The hacking future of Nintendo’s next console may already be in jeopardy as SciresM, the developer of the widely popular custom firmware (CFW) Atmosphere, revealed. The hacker has publicly said that he will not be making a version for the upcoming Switch 2. He also added that the upcoming handheld console might be virtually unhackable — at least via software.
In a recent video uploaded to his YouTube channel, SciresM explained his stance. “I don’t expect Atmosphere to be a thing on Switch 2,” he answered when asked about a potential software mod for Nintendo’s next console. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there, uhh, but I am not personally going to be doing the custom firmware for the Switch 2.”
Atmosphere has been a staple of the modding and homebrew community since the console’s early days. The modified Switch OS enables hackers to install custom apps, homebrew games, and even pirated software. SciresM’s decision to throw in the towel on Switch 2 hacking might mark a major shift for the homebrew and emulation community.
He continued, “I mostly expect the Switch 2 to not be hackable via software.” From his confession, it seems Nintendo appears to have plugged the loopholes that enabled softmodding in the first place. If a Switch 2 hack ever becomes possible, it would likely require physical modifications such as modchips. Something that requires technical skill to install and costs far more than the relatively simple exploits of the original Switch. Even a reverse-engineering effort to emulate the Switch 2 could be impeded by this.
It seems the reason why Switch hacking and emulation exploded as it was was mostly driven by bad luck. The faulty Joy-Con pins of its first commercial build were able to be exploited and gave way to piracy in later models. However, this time around, any aspiring Switch 2 hacker and pirate hoping for an easy way in may be in for a rude awakening.
“I think the Switch 1 has really, really secure software, and it’s only because of hardware issues and voltage glitching that people have continued hacking the Switch for a long time,” SciresM added.
