Nut is a multi-purpose utility to organize, manage, and install Nintendo Switch files (NSP, NSZ, XCI, XCZ) .

What plays XCI files?

XCI files are typically used to install and play games on a Nintendo Switch console using a custom firmware, such as Atmosphere or SX OS. XCI files contain the entire game content, including game data and updates.

What is the difference between NSP and XCI files?

NSP is what the eShop uses to install a game or update. While XCI is a game cartridge dump . You can use either of them. But in both cases when you install game updates (which are always in NSP format because they're acquired through the eShop), you need to make sure the update matches the game's region.

Is XCI or NSP better for emulation?

Go for the XCI . But if speed and convenience are your jam, the NSP is your digital download destiny. Remember, this is just the tip of the iceberg (or should we say, the Korok seed?). There's a whole world of Switch emulation nuances to explore, but hopefully, this lighthearted guide has demystified the XCI vs.

What does XCI mean in roms?

An XCI file, also known as “ NX Card Image ” file, is a file format used for storing Nintendo Switch game cartridges' data; these files are typically used in context of Nintendo Switch homebrew software, backup utilities and custom firmware (CFW) installations; contain game's ROM data and can be loaded onto Nintendo ...

What is Xilinx XCI file?

Vivado Design Suite Xilinx Core Instance files (XCI) XCI format IP cores are native to the Vivado Design Suite and can be added to the design or project by customizing the IP core from the Xilinx IP catalog, or by using the File > Add Sources command to directly add the files.

How to split xci files?

The solution would be to first convert the file from XCI to NSP, and then split that NSP into 4GiB chunks which can fit on the Micro SD card. Then, set the Archive attribute on the folder and files so that NSP install tools can read the converted software and install it.

What is a tinfoil switch?

Keeping your games up to date is important. Tinfoil helps manage all of your updates and patches, so you know what to install.

How to use install via USB?

Installing Applications Using the USB Connection Connect the device to a host computer using the USB-C cable. On the device, pull down the Notification panel and touch. ... Touch. ... On the host computer, open a file explorer application. On the host computer, copy the application APK file from the host computer to the device. More items...

What is a NS USBloader?

NS-USBloader is: A PC-side installer for Huntereb/Awoo-Installer / other compatible installers (USB and Network supported) and XorTroll/Goldleaf (USB) NSP installer . Alternative to default usb_install_pc.py, remote_install_pc.py, GoldTree/Quark.

How do I install apps on a USB?

USB Drive must have FAT32 format. Plug the USB drive into the USB port on the host computer. On the host computer, open a file explorer application. Copy the application APK file from the host computer to the USB drive. ... Eject the USB drive from the host computer. Open the locking door on the side of the device. More items...

Can you use a USB drive on Nintendo Switch?

Nintendo Switch consoles do not currently support external hard drives .

Installing XCI over USB? (2024)

upfromtheskies

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Is there any way to install XCI over USB? I've been told this can be done with nut and tinfoil, but I can't get nut to recognize my xci files. I've also tried a USB HDD, but tinfoil doesn't see my XCI files on it.

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If you gonna install XCI may as well just install NSP instead, smaller size where it would save you storage space in the long run.

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upfromtheskies

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Hayato213 said:
If you gonna install XCI may as well just install NSP instead, smaller size where it would save you storage space in the long run.
Click to expand...

The reason I'm using XCI is because I can play them mounted from the USB HDD connected to my Switch dock, but I would like to be able to install games to my SD card too and I don't want to keep two different versions of games.

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upfromtheskies said:
See Also
.XCI format games: How do install?how to install nsp and XCI games through usb?
The reason I'm using XCI is because I can play them mounted from the USB HDD connected to my Switch dock, but I would like to be able to install games to my SD card too and I don't want to keep two different versions of games.
Click to expand...

Tinfoil does allow XCI installation but it require the acid patch, and I don't really understand the naming convention with nut server so I can't help you with that.

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upfromtheskies

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Hayato213 said:
Tinfoil does allow XCI installation but it require the acid patch, and I don't really understand the naming convention with nut server so I can't help you with that.
Click to expand...

I think my tinfoil is patched because I can install XCI with it from google drive, but it won't see XCI on my external HDD. Do you know if they need to be in certain folders?

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upfromtheskies said:
I think my tinfoil is patched because I can install XCI with it from google drive, but it won't see XCI on my external HDD. Do you know if they need to be in certain folders?
Click to expand...

Sorry, not sure.

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upfromtheskies said:
I think my tinfoil is patched because I can install XCI with it from google drive, but it won't see XCI on my external HDD. Do you know if they need to be in certain folders?
Click to expand...

put [titleid] in the file name (replace titleid wih the games title id)

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Why don't you just install them from the external hard drive using SX OS while docked? You could always delete them later but they would stay on your external. Instead of messing with a computer that would be the easiest way. Just go to Album then Installer, and hit a to install.

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upfromtheskies said:
Is there any way to install XCI over USB? I've been told this can be done with nut and tinfoil, but I can't get nut to recognize my xci files. I've also tried a USB HDD, but tinfoil doesn't see my XCI files on it.
Click to expand...

Do what I do keep a copy of a few games on my sd in xci format, when you boot up SX with hdd attached, hdd always take priority and sd games are at the end. If not hdd sd games appear and it can be the xci on both so the same version

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upfromtheskies said:
I think my tinfoil is patched because I can install XCI with it from google drive, but it won't see XCI on my external HDD. Do you know if they need to be in certain folders?
Click to expand...

Also add "usbfs" to the file browser and you can install any XCI no matter what it is named (as long as it ends in xci).

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upfromtheskies

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EmulateLife said:
Why don't you just install them from the external hard drive using SX OS while docked? You could always delete them later but they would stay on your external. Instead of messing with a computer that would be the easiest way. Just go to Album then Installer, and hit a to install.
Click to expand...

I've been told to avoid doing this because they won't work with NSP updates and DLC when installed that way - but I've never tested it. If I do this with untrimmed XCI will it install the untrimmed part too?

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

blawar said:
Also add "usbfs" to the file browser and you can install any XCI no matter what it is named (as long as it ends in xci).
Click to expand...

When I open USBFS in the file browser of tinfoil it's empty - even when I have my external HDD attached with XCI - do I need to make a folder called USBFS?

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upfromtheskies said:
I've been told to avoid doing this because they won't work with NSP updates and DLC when installed that way - but I've never tested it. If I do this with untrimmed XCI will it install the untrimmed part too?
--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------
When I open USBFS in the file browser of tinfoil it's empty - even when I have my external HDD attached with XCI - do I need to make a folder called USBFS?
Click to expand...

My apologies got mixed up with nut usb installation, just browse to the XCI using usbhdd in tinfoil. add usbhdd protocol if it isnt listed.

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upfromtheskies

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blawar said:
My apologies got mixed up with nut usb installation, just browse to the XCI using usbhdd in tinfoil. add usbhdd protocol if it isnt listed.
Click to expand...

This fixed my problem with USB HDD install, I didn't realize I had to add usbhdd, and it wasn't appearing before in the file browser so I assumed tinfoil wasn't seeing my HDD. Thank you!

Btw - any way to get nut to recognize XCI? I've tried adding title ID to the file, but it won't see any XCI when I scan for files.

Installing XCI over USB? (2024)

upfromtheskies

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