This is the approved revision of this page, as well as being the most recent.
Hekate is a custom bootloader for the Nintendo Switch. It can chainload Horizon, external payloads, and custom operating systems.
 | This page is a work in progress. |
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| Developer(s) | CTCaer |
|---|---|
| Console | Nintendo Switch |
| Version | 6.1.1 (March 29, 2024) |
| 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:
- Power off your Nintendo Switch
- Insert the microSD card into your computer
- Download the latest release of Hekate. it should be named
hekate_ctcaer_x.x.x_Nyx_x.x.x.zip - Open the archive and extract the
/bootloaderfolder to the root of your microSD card, overwriting if asked. Then copy thehekate_ctcaer_x.x.x.binto your computer - 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:
- Put your Nintendo Switch into RCM using your preferred method
- Push the
hekate_ctcaer_x.x.x.binpayload using your payload launcher of choice
Via Picofly modchip:
- Rename
hekate_ctcaer_x.x.x.bintopayload.bin - Place
payload.binon the root of your Switch console's microSD card - Boot the Nintendo Switch normally
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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. |