| Feature | Explanation | |---------|-------------| | | XCI = Nintendo Switch Cartridge Image | | Purpose | It is a sector‑by‑sector dump of a physical Nintendo Switch game cartridge. The file contains the same data that would be read from the actual hardware cartridge, plus some additional metadata required for the Switch’s boot process. | | Structure (high‑level) | 1. Header – magic number, title ID, version, etc. 2. Secure Partition – encrypted game data (code, assets, etc.). 3. Normal Partition – unencrypted data such as the program’s “title meta” and other files that the console can read without decryption. | | How the Switch reads it | When the console boots from a cartridge, the bootloader reads the XCI’s header to verify the title ID, checks the signature, and then mounts the encrypted partitions using the console’s internal keys (derived from the console’s unique hardware key). | | Difference from NSP | - XCI mimics a cartridge; it is read‑only and cannot be installed to the internal storage. - NSP is the format used for games downloaded from the Nintendo eShop; it can be installed and then launched from the system’s UI. | | Legal status | Creating an XCI from a physically owned cartridge is legal in many jurisdictions (fair use / backup copy). Distributing an XCI of a game you do not own is illegal. Homebrew titles that are original works can be shared freely, provided they contain no copyrighted assets from Nintendo. |

Mimics official eShop digital downloads. These files lack cartridge padding, making them slightly quicker to transfer over local networks. File Size Architecture and Storage Optimization