Flash Carts for the Nintendo Switch are Here // MIG-Switch Review

Summary

Taki reviews a new piracy device for the Nintendo Switch called the MIG-Switch, which can load game backups and bypass security checks. He stresses he owns legitimate copies but discusses concerns like getting banned for using dumped copies and bootleg cartridges. Taki sees some valid personal backup use cases but worries the cat is out of the bag and these devices could negatively impact all Switch owners.

Takeaways

• 😮 The video reviews a new Nintendo Switch flash card that can load multiple games and bypass security checks
• 😲 The flash card mirrors what a real game card does to trick the Switch into thinking it's an official cartridge
• 🤔 It has custom chips that are likely FPGAs coded to emulate a real card using files like serial numbers
• 👍 It could be useful for people with large collections who don't want to travel with all their game cards
• 😠 But it enables full cartridge backups that could lead to banned consoles and problems reselling games
• 😥 The unique IDs mean original and secondhand owners could both get banned for the same physical card
• 😡 The hardware also enables the potential for bootleg cartridge clones
• 🤨 There's still a need for the flash card's unique ID, but a dump of any ID code could emerge online
• 🧐 The video creator is also interested in the upcoming dumper device for easy cartridge dumping
• 😌 If used offline only with no piracy, there are some legitimate single player use cases

Q & A

What is the MIG-Switch?

The MIG-Switch is a multi-game flash cart that can be used on any Nintendo Switch console, including unmodded ones. It uses custom hardware to mimic an actual game cartridge when inserted into the Switch.

How does the MIG-Switch work?

The MIG-Switch contains specialized chips that have been programmed to act identically to a real Switch game cartridge. This allows it to read game files from the SD card and trick the Switch into thinking a real cartridge is inserted.

What files does the MIG-Switch need?

The MIG-Switch needs the .xci dump of the game, along with files containing the unique serial numbers and other identification tied to real cartridges. This helps it authenticate fully with the Switch.

Can the MIG-Switch go online?

Yes, the company claims MIG-Switch can play games online with no issues. However, there are risks of bans if the original cartridge owner goes online with the same game.

How do you switch between games on the MIG-Switch?

To change to a new game, you need to eject the cartridge when the LED is solid green, then reinsert it. This will cycle it to the next game on the SD card.

What are the risks of the MIG-Switch existing?

It enables piracy and may negatively impact the second-hand game market due to cartridge cloning. It also makes it possible for bootleg cartridges to be produced.

Does the MIG-Switch have any legitimate use cases?

Yes, it can be useful for someone with a large game collection who wants to easily travel with their library without risking damage to expensive cartridges.

What is the MIG-Switch dumper?

The dumper the company is releasing will allow dumping game cartridges without a modded Switch. This expands the risks but also makes it easier to backup your games.

Can the MIG-Switch be used offline?

Yes, it can be used offline without any of the unique cartridge identification. However, it still needs identification data from one Switch game.

How much does the MIG-Switch cost?

Currently, the MIG-Switch sells for around $60 USD.