Noob: how to restore NAND backup? can i play game without update?

[shapnil]

So... i know i should backup boot0/1.bin and rawnand.bin from hekate before attempting any hacking.
But because i'm new to this, i may f*** something up and my switch may not boot. so, here is my main question - How do i restore the NAND backup from my pc back to my switch? do i just put the boot0/1 and rawnand bin files into the sdcard and use hekate>tools>restore ? will that flash the bin files back into the switch's internal flash memory? like...everyone says how to backup, but nobody says how to RESTORE in case something goes wrong.

I keep hearing words like sysNAND,emuNAND,emuMMC. correct me if i'm wrong, from what i've learned i'm assuming -
sysNAND= the original NAND inside switch's internal flash memory (which has to be backed up before everything)
emuNAND= emulating the original NAND from sdcard instead of internal flash memory (complicated stuff, only available in SX-OS)
emuMMC= putting the boot0,boot1,rawnand bin files into 1 file and using that for emuNAND (I don't know man)

i'm going to use atmosphere, as it is the easiest to get into. here's a short breakdown of everything i've learned -
1)backup original NAND (boot0/1 , rawnand.bin) using hekate.
2)copy atmosphere to sdcard and apply sigpatches.
3)inject fusee-primary.bin to boot into atmosphere.
4)use ChoidujourNx to downgrade to 6.2.0 (exfat), autoRCM enabled.
5)download nsp files and use tinfoil to install

another question - there's 'base_game(v0).nsp' and there's 'update.nsp'. if i install only base_game using tinfoil, i should be able to play it, right? i saw a video where the guy installs the base_game using tinfoil and tries to open it, but instead is asked to download update (the game wouldn't start) , so he installs the update.nsp as well and then the game starts. So, do i have to download a game as well as its update for it to start?
help pls @dorianx12

 

[DorianX]

You are correct. you HAVE to back up boot0/1.bin and rawnand.bin as you will need them all. once you finish a back up on hetake. take your SD card our your switch. then plug your sd card on your pc and move your boot0/1.bin and rawnand.bin to your pc for safe keeping ( no need to have them using space on your SD card, also if your sd ever goes corrupt having those files on your pc will be a life saver )

how to do a restore your switch to riginal with your NAND backup.
1: plug your SD card in your PC then make a folder at the root of your SD card name ( Bakcup/ restore and then Copy your NAND/ boot0/1.bin inside the restore folder
2: Put your nintendo Switch in RCM. then take your SD out your pc and put it inside your nintendo switch and boot into hetake
3) once you are on the Hetake menu. select Tools using your volume keys (touch screen does not work on hetake menu)
4) select restore
5) select Restore EMMC RAW ccp (exfat) and then press power to continue. ( now be patient this process might take a while to restore)
6) when the process is finished you have to click on Restore EMMC boot0/1.bin seleck it and restore it, this process takes 1 minute.
and there you have it, Nand has been restored and your switch software will be virgin again. ( at this time you can go connect you switch online and create a nintendo account, download games and apps make sure to disable auto update from the settings as you might update by mistake)

you wrote this below
1)backup original NAND (boot0/1 , rawnand.bin) using hekate.
2)copy atmosphere to sdcard and apply sigpatches. https://github.com/Atmosphere-NX/Atmosphere/releases
3)inject fusee-primary.bin to boot into atmosphere. https://github.com/Atmosphere-NX/Atmosphere/releases
4)use ChoidujourNx to downgrade to 6.2.0 (exfat), autoRCM enabled. https://darthsternie.net/switch-firmwares/
5)download nsp files and use tinfoil to install
and yes all of that is correct on step 5 I would also recommend to use "gold leaf" for installing NSPs https://github.com/XorTroll/Goldleaf
Gold Leaf is another NSP installer just like tinfoil. you can use one or the other

To answer your other question : You do NOT need to install updates, you will be just fine if you install the base game. if you ever need help on installing a game, post your question and someone will help you, feel free to tag me like you did in this post i will do my best to help

terminology: what is emunand : EmuNand is emulating the Nand from your sd card, this is used on SX OS to load your original oficial firmware or to load a custom firmware off of your SD card to play pirated games. DO not worry about it since you are using atmosphere ( let me tell you that you have made the right choice of using atmosphere. updates are quick, support is great. (SX OS in my opinion is overrated, they charge you money, they take a long time to release updates and support is not that great )

I have compiled a list of essential apps you might need to start having fun on your switch
https://gofile.io/?c=6mv4AT
the files include:
3 folders inside;
the folder named PC that one stays in your pc
the folder named: SD. the contents inside that folder go on the root of your SD card
and Payloads folder they go on your PC
I took the liberty of putting some apps that are essential when you start up.
atmosphere, its atmosphere
NXshell, a file browser where you can move/delete files
checkpoint.nro this is a very good app to back up your save files, you can also use someone elses save file from the internet
gold leaft 0.5, this is a NSP installer
TegraRMCGIU: this is a payload injector, this is the program that send the payload to your switch
Mystery of Solarus DX: zelda game much like zelda link to the past.



Let me give you a piece of advice in order for you not to F###up
After you hack you Switch make sure its in airplane mode at all times, your switch cannot go online anymore or you will be banned
when removing your SD card from your switch make sure the switch is turned OFF (not in sleep mode )
when removing SD card from coputer make sure to eject it properly first
DO NOT install retroarch if you are using exFat it will corrupt your sd card
everytime you update atmosphere you have to update sigpatches
one last advice if you have seen the game Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night and that it requires you to have a registered account with nintendo. and you also see a bunch of people desperate to restore their nand , let me tell you that the homebrew community is awesome and that they always find a way to work around the obstacle. i have never registered my switch and i am now playing bloodstained just fine

 

[shapnil]

@dorianx12 , I have literally no words to thank you enough, brother. You even went out of your way to explain everything in details. Thank you sooo much. Now i can attempt hacking without any fear. I knew you were the right person to ask, i've been browsing the threads and found your answers to be most helpful. As you said, if i need any help, i'll post a question and hopefully you/someone will help me. Again, thanks man.

 

[DorianX]

glad I could help @shapnil you are welcome