Modder Jailbreaks Switch 2 Using SmileBASIC 4 and OpenAI Codex

A software-only jailbreak for the Nintendo Switch 2 has been demonstrated by developer Sammy Hajhamid, also known as pepsipu, according to his blog post. The exploit, called ns2jb, was made with help from OpenAI Codex and allows arbitrary native code to run on any system on the latest firmware, Wccftech confirmed after checking the code repository and a demo video. GameGPU reports that several independent enthusiasts have confirmed it is possible to execute custom code.

The jailbreak is tethered, so users must launch it from a game every time they turn on the console. It requires the original Switch game SmileBASIC 4, which lets players program and play games, though another modder claimed that the title is 'not strictly needed'. According to GameGPU, the exploit is temporary and resets completely upon reboot, meaning the entire process must be restarted. It also falls short of full custom firmware, because code runs within system modules like fs and does not touch the OS kernel.

In a demonstration, the developer showed Mario Kart World running with extra playable characters, including Peter Griffin, Hatsune Miku, Cinnamoroll, the red Angry Bird, and Steve from Minecraft.

Wccftech reports that the first step was locating a suitable backward-compatible original Switch game, then gaining initial code execution by exploiting a 32-bit integer overflow in how the game manages arrays, and finally manipulating process permissions and hijacking system loading routines. The same outlet says it cannot share more technical details but verified the jailbreak as legitimate.

The jailbreak remains complex for most users. The Verge notes that members of the Switch 2 hacks subreddit disagree about how significant the jailbreak is, and its full impact remains unclear. GameGPU describes the current method as unsuited to casual owners, demanding advanced technical knowledge, and notes that enthusiasts are still refining tools to automate the process and raise system privileges. Wccftech says that because the developer identified the needed original Switch game, Nintendo will probably act fast to delist it and patch the flaw.

Beyond mods, Wccftech argues that a working jailbreak opens possibilities for learning about the Switch 2's NVIDIA DLSS implementation, which it reports is not the same as the standard upscaler found on NVIDIA RTX graphics cards. The site also points to active modding communities for PC titles and notes that hacked original Switch units have run PC ports, citing Final Fantasy VII Remake as one example. GameGPU adds that how quickly the jailbreak evolves will hinge on developer activity and on Nintendo's response, as the company habitually fixes flaws in later system updates.