How to Add Games to a Modded Switch

The basic process: copying game files to your SD card

A modded Switch reads game files from an SD card instead of downloading them from Nintendo's servers. To add games, you copy the game files—usually in a format called NSP or XCI—onto the SD card using a computer, then the Switch's custom firmware finds and displays them in your home menu.

The exact steps depend on which custom firmware your Switch is running (Atmosphere is the most common), but the general flow is the same: get the game file onto your computer, plug in the SD card, copy the file to a specific folder, eject safely, put the card back in the Switch, and launch the game from the home menu.

This is different from downloading games through the Nintendo eShop. You are not connecting to Nintendo's servers at all. The Switch's custom firmware intercepts the request to play a game and looks for the file on your SD card instead.

Key Takeaways

Game files for modded Switches come in NSP or XCI format and must be copied to your SD card using a computer before the Switch can read them.
The SD card folder structure matters—files go into specific directories that your custom firmware expects, usually something like sd:/Nintendo/Switch/ or a dedicated games folder depending on your setup.
You need a way to transfer files from your computer to the SD card, either by using a card reader plugged into your computer or by removing the card from the Switch and inserting it into a reader.
Game files are large (often 5 to 15 gigabytes each), so a fast SD card and a computer with enough free space make the process much smoother.
After copying files, you may need to refresh your game library or restart the Switch before new games appear in the home menu.

Getting game files onto your computer

Before you can copy anything to the SD card, you need the game files themselves on your computer. Game files for modded Switches are not sold by Nintendo and do not come from the eShop. You will need to find them through other means—this guide does not cover where to source them, as that involves legal questions outside the scope of this resource.

Once you have a game file (an NSP or XCI file), check its size. A typical Switch game is 5 to 15 gigabytes. If the file is much smaller than that—under 100 megabytes—it may be corrupted or incomplete. Keep the file on your computer in a folder you can easily find, like a "Switch Games" folder on your desktop or in your Documents.

If you are downloading files, make sure your computer has enough free space. A single large game plus a few smaller ones can easily take up 50 gigabytes or more. Check your available storage before you start, and consider using an external hard drive if your computer is running low on space.

Preparing your SD card and choosing a folder structure

Your Switch's SD card needs to be formatted for the custom firmware you are running. If you set up your modded Switch yourself, this was probably done during the initial installation. If you are unsure, check the documentation for your specific firmware version—Atmosphere, for example, has a setup guide on its GitHub page.

Most custom firmware expects game files to be in a specific folder. With Atmosphere, NSP files typically go into sd:/Nintendo/Switch/ and XCI files into sd:/roms/ or a similar location. Some users organize games into subfolders by genre or title to make them easier to find, though this is optional. Check your firmware's documentation to see whether subfolders are supported.

Before you copy anything, back up any existing files on the SD card. Connect the card to your computer using a card reader, copy the entire contents to a folder on your computer, and keep that backup in case something goes wrong during the transfer.

Transferring files from your computer to the SD card

You have two main options for moving files: use a card reader connected to your computer, or remove the SD card from the Switch and insert it into a reader. A card reader is a small device (usually USB) that lets your computer read the SD card as if it were a regular external drive. They cost between $5 and $20 and are widely available online.

Insert the SD card into the reader, plug the reader into your computer, and wait for the card to appear in your file browser (File Explorer on Windows, Finder on Mac). Open the appropriate game folder on the card, then drag and drop your game files from your computer into that folder. This is the same process as copying any other file.

Large files can take a while to copy, especially on older or slower SD cards. A 10-gigabyte game file might take 10 to 30 minutes depending on your card's write speed and your computer's USB connection. Do not unplug the card or turn off your computer while the transfer is happening. When the copy is complete, right-click the card in your file browser and select "Eject" (or "Safely Remove" on Windows) before physically removing it.

Refreshing your game library and launching games

Once the SD card is back in your Switch, turn the console on and look at the home menu. New games should appear automatically, but sometimes they do not show up right away. If you do not see a game you just copied, try restarting the Switch completely—hold the power button for 10 seconds, select "Power Options," then "Restart."

Some custom firmware also includes a refresh option in the home menu or in a settings app. Check your firmware's documentation to see whether you need to manually refresh the game library. With Atmosphere, games usually appear within a few seconds of the Switch booting up.

Once a game appears in your home menu, select it and press A to launch it. The first time you run a game, it may take longer to start as the firmware processes the file. After that, launch times should be normal. If a game does not launch or crashes when ready, the file may be corrupted or in the wrong format for your firmware version.

Choosing between NSP and XCI formats

NSP and XCI are two different ways of packaging Switch game files. NSP files are smaller and install to the Switch's internal storage or SD card like a regular game read. XCI files are larger and are treated more like cartridge backups—they run directly from the SD card without installing.

NSP files are generally preferred because they take up less space and behave more like games you would read from the eShop. However, they require more free storage on your Switch (either internal or on the SD card) because they install before running. XCI files do not require installation, so they work if your Switch is running low on storage, but they are larger and may run slightly slower.

Your custom firmware may support both formats, or it may work better with one than the other. Check your firmware's documentation to see which format is recommended. If you have a choice, NSP is usually the safer bet for most users.

Troubleshooting common problems

If a game does not appear in your home menu after copying it to the SD card, first check that the file is in the correct folder. Open the SD card on your computer and navigate to the game folder—make sure the file is actually there and that the copy completed successfully. If the file is missing or incomplete, copy it again.

If the game appears but will not launch, the file may be corrupted. Try copying it again from your computer. If it still does not work, the file itself may be damaged. You will need to find a fresh copy of the game file.

If your Switch will not recognize the SD card at all after you copy files to it, the card may not be properly formatted for your custom firmware. Reformat the card according to your firmware's instructions, which will erase everything on it. This is why backing up your SD card before you start is important.

If you are running out of SD card space, you have a few options: delete games you no longer play, use a larger SD card (the Switch supports cards up to 2 terabytes, though cards larger than 256 gigabytes may need special formatting), or move games to an external hard drive on your computer and copy them back to the SD card when you want to play them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much space do I need on my SD card?

That depends on how many games you want to store. A typical game is 5 to 15 gigabytes. Most people start with a 128-gigabyte or 256-gigabyte card, which holds 10 to 20 games comfortably. If you want to store more, a 512-gigabyte or 1-terabyte card is available but costs more.

Can I use any SD card, or does it have to be a specific brand?

Any SD card that is compatible with your Switch will work. The Switch supports microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards. Faster cards (marked as U3 or V30) copy files more quickly, but any card will work. Avoid very cheap or counterfeit cards, which may fail or corrupt your data.

Do I need to install games after copying them to the SD card?

It depends on the file format. NSP files install automatically the first time you launch them, similar to downloading a game from the eShop. XCI files run directly from the SD card without installing. Either way, you do not need to do anything manually—just copy the file and launch it.

What happens if I copy a game file to the wrong folder?

The game will not appear in your home menu. Check your firmware's documentation to see which folder is correct for the file format you are using, then move the file to the right location. After you move it, restart your Switch and the game should appear.

Can I copy games while the Switch is on?

No. Always turn off your Switch completely before removing the SD card. If you remove the card while the Switch is on or in sleep mode, you risk corrupting files or losing data. Turn the Switch off, remove the card, copy your files, reinsert the card, and then turn the Switch back on.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.