Nintendo Switch RP2040 (PicoFly) V1 Modchip Installation

🔴In this video, I installed an RP2040 modchip into my Nintendo Switch V1.
🔴Tutorial for Regular V2 Nintendo Switch consoles: • Nintendo Switch RP2040...
This video has been made with Fair Use in mind and has been created as an educational piece of media.
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TheModSmith Discord: / discord
My eBay Page: www.ebay.co.uk/usr/themodsmith
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CHAPTERS:
0:00 Introduction
0:10 Disassembly
2:14 Modchip Install
6:50 Reassembly
9:54 Outro

[@TheFrogger1108]

I wanted to thank you for your guide. I just finished the mod with my switch after buying a microscope and practicing a while with SMD training kits before attempting the work myself. You can only appreciate the work you do once you did it yourself, everything is so tiny and I'm always afraid to break something. Thumps up, keep up the good work and guides !

[@TheModSmith]

Glad you enjoyed the guide, congratulations on the successful installation!

[@djscottphree]

This is where I am at, I really want to learn how to do this, but I don't know how to start. My late best friend was my hardware guy. Now I have to outsource to this friend or that friend. Do you have any pointers for someone who REALLY wants to learn but is terrified of the smallness and has never successfully soldered anything?

[@KookiBirb]

Just did my first one on a V1 Switch and that was probably the easiest modding that I've done. Adding bluetooth audio boards into old OEM car radios prepared me for this LOL

[@TheModSmith]

It can be easy with experience, but the majority of people don't. I try not to mislead people into thinking they can do this as a first project, as I think it could be damaging.

[@KookiBirb]

@@TheModSmith Agreed. Hope I didn't sound too misleading with my comment 😅

[@samuelmejialedesma5631]

Where did you get the chip from?

[@michaelmisiewicz2938]

How to I know witch flex connector I need to use? V1 or V2 ? Mod kit came wi both and im not sure what I need to use

[@Bari2000]

I have a switch with XKJ7 witch Chip I must use

[@MaxRoyTheAGI]

the perfect amount on a bare die is making sure it's fully covered

[@DNAMobileGaming]

Followed this and so many others and yours was the one I followed along with today successfully getting my V1 done now I'm setting up the rest. The V1 seems to be easier than the V2 but with some good flux/solder/iron this really helped.

[@angulo_]

Thanks for the video, I just installed the modchip in my unpatched v1, my first time micro soldering and it went great!

[@DJCJ999]

Woah! I'm sure the last time I watch a OLED switch mod video you had to solder way more stuff to the board and it looked a nightmare! this actually looks doable!

[@TheModSmith]

The OLED is definitely the hardest one. In terms of difficulty it goes Core, Lite then OLED.

[@hterra2706]

Cool! great video! I didn't cut the heat shield and put the modchip on top of it, still fits perfectly with the plastic rear cover

[@sylox2010]

i was planning to try it. i heard from someone that it might not fit well. but according to you its fits fine. is thre any slight bump at the back of the switch?

[@hterra2706]

@@sylox2010 Yes, a very teeny tiny minor very slight curve. If you didn't know, then you wouldn't see it.

[@OmgsDance]

I participated in a group purchase and bought a modified one six months ago. It feels good.

[@TheModSmith]

Cool, enjoy!

[@SiNKarnage]

You should put Electrical Tape over the CPU shield where the modship lies as well. This prevents static from reaching the modchip through the metal shield Adding tape under the emunand (the side that plugs into the modchip) wouldn't hurt either

[@TheModSmith]

Definitely a good tip, I’ll try this for my next install.

[@user-yk1cw8im4h]

kapton tape is better

[@overdriver99]

@@user-yk1cw8im4h this.

[@turmturmduncan7255]

Best guide I've seen so far for modding a switch

[@TheModSmith]

Thank you mate, that’s very kind. I’m going to be doing a video on the V2 revision of the Switch soon so keep an eye out!

[@stevecole90099]

Great guide but there are several places where kapton tape should have been used to avoid risks of shorts. Over the capacitor that wasn't being soldered to but was extremely close to the solder pad on the flex cable. Over the flex cable to avoid shorts to the shield. over and/or under the mod chip to avoid shorts to the shield. Along the cut edges of both of the shields to better dull the sharp edges and to prevent shorts if things move which is very likely in a handheld console.

[@heineken9030]

can you use electrical tape insted of kapton?

[@stevecole90099]

@@heineken9030 Its better than nothing but electrical tape tends to degrade over time and can leave a lot of residue behind when removed.

[@BrunoVera]

genial, bien explicado gracias!

[@heidiichigo-san3927]

Useful tip from the countless installs I have done. Instead of just tinning the pads on the front of the small flex cable, tin the other side of the pads too. Obviously,apply tin in moderation and do not dump the whole spool of tin solder onto a single pad. That way, the solder will always stick on the components no matter what. It makes the install of the cpu flex cable 1000 times easier specially if you're noobies and have no access to any magnifying equipment. P.S. do not attempt any smd soldering job without having magnifying equipment available. It's the perfect recipe for disaster

[@Occel0t575]

Thanks for sharing! I'm wondering if I can follow up with this guide as someone who has never done any soldering...

[@zadekeys2194]

Nice work! As long as the tuermal paste is non conductive, you can not use too much... Anyone stating otherwise is simply repeating what theyve heard or read. Think about it - air = bad which is why we use thermal paste.. so hs8ng "too much" will force more air out , which is good for cooling.

[@benson733]

Great work! This is excellent!!!!

[@lc6705]

can you tell me what the preferred temp/wattage is and what size solder you used?

[@FabioKastro]

Thermal Paste is easier to remove when dry, i would clean most of it while dry and then use alchool to remove leftovers

[@TheModSmith]

Appreciate the advice, I'll give that a go.

[@HeavyShark127]

I'm back again. I accidentally knocked off the right capacitor and there is no way of installing a new one because the pad is completely ripped for some reasen. But it still boots up normally. Do you think I can still install the modchip because it still boots up?

[@chilledstudios8728]

When I try to boot into default firmware the screen goes blue. Pressing both volume buttons. I tried putting it back together as normal and it still blue screens. Do you know what could’ve went wrong?

[@tjtackentien9041]

I tried doing this and my chip blinks blue then green twice but just boots to a black screen the screen turns on but just black no logo where should I start for my mistake?

[@AZOVERLORD6969]

What does cleaning the thermal paste do, and do i need to do it for this to work?

[@nixskups4788]

Hi, what is the temp. that you use for soldering?

[@Smalltar]

Just wanna say, great video. Made the install nice and smooth. Only one small note for anyone who hit a wall like I did. If you do the install and you get no LED lights at all and the switch boots to OFW, it's probably because the 2040 did not come pre-flashed. Mine didn't and I was stumped for a while. Other than that, my soldering isn't exactly amazing, and I was worried about the strength of connections on the tiny caps. Has anyone used solder mask or equivalent to strengthen the connection with any success?

[@mau6345]

Im not experienced installing chips to devices and i am worried that if i give my switch to an experienced person he could brake the system what should i do

[@crasmaciucandrei3440]

do i have to install some files in the picofly?

[@allsold]

do I need to remove battery connection before soldering?

[@TheModSmith]

Yes, always unplug the battery straight away before touching the motherboard.

[@israelv1998]

What microscope do you use?

[@lopeasez8821]

If i want to do this mod what tools and kits do i need to buy??

[@jaspercas]

I was going to do this myself but I probably would risk the capacitors on the CPU, so I paid only 35usd in my country to have it installed(the price also included the 2040NS)

[@bgsxsmoke187]

I commented once or twice before and it seems like my comments keep disappearing. Do you mind linking me to the modchip I'd need for my fiances v1 switch that's XKW?

[@christopherrobert1948]

what file did you install on pico ?

[@DeepSouthern]

Where can I find one of these?

[@philipnguyen2503]

Best tutorial on KZbin. Thank you

[@shawnwade302]

This is a good install video but what does this gain you in your Nintendo switch after this mod chip is installed?

[@TheModSmith]

CFW, Homebrew, Emulators, Savegame editing, etc.

[@oldgold_1877]

It allows you to sail the seven seas. 🏴‍☠

[@markmariano6185]

you will be richer by not buying game cartridges is the number 1 thing.

[@Cogster]

Where would I find an up to date guide to install this modchip in my OLED switch?

[@TheModSmith]

sthetix on KZbin has some cool tutorials.

[@SwitchBrew]

Nice Job Bro Light Work 👌

[@ja3sstuff]

Im very very new the whole patched switch thing. Does it matter what type of RP2040 modchip i use or where I even buy it from?

[@TheModSmith]

RP2040 is just a standard microcontroller and can be used with all consoles, but custom PCB’s like the one in this video have been made to make this one easier. Launch consoles will use the CORE model, OLED uses the OLED, and LITE uses the LITE.

[@lawrencecarter5522]

I have 30 watts solder iron will that work

[@Devil-we1rn]

Just a heads up to my fellow noobs, try practicing using old headphones, since the components are usually tiny. also make sure you use the proper chip V1/V2.. if you are using newer version, then you should use v2

[@Ariiherdiyan]

What is the purpose of soldering the two capacitors? Is it for entering RCM mode? If so, can I just use Jig for my unpatched switch? The reason I want to do this is because every time my switch gets shut down I need to use my laptop to inject payload and the price of the RCM loader is almost the same as the picofly chip

[@Luigi_Luigi2401]

If I had an unpatched switch, I would definitely try to avoid soldering as much as possible so I think getting the RCM loader is better

[@Ariiherdiyan]

@@Luigi_Luigi2401 Well since auto RCM is a thing, I thought the nand part of picofly ( the part that does not need soldering) is for injecting the payload, so I don’t need to connect my switch to PC or Android every time. But if I need to solder it then I will choose RCM Loader, don't want to brick my switch with my shitty soldering 😆

[@jtchoi2003]

These modchips use voltage injection to exploit the Tegra X1. Thats why these require you to solder to the capacitors. On unpatched Switches, you can just use the x86 chip. It doesn't need you to solder directly to the CPU; the x86 is basically an internal payload injector and jig. Neither chip requires the hacky method of AutoRCM because they basically act as payload injectors. Obviously, you shouldn't do any attempt at soldering a chip if you are not confident in your soldering ability. It's not needed anyway because you can use homebrew apps to reboot to different payloads while in CFW.

[@C00LSH4RK]

I think that's going to be simple but idk what tools to use so can you please gimme me a list of tools that i need? I have a V2 Switch

[@HeavyShark127]

Great video! I have a "possibly patched' switch. Should use the v1 or the v2 cable?

[@TheModSmith]

Firstly check whether it works with RCM mode, but if it doesn’t then patched consoles use the V2 cable.

[@HeavyShark127]

@@TheModSmith I know it doesn't work with rcm. That means I should use the V2 cable, right?

[@Kaitorque]

@@HeavyShark127 Check Model Number at the back of your switch, HAC-001 for V1, HAC-001(-01) for V2, not all V1 can RCM only the earlier version is, V2 is the upgraded battery one with red box on the packaging

[@Smol-bug]

'Possibily Patched' means use V1. All V2 Switch consoles are patched. Also you can just check the orientation of the transistors you're soldering to next to the chip to see what ribbon you should use, these kits usually come with both cables for either console type.

[@HeavyShark127]

@@Smol-bug already found it out while installing it, but thanks :)

[@Dam49]

Can you list all the tools necesary and where to buy it in order to do it by our-selves?

[@TheModSmith]

Video coming soon on this topic.

[@traparier]

if possible, could you give me a list of all the tools you used to perform this job?

[@matt4193]

Soldering iron, flux, alcohol, tape, common sense, another jar of common sense, and some thermal paste.

[@TheModSmith]

I’ll be posting a video soon on this very subject, stay tuned.

[@krzysztofb9279]

what tempurature do you keep your iron at?

[@keyderr1]

300

[@timeslikethese000]

My chip came today. Thank you..

[@TheModSmith]

You’re welcome, and good luck!

[@GiuseppeLodiRizziniOfficial]

Where you bought? Link?

[@timeslikethese000]

I don't think KZbin would appreciate me sending links, but I got it off aliexpress pretty cheap

[@GiuseppeLodiRizziniOfficial]

@@timeslikethese000 me too. I got hwfly v6 from "hwfly official store (??)"...but i think is a clone

[@TheModSmith]

All of the chips these days are clones, there is no official store and they just add numbers onto the version counter to make them look like the latest models.

[@HeiLangXiaoDuo]

Hi, is it the same with v2, I mean soldering points on the board?

[@TheModSmith]

The orientation of the capacitors (CPU flex) are different on the V2, but besides that it’s exactly the same.

[@HeiLangXiaoDuo]

Thank you! :)

[@cien0000]

Actually if you take those sp1 and sp2 the console will boot .

[@daddiechente2847]

RP2040 Game Console CPU Cable Chip Replacement For Switch NS/Lite/OLED, CPU Flex Cable Ribbon Cable For Switch Game Accessories (for Switch NS) would this mod chip work for v2 Nintendo switch?

[@daddiechente2847]

@themodsmith

[@TheModSmith]

For V2, you want the “NS” or “CORE” model.

[@its_zeemot]

I send mine to a shop not sure if they did a shit job or if the chip is broken but did not work for me

[@TheModSmith]

You should contact the original place you bought it from and get that sorted, otherwise I know a guy you could send it to!

[@wAlOmASteR]

And the Flashing mod chip?... how is it done?

[@TheModSmith]

These mod chips come flashed already.

[@thegamingstarr2823]

How do i know what chip to get, i've found one but idk if its the right one

[@TheModSmith]

RP2040 Core for V1 and V2 consoles, the the OLED’s and LITE’s are just called RP2040 OLED or LITE.

[@thegamingstarr2823]

@@TheModSmith cheers thank you

[@WeenoTM]

What kind of solder should i use? Could you send a link?

[@TheModSmith]

I use 60/40 tin lead solder.

[@oo9467]

Excellent video can you do this to my Nintendo Switch OLED Model Console - Zelda Edition

[@TheModSmith]

I'm not doing OLED console, but I know a very reputable guy who would do them. Send him an email and let me know that I sent you! [e-mail]

[@IannDiorsvault]

Can you provide here a link? I'd like to buy a chip from a trusted source

[@TheBlackBaku14]

Aliexpress man, it is 15 bucks easy to find

[@SKORPION633]

Hello, please tell me I heated the condenser, how can I fix it?

[@TheModSmith]

I don’t know what this means.

[@hyperteknoman6602]

Have the dual boot? Original and emunand?

[@TheModSmith]

I just used the sysNAND for this console as it was very cheap and was sold to me when already banned from online access.

[@hyperteknoman6602]

​@@TheModSmithok, One more question, can it be updated to v1? I'm going to install it tomorrow, but I don't know if it has any outdated firmware.

[@travisbonzpiercy2660]

I have a day 1 switch I would love to have modded? Is this poss I would need your help on this.

[@theroosterdiaries9922]

Soft mod it, using the RCM (recovery mode) method. Lots of info on you tube.

[@j00500hall]

Do you know if the Y screwdriver kit i previously bought for wiiU be suitable or are these screws a different size? I haven't yet received my switch, its ordered from ebay, otherwise i wouldn't bug you with this menial question.

[@lol.r3z1]

I’m gonna put a mod chip on my v1 switch but I’m putting it in sets reshell that makes it like a console

[@TheModSmith]

Cool, good luck!

[@vertigo1721]

Does this work with V2 switch?

[@gustavovm491]

Yes it includes flex cables for version 1 and 2 of classic switch. The difference is the orientation of the capacitors where the soldering is applied.

[@losermonkey666]

0:12 they use Apple screws?

[@ilyakcasovich1482]

no, Y 1.5 standart

[@kalyjames2001]

Newbie here can i modchip my switch oled i just update today 17.0 1 ? i planning to jb my switch

[@TheModSmith]

Certainly, you can modify your Switch OLED on the latest firmware. My suggestion would be to practice your soldering skills to perfection or send it to a professional; it's a very challenging installation. Don't be misled by videos making the components look large under a microscope.

[@ginjaninja1972]

I’ve installed the mod chip for patched V1 but now says no SD Card, what next, where do I get the files for the SD catd

[@TheModSmith]

Go on GitHub and get the HATS pack from sthetix and copy the pack to the microSD card.

[@ginjaninja1972]

Thanks very much for the lingo. Does it mean the mod chip install has been done correctly if it says “No SD Card”

[@TheModSmith]

@@ginjaninja1972 Yes, that means it's ready to run the software.

[@ginjaninja1972]

That’s great thanks for that, really appreciate it and great tutorial

[@TheModSmith]

@@ginjaninja1972 Glad it helped, thanks for your feedback!

[@Door-tm4xp]

He forgot to mention that we need to first disconnect the battery to be safe😱 Anyways, good video!

[@TheModSmith]

Pretty self explanatory I assumed 😊

[@theroosterdiaries9922]

​@@TheModSmithyou forget you live among mortals 🤣😉

[@derekhandson351]

This looks like a bunch of work. What is the worth of having a mod chip in a Switch console?

[@TheModSmith]

Homebrew, Custom Firmware, Emulators, Backup games, etc.

[@derekhandson351]

Kinda wish i kept my old one so i could try this out

[@TheModSmith]

It’s definitely not something to try without any soldering experience, the video doesn’t do the size of the points justice.

[@bradsmith8977]

What does this mod chip do for the switch?

[@ReLoaDz626]

That’s what I’m wondering too? Is it a hacked switch like the old Wii? I guys we’ll find out sooner or later. Anyone know let us know. 😊

[@TheModSmith]

It allows backup games, cheats, savegame editing, ftp, android, and general homebrew.

[@ReLoaDz626]

@@TheModSmith thanks

[@hterra2706]

DON'T FORGET TO UNPLUG THE BATTERY

[@TheModSmith]

I didn’t forget.

[@hterra2706]

@@TheModSmith Cool! great video! I didn't cut the heat shield and put the modchip on top of it, still fits perfectly with the plastic rear cover

[@GCMongolia]

Its for 2018 or later models ?

[@TheModSmith]

This chip works on all Nintendo Switch V1 and V2 consoles.

[@ared18t]

I was thinking about buying a switch lite to mod but this looks like a lot less work haha

[@TheModSmith]

The CPU flex cable points are the same size and difficulty on the regular switch and the lite, although the lite needs another flex cable and is overall a harder install.

[@DJRexOfficial]

Don't like when need a sold something! 😓

[@user-hu3gp7ue2y]

Can you do mine please.

[@quinnzavada]

Does this work on a pached switch

[@TheModSmith]

Yes, but you need to use the V2 Flex Cable for the CPU.

[@quinnzavada]

@@TheModSmith ok thank you!

[@khaledzaga]

I thought the v1 mod with no chip

[@panagiotisthegamer1803]

Why didn’t he unplugged the battery 😭

[@TheModSmith]

I did unplug the battery, check 1:46.

[@danielviva4773]

Where i can find software for raspberry pi2040 lite ?

[@TheModSmith]

It’s already flashed onto the chips.

[@writer6006]

this is more for me than for you, use more flux and turn your temps up a bit

[@TheModSmith]

I felt I used too much flux if anything, maybe I didn’t show it properly. I also use 420 degrees which is very hot already.

[@HarisF1]

Which solder did you use? It looked to me as though it didn't enjoy flowing so much.

[@WarriordefenderMexa1]

Algun genio que invente un Chip pero al estiló potfix de Xbox360, que haga perfectamente contacto en los condensadores y que no se ponga en riesgo nuestros condensadores 😎👍🏻

[@thinkusual]

whaattsss, is it that easy?

[@TheModSmith]

It’s a simple concept, but the soldering isn’t easy unless you’ve got experience with SMD stuff.

[@illtimedwillinc7934]

What does it even do tho???

[@cameronmatix]

I think this might be a V1 unpatched switch, so there's no point, unless you don't want to do the rcm thing every time u want to use ur switch, but if it's patched, it allows you to hack the switch

[@TheModSmith]

It enables homebrew and CFW, although my switch is a V1 so works with soft modding but I just didn’t want to mess with RCM jigs whilst filming other content.

[@KookiBirb]

​@@cameronmatixThis. I'm a vanlifer so I don't have a dock to just leave my Switch on all day and so this is the best method for me. Don't want to keep using that RCM jig crap every time I turn on my Switch.

[@silentgamer5636]

I got an oled i need done lol

[@MrMuameRR]

V1 didnr work soo or ur unhappy and got one after 2017 2018....

[@TheModSmith]

I have no idea what you’re talking about.

[@MrMuameRR]

This is not v1 is v2 or oled

[@TheModSmith]

You’re wrong, this is a Nintendo Switch V1 unpatched model.

[@yourfacemyjizz]

much easier than OLED model :) vajskids consoles :D