo eShop option on the Home menu opens a WebKit-based interface that allows games to be purchased and downloaded from the Nintendo eShop.

As well as games, the eShop offers select non-gaming apps. Niconico, a popular Japanese video service, launched for the Switch in Japan on 13 July 2017 and was the Switch's first third-party media app in any market.{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/7/12/15958314/nintendo-switch-video-streaming-app-niconico|title=Nintendo Switch is getting its first streaming app|last=Frank|first=Allegra|date=12 July 2017|website=Polygon|access-date=12 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716055925/https://www.polygon.com/2017/7/12/15958314/nintendo-switch-video-streaming-app-niconico|archive-date=16 July 2017}} Hulu was the first video streaming application released for the Switch in the United States on 9 November 2017.{{Cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2017/11/9/16628108/nintendo-switch-hulu-app-release-date | title = Hulu coming to Nintendo Switch | first = Michael | last = McWhertor | date = 9 November 2017 | access-date = 9 November 2017 | website = Polygon | url-status=live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171109180309/https://www.polygon.com/2017/11/9/16628108/nintendo-switch-hulu-app-release-date | archive-date = 9 November 2017 | df = mdy-all }} In June 2018, Fils-Aimé said that conversations to bring Netflix to the Switch were "on-going".{{Cite news|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/06/conversations_to_bring_youtube_and_netflix_to_switch_are_on-going|title=Conversations To Bring YouTube And Netflix To Switch Are "On-Going"|last=Craddock|first=Ryan|date=14 June 2018|work=Nintendo Life|access-date=1 September 2018|language=en-GB}} A YouTube application was released on 8 November 2018.{{Cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/11/8/18064958/youtube-app-nintendo-switch-now-available-features | title = YouTube arrives on Nintendo Switch today | first = Chris | last = Welch | date = 8 November 2018 | access-date = 8 November 2018 | work = The Verge }} On 4 November 2020, a trial version app of the Tencent Video streaming service was launched exclusively for Nintendo Switch consoles officially distributed by Tencent in mainland China. An official version app will be launched at a later date.{{Cite web|url=https://cntechpost.com/2020/11/04/tencent-video-comes-to-nintendo-eshop-for-chinese-version-of-switch/ |title=Tencent Video comes to Nintendo eShop for Chinese version of Switch |date=4 November 2020 |website=cnTechPost |language=en |access-date=6 December 2020}} Funimation launched their own streaming app for the Nintendo Switch, featuring a reworked layout and new functions. The app became available via eShop in the United States and Canada on 15 December 2020, and will launch in various other countries at a later date,{{Cite news|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/12/its_official_funimation_is_releasing_its_anime_app_on_switch_this_week |title=It's Official, Funimation Is Releasing Its Anime App On Switch This Week |last=Doolan |first=Liam |date=14 December 2020 |work=Nintendo Life |access-date=15 December 2020 |language=en-GB}} such as the United Kingdom and Ireland on 22 March 2021.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/03/anime_app_funimation_launches_on_nintendo_switch_in_the_uk_and_ireland_today |title=Anime App Funimation Launches On Nintendo Switch In The UK And Ireland Today |last=Craddock |first=Ryan |date=22 March 2021 |work=Nintendo Life |access-date=27 March 2021 |language=en-GB}} A version of the Twitch app launched for the Nintendo Switch on 11 November 2021 in most regions worldwide. The eShop version of the app allows users to watch or follow any live or recorded content on Twitch, but does not support any native ability for Switch players to contribute content.{{Cite news|url=https://blog.twitch.tv/en/2021/11/11/twitch-on-switch-download-the-new-twitch-app-for-nintendo-switch/ |title=Twitch on Switch: Download the New Twitch App for Nintendo Switch |date=11 November 2021 |publisher=Official Twitch blog |access-date=3 February 2022 |language=en-US}}

Korg Gadget, a music production app, was released for the Nintendo Switch on 26 April 2018.{{Cite news|url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/4/26/17285050/nintendo-switch-eshop-update-games-list|title=Nintendo Switch eShop gets beloved music studio — but with some key changes|work=Polygon|access-date=8 November 2018}} InkyPen, a comics and manga subscription app, launched exclusively on the Switch worldwide in December 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/news/inkypen-lets-you-read-comic-books-on-nintendo-switch-launches-today|title=InkyPen lets you read comic books on Nintendo Switch – and the app's gone live|last=St Leger |first=Henry |website=TechRadar|date=17 December 2018 |language=en|access-date=17 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217134442/https://www.techradar.com/news/inkypen-lets-you-read-comic-books-on-nintendo-switch-launches-today |archive-date=17 December 2018 |url-status=live}} Izneo, another comics and manga subscription service, was released for the Switch in February 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/gaming/news/comic-book-graphic-novel-reader-izneo-hits-nintendo-switch-1203151509/|title=Comic Book, Graphic Novel Reader Izneo Hits Nintendo Switch|last=T. Wright|first=Steven|date=28 February 2019|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=1 March 2019}} FUZE4, a text-based programming language app, was released in August 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/fuze4-nintendo-switch/|title=FUZE4 Nintendo Switch|website=Nintendo of America|access-date=7 September 2019|archive-date=23 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190823202746/https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/fuze4-nintendo-switch/|url-status=dead}}

The Album stores captured screenshots and videos. Pressing the "Capture" button on the controller, in supported software, will save a screenshot, either to the microSD card, or to the system memory. The Album allows users to view screenshots that have been taken. Screenshots can be edited by adding text, and they can be shared to Facebook or Twitter.{{Cite web|url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22343/p/897|title=How to Capture and View Screenshots|date=1 July 2018|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=1 July 2018}} In addition, in supported games, holding down the Capture button briefly will save the last 30 seconds of video to the Album. It can then be trimmed and posted online.{{Cite web|url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/27540/p/897|title=How to Capture and Edit Gameplay Video|date=1 July 2018|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=1 July 2018}}

The 2.0.0 update added the ability to post screenshots to Facebook or Twitter from within the system UI, making it easier to share screenshots. The 4.0.0 update added support for saving 30 second videos, in compatible games. The 14.0.0 update added the ability to download screenshots and videos to a PC via a USB cable or to a Mobile device via a webpage hosting the files generated by the Switch.

Regardless of the amount of free space on the systems internal memory or microSD card there is a hard limit on the number of screenshots and videos that can be stored.{{cite web |title=Data management {{!}} Nintendo Switch Support {{!}} Nintendo |url=https://www.nintendo.com/ph/support/switch/data_management/index.html |website=Nintendo Homepage |access-date=12 April 2022}}

On May 9, 2024, it was announced that, as of June 10, 2024, that it would no longer be possible to post screenshots and videos on Twitter due to API changes.{{cite tweet|user=nintendoamerica|number=1788375084886892947|title=As of June 10, 2024, it will no longer be possible to post screenshots and videos to X (formerly Twitter) from the Nintendo Switch's Album, or send friend requests to social media users via the Friend Suggestions feature.|author=Nintendo of America|language=en|access-date=October 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510184025/https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1788375084886892947|archive-date=May 10, 2024|url-status=live}}

The Controllers menu allows controllers to be paired, disconnected, or reconnected. The 3.0.0 update added the "Find Controllers" option, which allows any nearby controllers that have been paired to be remotely turned on and vibrated, to help find lost controllers.{{Cite web|url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/26319/p/897|title=How to Use the "Find Controllers" Feature|date=1 July 2018|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=1 July 2018}}

The Settings option allows for system settings to be changed, and includes other functionality, such as creating Miis.{{Cite web|url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22378/~/how-to-create-a-mii|title=How to Create a Mii|date=1 July 2018|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=1 July 2018}}

The Nintendo Switch has a hidden Recovery Mode (RCM) feature, which can be accessed by powering off the unit, then using a specially-constructed jig to short-circuit two pins on the right-hand Joy-Con connector, and then holding down the volume up button while powering on the unit. The unit would then boot without the Nintendo logo, indicating that Recovery Mode has been successfully activated. The feature is also used as an exploit on unpatched version 1.0.0 units to run homebrew software, which has been investigated for the purpose of digital forensics acquisition.{{cite journal | doi=10.1016/j.fsidi.2021.301110 | title=Dead Man's Switch: Forensic Autopsy of the Nintendo Switch | year=2021 | last1=Barr-Smith | first1=Frederick | last2=Farrant | first2=Thomas | last3=Leonard-Lagarde | first3=Benjamin | last4=Rigby | first4=Danny | last5=Rigby | first5=Sash | last6=Sibley-Calder | first6=Frederick | journal=Forensic Science International: Digital Investigation | volume=36 | page=301110 | s2cid=233402022 | doi-access=free }}

The initial version of the system software for Nintendo Switch on the launch day consoles was updated as a "day one" patch on 3 March 2017, the console's launch date.{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/03/nintendo-switch-review/|title=Nintendo Switch review: Meet the Game Boy Entertainment System|website=ArsTechnica|publisher=Condé Nast | author = Kyle Orland | date = 2 March 2017}} The update added online features that were previously missing from the original software before its official launch date. Some notable features of this update are access to the Nintendo eShop as well as the ability to add friends to a friends list, similar to that of the Nintendo 3DS.{{cite web|url=https://nintendotimes.com/2017/02/23/day-1-nintendo-switch-os-update-details/|title=Day 1 Nintendo Switch OS Update Details|website=NintendoTimes| author = Craig Majaski | date = 23 February 2017}} On 7 June 2021, patch 12.0.3 was released, but was removed 12 hours later for problems with network connections as well as issues with MicroSDXC cards.{{cite web |last1=Doolan |first1=Liam |last2=Craddock |first2=Ryan |title=Nintendo Halts Distribution Of Switch System Update 12.0.3 |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/06/nintendo_halts_distribution_of_switch_system_update_12_0_3 |website=Nintendo Life |access-date=8 June 2021}}

The April 2021 firmware update was found by dataminers to have added rudimentary support for Bluetooth audio.{{cite web |last1=Manito |title=Use Bluetooth Earbuds on Switch WITHOUT an Adapter |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RAJqkklLuI |website=YouTube |date=28 April 2021 |access-date=4 May 2021}}{{cite web |last1=Doolan |first1=Liam |title=Firmware update has apparently added bluetooth audio support |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/04/rumour_the_latest_switch_firmware_update_has_apparently_added_bluetooth_audio_support |website=Nintendo Life |date=8 April 2021 |access-date=29 April 2021}} This support was expanded and made available to regular users on September 14, 2021, when patch 13.0 was released. Patch 13.0 also added the ability to apply software updates to the Switch Dock (only applicable for docks released with the Switch OLED Model, which have a built-in LAN port), and a new setting for Sleep Mode that allows the Switch to maintain an Internet connection when the Switch is asleep to download updates. When disabled, the console will only connect to the Internet occasionally when asleep, in order to save power. Additionally, Patch 13.0 changed the method to initiate a control stick calibration and allowed users to view their wireless Internet frequency band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) on the Internet Connection Status page.

In November 2021, the 13.1.0 version update added support for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.{{Cite web|title=Nintendo Switch System Updates and Change History|url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22525#current|access-date=16 November 2021|website=Nintendo Support}}

The 14.0.0 update in March 2022 added a Groups feature, allowing users to sort games into groups as a means to declutter the game collection screen.{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-switch-patch-finally-adds-folders-so-you-can-organize-your-games/1100-6501761/ | title = Nintendo Switch Patch Finally Adds Folders So You Can Organize Your Games | first = Phil | last = Hornshaw | date = March 21, 2022 | access-date = March 21, 2022 | work = GameSpot }}

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{{Nintendo Switch}}

{{Video game console system software}}

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Category:2017 software

Category:Game console operating systems

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Category:Microkernels

Category:Nintendo Switch

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