The Nintendo Switch Is Vulnerable to Hacks

It could be the hacked PSP days all over again.

Gaming
7.1K 3 Comments

A hardware exploit has been discovered that leaves the Nintendo Switch vulnerable to hacks. ReSwitched first reported a coding mistake in the system’s read-only bootROM that cannot be patched once the device is shipped from manufacturers, like most Nvidia Tegra X1 chip-powered devices.

The workaround to access the bootROM is by forcing the Switch into USB recovery mode and overwhelming its direct memory access buffer. To get into USB recovery mode however, means you must short a single pin in the console’s Joy-Con connector. Hacking team fail0verflow found out about this exploit previously, creating a device that makes shorting the USB pin easier.

They even tweeted the system running a copy of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, suggesting the team got a Dolphin emulator to work on the device using a bootROM exploit they also found. The hacking community is already developing easier ways to jailbreak the Switch, but if the method continues to require a bit of hacking know-how, third parties will inevitably begin selling jailbroken Switch units.

In related news, a college university is offering scholarships to top Fortnite players.

Read Full Article

What to Read Next

Is This Our First Look at the Nintendo Switch 2?
Gaming

Is This Our First Look at the Nintendo Switch 2?

While this isn’t an official reveal from Nintendo, dbrand’s latest renders might be the closest thing yet to what the upcoming console will look like.

Nintendo’s Mystery Switch Online Playtest Fills Up in Seconds
Gaming

Nintendo’s Mystery Switch Online Playtest Fills Up in Seconds

Many are speculating the test pertains to the Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 Will Be Compatible With Original Switch Games
Gaming

Nintendo Switch 2 Will Be Compatible With Original Switch Games

The device will also carry over to Nintendo Switch Online.


Nintendo Officially Reveals Its Next-Gen Switch 2 Console
Gaming

Nintendo Officially Reveals Its Next-Gen Switch 2 Console

The long-awaited successor to the wildly popular Nintendo Switch, the Switch 2 will arrive sometime in 2025.

Nike's Air Max 97 Gets Covered in Reflective Silver
Footwear

Nike's Air Max 97 Gets Covered in Reflective Silver

Glow time.

Kanye West to Hot 97's Ebro Darden: “I Love You”
Music

Kanye West to Hot 97's Ebro Darden: “I Love You”

The two promised to meet privately in person before their next on-air interview.

Air Jordan 4 "Raptors" Supposedly Reveals Drake's Move to adidas
Footwear

Air Jordan 4 "Raptors" Supposedly Reveals Drake's Move to adidas

All because of one small detail.

Meek Mill Is Being Released From Prison
Music

Meek Mill Is Being Released From Prison

A long time coming.

Lil Yachty Joins Tee Grizzley for "2 Vaults"
Music

Lil Yachty Joins Tee Grizzley for "2 Vaults"

More impressions from Tee’s upcoming debut album.


BODYSONG Debuts World's Most Ludicrous Dad Shoe
Footwear

BODYSONG Debuts World's Most Ludicrous Dad Shoe

Part ugly sneaker, part sandal.

CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Introduces Spring/Summer 2018 Handbags
Fashion

CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Introduces Spring/Summer 2018 Handbags

Four bold, unique choices.

A First Look at the atmos x Reebok DMX Run 10
Footwear

A First Look at the atmos x Reebok DMX Run 10

A new take on a classic silhouette.

UPDATE: Instagram Will Soon Allow Its Users to Download Their Data
Tech & Gadgets

UPDATE: Instagram Will Soon Allow Its Users to Download Their Data

Giving you “a copy of everything you’ve shared on Instagram.”

Air Jordan 1 Retro High Flyknit "Clay Green" Drops Next Month
Footwear

Air Jordan 1 Retro High Flyknit "Clay Green" Drops Next Month

The Flyknit alternative gets another color option.

More ▾