.XCI format games: How do install? (2024)

c0dehunter

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Jan 19, 2020

Dear all,
How do I install (with what utility/app that is) the .XCI format games?

Also what is the difference between .XCI and .NSP formats? Which one is better, etc.

Thanks!

Gammazeth

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Jan 19, 2020

Hi, so you can install .xci games with homebrews such as Goldleaf, Tinfoil, AwooInstaller (I personally recommend you Tinfoil or Awoo).
The difference between the nsp and xci files is that the nsp is taken from the e-shop and the xci is taken from the game cartridge itself.
I don't think there's any big benefit/inconvenient for taking a specific version of a game.

c0dehunter

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Thank you so much for clarifying this!

Gammazeth

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Jan 19, 2020

Your welcome!

TunaKetchup

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Jan 19, 2020

XCI can be mounted while NSP need to be installed

XCI mounting is only supported by SX OS last time I check although that might have changed

Last edited by TunaKetchup,Jan 19, 2020

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linuxares

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Jan 19, 2020

TunaKetchup said:
XCI can be mounted while NSP need to be installed
Click to expand...

Incorrect. Some installers can install the xci to your Switch, the same it does with nsp.

TunaKetchup

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Jan 19, 2020

linuxares said:
Incorrect. Some installers can install the xci to your Switch, the same it does with nsp.
Click to expand...

Nothing incorrect about it

"XCI CAN be mounted" keyword is "can"

I never said anything about being able to install them

But yeah you can install them if you desire

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linuxares

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TunaKetchup said:
Nothing incorrect about it
"XCI CAN be mounted"
I never said anything about being able to install them
But yeah you can install them if you desire
Click to expand...

.XCI format games: How do install?

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TunaKetchup

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Jan 19, 2020

linuxares said:
.XCI format games: How do install?
Click to expand...

Yes and they can also be mounted unlike NSP

OP asked what the difference was

"XCI can be mounted"

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

You honestly shouldn't be a mod

I'm embarrassed for you right now

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Kafluke

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c0dehunter said:
Dear all,
How do I install (with what utility/app that is) the .XCI format games?
Also what is the difference between .XCI and .NSP formats? Which one is better, etc.
Thanks!
Click to expand...

XCI can be played without installing them. SX OS mounts them and emulates the game cartridge so the switch thinks you have put in a physical game.

NSP's must be installed. Some homebrew apps can install XCI's but technically all they are doing is converting them to NSP's then installing them.

Only XCI's can be mounted and only SX OS CFW can do this.

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nWo

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Jan 19, 2020

Your first answer was evasive AF and didn`t give any light to the original question. You can`t talk like that to a mod that is correcting your confusing answer. The OP wanted to know how to install XCI and the differences with NSP, and you talked like a caveman.

Not trying to pick a fight but just sayin`, if the question was to know HOW TO INSTALL THEM and WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES you should have been more clear about it saying that was one of the differences.

TunaKetchup said:
Yes and they can also be mounted unlike NSP
OP asked what the difference was
"XCI can be mounted"
--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------
You honestly shouldn't be a mod
I'm embarrassed for you right now
Click to expand...

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linuxares

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TunaKetchup said:
Yes and they can also be mounted unlike NSP
OP asked what the difference was
"XCI can be mounted"
--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------
You honestly shouldn't be a mod
I'm embarrassed for you right now
Click to expand...

Sigh, one of these users. Fine, lets do it since I'm bored and don't mind lecture someone.

The OP clearly ask how to ask to install an xci file. The difference between the format wasn't very well explained by you or any other. Some where a lot better than other.

XCI is a file format, mostly used with the dumping of the cartridge. XCI files can be both installed and (only) mounted via SXOS. NSP files are "packaged" that need to be installed via an installer.

NSP files can be made via a lot of methods. It's not only "eshop" titles. Some of them are converted from XCI to NSP. Aka. just repacked in to another format.

So do please explain how my moderation responsibility has anything to do with correcting you? Stop being a jerk and just accept that you got corrected. Plain and simple.

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404kinnie

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linuxares said:
Sigh, one of these users. Fine, lets do it since I'm bored and don't mind lecture someone.
The OP clearly ask how to ask to install an xci file. The difference between the format wasn't very well explained by you or any other. Some where a lot better than other.
XCI is a file format, mostly used with the dumping of the cartridge. XCI files can be both installed and (only) mounted via SXOS. NSP files are "packaged" that need to be installed via an installer.
NSP files can be made via a lot of methods. It's not only "eshop" titles. Some of them are converted from XCI to NSP. Aka. just repacked in to another format.
So do please explain how my moderation responsibility has anything to do with correcting you? Stop being a jerk and just accept that you got corrected. Plain and simple.
Click to expand...

sorry for bumping i just wanna say im sorry you had to deal with this guy and hope things are better nowadays (i never used a forum before so sorry if my post looks really weird)

FAQs

.XCI format games: How do install? ›

In homebrew software, navigate to XCI game file you want to play and select it; the software will install and run game.

Keep Reading ›

How to copy xci files to switch? ›

As for the easiest way to transfer an XCI file from PC to Switch: Simply take out your sd card (after turning off the Switch), put it in your PC, drag & drop the file onto your SD card. It's as easy as that. Then boot up your emuNAND and install the game using Tinfoil.

How to play an xci file? ›

XCI files are specifically designed for use with Nintendo Switch gaming console; can be played on Nintendo Switch using custom firmware called SX OS which can be loaded onto console using Xecuter SX Pro tool. SX OS enables you to play Nintendo Switch homebrew applications and XCI backup files.

View Details ›

How to install sx os? ›

What's the best SX OS installation guide?

-download SXOS boot. dat from the official website and place it on the root of the SD card.
- Insert the jig and the dongle, then press vol+ and the power button.
- Once the firmware boot press options>NAND> Dump NAND. (

Jun 22, 2019

View Details ›

What is the difference between NSP and XCI? ›

Are you a cartridge purist, seeking the full experience (and a slightly larger download)? Go for the XCI. But if speed and convenience are your jam, the NSP is your digital download destiny. Remember, this is just the tip of the iceberg (or should we say, the Korok seed?).

Know More ›

What is NSP format for Nintendo Switch? ›

NSP stands for “Nintendo Submission Package.” It is file format used by Nintendo for distributing and installing games, updates and DLC (Downloadable Content) on Nintendo Switch system. NSP files are essentially containers that contain all necessary data and assets for particular game or content.

Get More Info Here ›

How to open .nsp files? ›

You need a suitable software like SAP to open an NSP file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your NSP file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file.

Can I use Xci files on yuzu? ›

The Yuzu official will now dump the Cartridge Image (XCI) file from your game cartridge(s), to use in yuzu. Here is a guide designed to get you started with yuzu quickly. How do I open an egress switch file?

How do I import files into a switch? ›

From the HOME Menu, select “System Settings” > “Data Management” > “Transfer Your Save Data”. Select “Send Save Data to Another Console”, then select the user whose save data file you wish to transfer. Select the save data file for the software title you want to send to another console. Select “Send Save Data”.

Discover More Details ›

Can you copy switch games to SD card? ›

To transfer data from the system memory to the microSD card, select "Move to microSD Card". To transfer data from the microSD card to the system memory, select "Move to System Memory". Select the game you want to move from the list and follow the on-screen instructions.

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How to install Nintendo Switch games? ›

Complete these steps

Link a Nintendo Account to your Nintendo Switch console.
Access the Nintendo eShop on the Nintendo Switch console and select your Nintendo Account. ...
Purchase games and/or add funds in the Nintendo eShop. ...
Download and start playing the games you have purchased.

Show Me More ›

Can you install game from USB? ›

Yes. Most games can be installed on a USB flash drive, that means you can run them directly from the storage device. You can also install Steam on a USB flash drive for added convenience.

Get More Info ›

Do USB adapters work on Nintendo Switch? ›

If using a Nintendo Switch dock without a built-in LAN port, a USB LAN adapter is required to establish a wired internet connection. A USB LAN Adapter can be connected to Nintendo Switch Lite using a licensed accessory, such as the Dual USB PlayStand for Nintendo Switch Lite from HORI.

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How do you use USB ports on Nintendo Switch? ›

You can charge the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, or the Joy-Con controllers when they are attached to the Joy-Con charging grip, by attaching the controller or accessory to the USB port on the dock with a USB charging cable. You can also connect a LAN adapter to the USB port on the dock.

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Can Nintendo Switch use USB drive? ›

No, you cannot use an external hard drive with a Nintendo Switch console.

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