Switch:Hekate

Hekate is a custom bootloader for the Nintendo Switch. It can chainload Horizon, external payloads, and custom operating systems.

Hekate

Developer(s)	CTCaer
Console	Nintendo Switch
Version	6.1.1 (March 29, 2024 (2024-03-29))
Links
GitHub	CTCaer/hekate

Installing/updating Hekate

Follow the NH Switch Guide to get setup with Hekate and Switch:Atmosphere.

Alternatively, if you're moving from fusee (for example), see the below instructions to setup Hekate:

1. Power off your Nintendo Switch
2. Insert the microSD card into your computer
3. Download the latest release of Hekate. it should be named hekate_ctcaer_x.x.x_Nyx_x.x.x.zip
4. Open the archive and extract the /bootloader folder to the root of your microSD card, overwriting if asked. Then copy the hekate_ctcaer_x.x.x.bin to your computer
5. Eject your microSD card from your computer and reinsert it into your Nintendo Switch

If applicable, Hekate will automatically update the reboot payload on your RCM injection dongle or modchip when you boot it for the first time after updating.

Booting Hekate

Via RCM:

1. Put your Nintendo Switch into RCM using your preferred method
2. Push the hekate_ctcaer_x.x.x.bin payload using your payload launcher of choice

Via Picofly modchip:

1. Rename hekate_ctcaer_x.x.x.bin to payload.bin
2. Place payload.bin on the root of your Switch console's microSD card
3. Boot the Nintendo Switch normally

Hekate does not include any boot options by default. You can obtain the hekate_ipl.ini used in the NH Switch Guide here. This file is what contains boot entries, place it in /bootloader on the root of your SD card.