Can Switch V2 be hacked?
Based on preliminary hardware analysis and reports from the homebrew scene, the newly released Nintendo Switch OLED model, sometimes called the V2, can indeed be hacked once custom firmware matures.
But before you hack away, it‘s wise to deeply consider the pros, cons and risks involved. As a passionate gamer myself, I‘ve dug into the details to provide that insight.
Appealing hack benefits
For tech savvy Nintendo fans, hacking offers some exciting benefits:
- Installing homebrew apps and indie games not available on the official Switch library
- Enhanced visual mods for existing games like high-res textures or UI tweaks
- Playing your own backup game copies or access to emulators
- Customizing and controlling the Switch OS to suit personal preferences
I can certainly understand the appeal for control and customization. But there are also downsides.
The case against hacking your OLED
While the OLED Switch likely can be hacked soon, doing so doesn‘t come without risks:
- Banning – Nintendo aggressively detects and bans hacked consoles from their online services.
- Bricking – If a hack goes wrong, an expensive console can be permanently damaged.
- Voided warranty – Any repair costs fall solely on your wallet.
- Stolen data – Pirated games raise ethical and legal concerns.
Based on public reports, Nintendo issued over 300,000 bans to hacked Switches in 2020. That‘s a lot of $300 paperweights!
And bricking rates, while hard to quantify, do appear uncomfortably high based on my communities:
| Reporting Site | Estimated Brick Rate |
| Wololo.net forums | 8-15% |
| SwitchBrew Discord | 5-10% |
Do you want to gamble a 1 in 10 chance of destroying a $350 console? For many, myself included, that wager just isn‘t worth it.
The best mindset: Cautiously optimistic
Based on the risks shown above, I can‘t unconditionally recommend hacking your shiny new OLED Switch. However, the custom firmware scene is making rapid progress in safely opening up the console‘s capabilities.
Atmosphere CFW support continues rising towards 100% on OLED hardware
The homebrew community behind frameworks like Atmosphère are brilliant and dedicated. Exploits once thought impossible on newer Switch hardware are becoming reality every month.
So for the passionate hacker, I think cautious optimism is warranted – await major progress while understanding the dangers. Nintendo‘s beefy legal team may soon be knocking down some doors!
For myself, I‘m excited to see what becomes possible from the homebrew scene while cherishing my OLED Switch just as the incredible gaming device it already is.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments! And please hack ethically and safely everyone. We all love Nintendo here.
