Update Nintendo Switch Firmware With CFW: A Simple Guide

Nov 10, 2025 by Admin 57 views

Hey guys! Updating your Nintendo Switch firmware when you're running Custom Firmware (CFW) might seem like a daunting task, but trust me, it's totally doable. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, so you can keep your Switch up-to-date and enjoy all the latest games and features. Let's dive in!

Why Update Your Firmware with CFW?

Before we get started, let's talk about why updating your firmware is important, even when you're using CFW. Here's the lowdown:

Game Compatibility: Newer games often require a specific firmware version to run. If you're rocking an outdated firmware, you might miss out on some awesome titles.
New Features: Nintendo regularly rolls out new features and improvements with firmware updates. These can include everything from UI tweaks to enhanced online services.
Bug Fixes and Security Patches: Firmware updates also address bugs and security vulnerabilities, keeping your Switch running smoothly and protecting it from potential threats. Think of it like updating your computer's operating system – it's essential for maintaining performance and security.
Maintaining CFW Compatibility: As the Switch's official firmware evolves, so do the tools and methods used for CFW. Updating ensures that your CFW remains compatible and functional. This is critical because an incompatible CFW can lead to issues like boot failures or even bricking your console. It's like making sure your favorite apps are compatible with the latest version of your smartphone's OS; you want everything to work together seamlessly.

Keeping your firmware updated allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds: the flexibility and customization of CFW, along with the latest games, features, and security updates from Nintendo. It's a win-win!

Prerequisites

Before we jump into the actual update process, let's make sure you have everything you need. This will save you a lot of headaches down the road.

A Nintendo Switch Console: Obviously, you'll need your trusty Nintendo Switch. Make sure it's charged and ready to go.
Custom Firmware (CFW): This guide assumes you already have CFW installed on your Switch. If you don't, you'll need to set that up first. Popular CFW options include Atmosphere and ReiNX.
An SD Card: You'll need an SD card with enough free space to download and install the firmware update. A 32GB card should be plenty.
A Computer: You'll need a computer with internet access to download the necessary files.
A USB Cable: You'll need a USB cable to connect your Switch to your computer.
Hekate: This is a bootloader that's often used with Atmosphere. Make sure you have the latest version.
Firmware Files: You'll need the firmware files for the version you want to update to. You can find these on various forums and websites.
ChoiDujourNX: This is a tool that allows you to install the firmware update without burning fuses. This is crucial for preserving your ability to downgrade in the future.

Having all these things in place before you start will ensure a smooth and successful update process. Trust me, preparation is key!

Step-by-Step Guide to Updating Your Firmware

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here's a step-by-step guide to updating your Nintendo Switch firmware with CFW.

Step 1: Download the Necessary Files

First things first, you'll need to download a few essential files. Make sure you get these from a reputable source to avoid any potential issues.

Download the Latest Hekate: Head over to the official Hekate GitHub page and download the latest release. Extract the contents of the ZIP file to a folder on your computer.
Download ChoiDujourNX: You can find ChoiDujourNX on GitHub or other Switch hacking communities. Download the latest version and extract it to a folder on your computer.
Download the Firmware Files: This is the most important part. Make sure you download the correct firmware files for your region and Switch model. These files usually come in a ZIP archive. Extract them to a folder on your computer.

Step 2: Prepare Your SD Card

Now that you have all the necessary files, it's time to prepare your SD card.

Copy Hekate Files: Copy the bootloader folder from the Hekate ZIP file to the root of your SD card. This will update your Hekate installation.
Create a ChoiDujourNX Folder: Create a folder named ChoiDujourNX on the root of your SD card. Copy the ChoiDujourNX .nro file to this folder.
Copy Firmware Files: Create a folder named firmware (or any name you prefer) on the root of your SD card. Copy the extracted firmware files to this folder.

Step 3: Boot into Hekate

Next, you'll need to boot your Switch into Hekate.

Power Off Your Switch: Make sure your Switch is completely powered off.
Enter RCM Mode: This varies depending on your Switch model. For older models, you'll need to use a jig to short the RCM pins on the right Joy-Con rail. For newer models, you might need to use a different method. Consult a guide specific to your Switch model if you're unsure.
Boot into Hekate: Use a USB cable to connect your Switch to your computer. Use a program like TegraRcmGUI to inject the Hekate payload. Your Switch should boot into the Hekate menu.

Step 4: Launch ChoiDujourNX

Once you're in Hekate, it's time to launch ChoiDujourNX.

Navigate to "Launch": Use the volume and power buttons to navigate the Hekate menu. Select the "Launch" option.
Select "CFW": Choose the option to launch your CFW (usually Atmosphere or ReiNX).
Open the Homebrew Menu: Once your CFW is loaded, open the Homebrew Menu by pressing the Album button.
Launch ChoiDujourNX: Find ChoiDujourNX in the Homebrew Menu and launch it.

Step 5: Install the Firmware Update

Now comes the exciting part – installing the firmware update!

Select the Firmware Folder: In ChoiDujourNX, navigate to the folder where you copied the firmware files on your SD card.
Select the Firmware Version: ChoiDujourNX will detect the firmware version in the folder. Select it to proceed.
Choose Installation Options: ChoiDujourNX will present you with several options. Make sure to select the following:
- ExFat: If you're using an ExFat formatted SD card, select this option.
- Keep Fuses: This is crucial! Make sure this option is selected. It prevents the Switch from burning fuses, which allows you to downgrade your firmware in the future.
Start Installation: Once you've selected the options, start the installation process. ChoiDujourNX will install the firmware update to your Switch.
Wait for Completion: The installation process may take some time. Be patient and wait for it to complete. Do not interrupt the process, or you could brick your Switch.

Step 6: Reboot Your Switch

After the installation is complete, ChoiDujourNX will prompt you to reboot your Switch.

Reboot to CFW: Reboot your Switch to CFW through Hekate.
Verify the Update: Once your Switch has rebooted, go to System Settings and check the firmware version. It should match the version you just installed.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes, things don't go as planned. Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to fix them.

Switch Won't Boot: If your Switch won't boot after the update, try booting into Hekate and launching CFW from there. If that doesn't work, you might need to restore a backup.
ChoiDujourNX Crashes: Make sure you're using the latest version of ChoiDujourNX. If it still crashes, try re-downloading it from a different source.
Firmware Not Detected: Double-check that you've copied the firmware files to the correct folder on your SD card. Also, make sure the files are not corrupted.
Games Not Working: Some games might require specific CFW configurations. Consult online forums and communities for help.

Conclusion

Updating your Nintendo Switch firmware with CFW might seem a bit complicated at first, but with this guide, you should be able to do it without any major issues. Remember to follow the steps carefully and double-check everything before you proceed. Happy gaming!