.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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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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404kinnie

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)

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

FAQs

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An XCI file, also known as “NX Card Image” file, is a file format used for storing Nintendo Switch game cartridges' data; these files are typically used in context of Nintendo Switch homebrew software, backup utilities and custom firmware (CFW) installations; contain game's ROM data and can be loaded onto Nintendo ...

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Is XCI or NSP better for emulation? ›

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?). There's a whole world of Switch emulation nuances to explore, but hopefully, this lighthearted guide has demystified the XCI vs.

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XCI files are typically used to install and play games on a Nintendo Switch console using a custom firmware, such as Atmosphere or SX OS. XCI files contain the entire game content, including game data and updates.

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What is the XCI Nintendo Switch? ›

In the blue corner, the burly and brawny XCI (short for "eXtended Cartridge Image"). This one's a digital dump of a physical game cartridge, like ripping open a present with reckless abandon (but hopefully without damaging the precious contents inside).