My Journey Hacking a Japanese Nintendo Switch for English Games

As an avid gamer, I couldn‘t resist picking up one of the special edition Monster Hunter Rise Nintendo Switch OLED models on a trip to Akihabara. Despite not being able to read Japanese, I appreciated the collectible value and smaller form factor. Little did I know the difficulties I would face trying to play my favorite games back home…

After spending countless hours attempting to navigate the Japanese user interface, I finally discovered the language toggle buried in the system settings menu. But changing to English proved to be only the first step on my journey towards Switch import enlightenment. Read on to learn from my experiences.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Nintendo Switch‘s Language Setting

While the Switch is region-free for playing physical game cards from any country, the user interface language depends on what region your account profile is associated with.

Here is the exact step-by-step process to change the language:

1. From the HOME menu with game icons, press the power button to access Quick Settings then select the gear icon for System Settings.
2. Scroll down to the 4th option 本体設定 (System Settings) and click the A button to select it.
3. On the next settings menu, choose the 3rd option 言語 (Language)
4. A list displays 12 language options. Scroll down to English and select it.
5. Confirm the prompt asking if you want to change device language.
6. Press the B button repeatedly to go back to the HOME menu.
7. After a brief loading period allowing assets to reload, menus now display in English!

Below are screenshots I captured midway through the process:

For a video demonstration, refer to this excellent YouTube walkthrough by Taki Udon.

The Cat and Mouse Game: Nintendo‘s History of Region Locking Policies

The Switch marked a dramatic strategic shift for Nintendo regarding region locks. But why region lock at all? And why reverse course after decades of restrictive policies aimed at segmenting the international gaming market?

Understanding the complex interplay of political, technological, and economic factors underlying Nintendo‘s past region locking provides context to appreciate the Switch‘s impact.

Below is a timeline showing the ever-evolving region lock status for Nintendo‘s major console hardware generations:

+-----------------------+----------------+
| System                | Region Locking |  
+-----------------------+----------------+
| Famicon/NES           | No             |
| Super Famicon/SNES    | No             |    
| Nintendo 64           | No             |
| GameCube              | Yes            |
| Wii                   | Backwards (JP) |           
| Wii U                 | Yes            |   
| Nintendo Switch       | No             |
+-----------------------+----------------+

As evident above, the Switch marked a return to Nintendo‘s early roots – a dramatic rollback of unpopular policies restricting gamers‘ software choices based on geography.

Many theories attempt to explain the business motivations behind Nintendo‘s inconsistencies regarding region locking:

• Mitigating overseas grey market imports
• Extending console lifespan by segmenting game releases
• Streamlining manufacturing and supply chain logistics
• Catering to publisher regional licensing deals
• Combating piracy by blocking code altering mods

In my opinion, the transparency and connectiveness of the internet fundamentally altered the playing field. Savvy consumers can now easily circumvent technogical restrictions while rallying public pressure through online activism. The risks of public backlash finally outweighed the benefits of tight control for Nintendo.

Testing Top Games for Import Compatibility

To definitively settle compatibility questions when importing Switch games, I methodically tested the top 20 titles on the Japanese eShop cartridge releases. The key aspects examined were:

1. Ability to launch game
2. Menu/interface languages available
3. Playability without Japanese proficiency

For testing conditions, I used my hacked Monster Hunter edition OLED to evaluate the game cards. Note that digitally downloaded versions were not tested.

Here are the results, ranked by Japanese sales volume:

(* Requires physical activity without translations)
(** Supplementary game card with no software)

The universal theme seems to be that first party Nintendo titles offer full English support even in Japanese editions. But third party games are hit or miss depending on the devs. However the importing risk is relatively low given that 17 out of 20 top sellers provided English and required minimal Japanese proficiency.

I was pleasantly surprised that historically Japan-centric series like Splatoon and Ring Fit work great translated. But naturally a game like Momotaro Dentetsu built on Japanese culture makes importing nonsensical.

Cost Savings from Sourcing Hardware and Games in Japan

Pricing analysis shows tangible cost advantages buying Switch consoles and games in Japan compared to US MSRPs:

Forex rate of 115¥ = $1 USD used

Since the OLED model‘s launch in late 2021, Japan consistently sees 15%+ discounts from US MSRP even after shipping/import fees.

Based on historical forex trends and inflation forecasts, the ¥/USD exchange advantage may widen to 20%+ differentials in 2023-2024 if the BOJ maintains dovish monetary policies. This would further grow the arbitrage from buying Switch goods in Japan.

On accessories and games, the savings appear less substantial on a percentage basis but still worthwhile for high demand items difficult to find at US retailers. Rare special editions like my Splatoon-themed Switch can demand 2-3X premiums domestically.

From personal experience buying 10+ items, I recommend Nin-Nin-Game as a reliable import shop with reasonable international shipping fees. They package items very securely and include nice freebies like Japanese candy.

Based on user reports, here are approximate shipping times to expect:

+---------------------+------------+  
| Shipping Method     | Delivery Time |
+---------------------+------------+
| DHL                 | 3-5 days      |   
| FedEx               | 5-7 days      |
| International Parcel| 7-14 days     |  
+---------------------+------------+

I‘d budget 2-3 weeks for ground shipping methods, while DHL/FedEx shrinks the lead time to under 1 week for barely higher fees.

Modding Japanese Hardware for Full Compatibility

Out of the box, the Switch cannot natively run physical cartridges from other major regions like North America – the slots are physically incompatible. Japanese carts have read contacts in a different position than NA ones.

But hardware mods can overcome this limitation by adding a cartridge slot extender enabling worldwide physical media support. The most popular option is the OXY-005 switch modchip.

Here is a step-by-step installation guide for the OXY-005:

1. Disassemble the Switch and disconnect battery cable
2. Attach the chip wires to specific solder points on the main board based on the video tutorial
3. Carefully reassemble the console without pinching any wires
4. Download the SX firmware installer and license files
5. Run the payload to flash custom firmware on the modded console

Required parts include:

Below are some photos midway through my modchip installation process:

Post-installation, loading times are slightly longer when swapping carts. And you must re-insert JP game cards a couple times for initial reading. But then they work perfectly!

The console hacking scene evolves rapidly, so research carefully before attempting any invasive mods. And know that tampering does technically void your Switch‘s warranty. Nevertheless, I found the hardware customization project extremely rewarding overall!

Looking Towards the Future of Switch Mods and Imports

Considering the stellar homebrew development momentum and passion of the Switch hacking community, I anticipate continued breakthroughs enabling ever deeper access and control of Switch hardware and software. Support for formats like emulators and backups add functionality rivaling legacy Nintendo portables.

Once exploits fully mature to make modifications more turnkey for average users, importing Japan-exclusive content becomes an easy choice granting worldwide Switch gamers huge benefits:

• Playing games early via broken street dates
• Expanding libraries with Japan-only titles
• Preserving niche games without localization plans
• Customizing visuals with JDM-style Joycons
• Experimenting with creative game mods and translations

So while Nintendo may have backed off aggressive region locking, determined gaming enthusiasts wield tools to transcend international barriers regardless. The Switch platform‘s unprecedented openness directly empowers users willing to tinker in order to access the very best content.

I will update this guide as the landscape evolves across the Switch‘s lifecycle. Please reach out with any questions!

-Guru Gamze (@GuruGamze)