Hekate is a custom firmware (CFW) and bootloader for the Nintendo Switch gaming console. It is often used for various purposes, including running homebrew applications and customizing the Switch’s functionality. If you’re looking to switch or update it on your Nintendo Switch, you’ll typically need to follow these steps:
Backup Your Data:
Before making any changes to your Nintendo Switch’s firmware or bootloader, it’s crucial to back up your data. This includes your game saves and important files.
Download the Latest Hekate:
Visit the official it GitHub repository or another trusted source to download the latest version of it.
Prepare Your SD Card: Ensure you have an SD card that’s compatible with your Nintendo Switch and has enough space to store the files. Format the SD card to FAT32 or exFAT, depending on the size of your card.
Copy Hekate Files: Extract the downloaded files and copy them to the root directory of your SD card. You should have files like “ctcaer.bin” and “ipl.ini” on the root of your SD card.
Accessing it: To access it, you’ll typically need to launch it from a custom entry point, such as a payload launcher or a custom bootloader like Atmosphere. Common methods include using a payload injector like TegraRCMGUI on a PC or using a dedicated hardware dongle like an RCM Jig.
Boot Into it: Put your Nintendo Switch into RCM (Recovery Mode) and inject the payload using your chosen method. This will launch the bootloader.
Using it: Once in the menu, you can use it to perform various actions, including launching custom firmware like Atmosphere, backing up your NAND, or updating itself.
Follow On-Screen Instructions: Depending on your specific goals, you will need to navigate the menu and follow the on-screen instructions for the task you want to perform.
Exit it: After you’ve completed your desired tasks, you can usually use the on-screen options to exit it. This might involve shutting down your Switch or launching the custom firmware of your choice.
