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Hackers discover Nintendo Switch 2 exploit one day after launch — minor hack allows running custom code on top of OS
Some enterprising hackers have already discovered an exploit on the just-launched Nintendo Switch 2. Bluesky user David Buchanan was the first to show off the exploit, where he apparently discovered a weakness in the console’s shared library.
This vulnerability, called a userland Return-Oriented Programming exploit, allows Buchanan to manipulate a program by overwriting its return address to another piece of code. When chained together, this can force the system to work in an unintended manner — in this case, display custom checkerboard graphics.
(Image credit: David Buchanan / Bluesky)
Since this is only a userland exploit, it only runs on the user level and does not affect the Switch 2’s kernel, nor does it give you root access to the device. Buchanan said that this has no practical purpose, meaning this won’t jailbreak the console and allow users to modify it in unintended ways. They even admitted that they can’t prove that they’re running an exploit instead of just playing a YouTube video, although other developers and modders have confirmed that the exploit does exist.
The Japanese gaming giant is known for proactively protecting its intellectual property rights. It has gotten to the point that the company said it may brick your console if you use it to modify Nintendo Account Services, and the Switch 2 user agreement is pretty firm about not modifying software.
Since the Switch 2 has just been released, it will likely take weeks, months, or even years before someone discovers a way to defeat the company’s built-in protections on the handheld. If and when someone finally jailbreaks the Nintendo Switch 2 and creates a custom homebrew OS, we can then see how Nintendo will react.
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Jowi Morales is a tech enthusiast with years of experience working in the industry. He’s been writing with several tech publications since 2021, where he’s been interested in tech hardware and consumer electronics.
Everyone loves Nintendo IP, but I hate that company with a passion of a thousand suns... for how they treat communities and how they "protect" their IP, as well as their anti-consumer selfish practices. They are an extremely scummy company. I hope modders and devs tear Switch 2 limb from limb from limb and homebrew it like there's no tomorrow. I can't wait for Switch 2 emulation. It's only a matter of time. Go get em
Everyone loves Nintendo IP, but I hate that company with a passion of a thousand suns... for how they treat communities and how they "protect" their IP, as well as their anti-consumer selfish practices. They are an extremely scummy company. I hope modders and devs tear Switch 2 limb from limb from limb and homebrew it like there's no tomorrow. I can't wait for Switch 2 emulation. It's only a matter of time. Go get em
It is quite the dichotomy. Brilliant IPs, truly classic and creative game design in a time when it seems like every other company has given up. Then there’s the corporate suits in Japan that remind me of the corrupt Yakuza they apparently have some long ago ties to. I bought a switch 2 on launch and I can totally appreciate the hardware for what it is today. I will also mod a switch 2 as soon as I am able as well as donate to patreons etc when there’s emu programs out there. At which I might buy a second Switch 2 that runs copies of the games I own, for anyone in my household to enjoy, without all the DRM bullshit slathered all over top trying to force me to buy multiple copies just to keep my sanity. I support some of the brilliant creatives that work for the company, but I absolutely want Nintendo corporate Japan to lose this total war on “piracy”, that torches consumer usability while squeezing you for every dime they can. I think they would find that loosening up a bit would actually increase their profitability and overall brand’s reputation. As it stands, for a very warm family brand, a lot of families and kids end up hating their asses.
