As of 2025, there is NO full software-only jailbreak for the Switch OLED (i.e., no easy “softmod” like the early unpatched Switch V1 units).
✅ Most Switch OLED models require a modchip (like HWFLY or Picofly) to jailbreak because of updated hardware protections.
❌ You can’t just use a USB cable, payload injector, or simple software exploit like you could on very early Switches.
Why?
- Old Switch units (2017–early 2018) had a hardware flaw (“Fusée Gelée” exploit) — they could be jailbroken through a simple USB exploit (RCM mode) with no modchip needed.
- Newer Switch units, including Switch Lite and Switch OLED, fixed that vulnerability at the hardware level.
- That means, hardware modification is required (modchip install) to run CFW (Custom Firmware) like Atmosphère.
But… Are there any exceptions or partial hacks?
- PegaScape: On very specific firmware versions (around 1.0.0–4.1.0) on very early Mariko units (rare), partial hacks exist — but OLEDs never shipped with such old firmware.
- Software Exploits: There’s no public full software exploit for OLED models yet.
- Userland exploits: Some games and browser bugs have been found, but they do NOT give deep enough access for full CFW.
TL;DR:
If you have a Switch OLED, you must use a modchip if you want to fully jailbreak it.
Otherwise, no full jailbreak — only very basic “userland” exploits (temporary access) that don’t let you install games or CFW.
Bonus: How people are jailbreaking OLEDs now:
- Buying pre-installed modchip OLED units online (can be expensive).
- Installing a HWFLY or Picofly chip themselves (but it’s very hard, needs soldering and tools).
- Waiting and hoping for a future pure software exploit (but don’t hold your breath).
1. Which Modchips for Switch OLED?
✅ Two Main Options:
| Modchip | Notes | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| HWFLY | Clone of Team Xecuter’s SX Core modchip. Very reliable if it’s a good quality clone. | Moderate to Hard |
| Picofly | Open-source project using a Raspberry Pi Pico clone (tiny microcontroller). Very cheap. | Hard (needs precise soldering) |
- HWFLY OLED version is specifically tuned for the newer motherboard layouts.
- Picofly is cheaper (~$5–$10 parts), but way harder for beginners (tiny solder points).
Important: Both require you to open your Switch, and solder tiny wires onto the motherboard (and I mean tiny — some points are microscopic).
2. How Much Does It Cost?
Here’s rough pricing (2025 prices):
| Item | DIY Price | Send-in Service Price |
|---|---|---|
| HWFLY OLED kit | ~$60–$90 | N/A (service would supply it) |
| Picofly parts | ~$10–$20 | N/A (most services don’t use it unless requested) |
| Professional Installation (labor only) | – | ~$100–$150 |
| Pre-modded OLED Switch (buy already done) | – | ~$350–$600+ |
- Self-install is cheapest but risky if you’ve never soldered.
- Send to a pro (modding services) is safer, but of course more $$.
- Buy premodded if you don’t want any hassle, but expensive.
3. How Hard Is It to Install a Modchip?
🔥 It’s not beginner-friendly unless you have:
- Experience soldering fine electronics (think “solder a human hair” size).
- Good tools: soldering iron with a very fine tip, flux, microscope/camera, very steady hands.
Mistakes like:
- Burning the board
- Tearing traces
- Bad solder bridges
…can brick your Switch permanently. 🪦
Here’s what a typical HWFLY install involves:
- Disassemble Switch OLED completely
- Solder ~6–8 wires on tiny motherboard points
- Secure the chip inside without blocking anything
- Reassemble everything perfectly
⚡ People who mod for a living use microscopes. No joke.
4. Other Things to Know After Installing
- You’ll be able to run Atmosphère CFW, Hekate, homebrew apps, and backups.
- But DO NOT go online with pirated games or homebrew without strong protections — Nintendo bans Switches hard and fast.
- You’ll need a MicroSD card (preferably 128GB+) for CFW and homebrew.
- It’s a whole new world — emulators, custom themes, game mods, even Android or Linux installs.
5. Good News: It’s More Stable Now
- Early HWFLY chips had sleep mode bugs, crashes, etc.
- Modern HWFLY OLED versions (v4, v5, etc.) are very stable.
- Picofly is stable if installed perfectly.
Quick Recap Checklist for You:
✅ Willing to open your Switch OLED
✅ Can solder very tiny points — or pay a modder
✅ Comfortable setting up CFW and staying safe from bans
✅ Ready to spend ~$100–$200 total (depending DIY or pro)
Final Thought:
If you’re serious but nervous about soldering:
➡️ It’s smarter to pay a pro installer the first time.
➡️ If you love DIY and have soldering practice, it’s a fun project!
