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On a Nintendo Switch already running Atmosphere, open Album to bring up the Homebrew Menu (hbmenu). Alternatively, hold R while opening a game or app; if a game asks you to choose a user, keep holding R after selecting one. The console’s HOME Button opens Nintendo’s regular HOME Menu, not hbmenu.
First, distinguish hbmenu from the HOME Menu
Nintendo’s HOME Menu is the standard system interface for launching software and changing settings; pressing the console’s HOME Button opens it. The Homebrew Menu, commonly called hbmenu, is a separate menu for launching homebrew applications. The steps below apply when Atmosphere is already running, not as a shortcut available on an unmodified stock system.
Nintendo Support: How to use the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu · SwitchBrew: Homebrew Menu
Open hbmenu from Album or a game
| Launch route | What to do | When it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Album | While Atmosphere is running, open Album. | A convenient way to access hbmenu. Some homebrew may not work when started this way. |
| Game or app | Hold R while opening a game or app. If prompted to choose a user for a game, continue holding R after selecting the user. | Use this route for homebrew that does not work when launched through Album. |
These are alternative ways to reach hbmenu after Atmosphere setup; they do not install or enable custom firmware.
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- Compatible with Nintendo-Switch (NOT Nintendo-Switch 2)
- Incredible speeds in a microSD card officially licensed for the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo OLED, and Nintendo Switch Lite systems
- Spend less time waiting and more time playing with read speeds up to 100MB/s(1) and write speeds up to 90MB/s(1).
- Instantly add up to 256GB (1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage less.)
- Store your downloaded games, screenshots and video captures in 1 place so you can travel light.
Where homebrew applications are stored
In the described setup, hbmenu can launch NRO homebrew files placed in the SD card’s /switch folder. The cited setup guide does not specify a required card capacity or speed.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch (NOT Nintendo Switch 2). Always check your device's max supported capacity.
- Reliable Real-World Capacity - Labeled Capacities/Usable Capacities: 64GB/≥58GB; 128GB/≥116GB; 256GB/≥232GB; 512GB/≥465GB; 1TB/≥908GB (Due to OS formatting and binary/decimal calculation differences)
- 4K & Full HD Ready — Optimized for high-bitrate video recording and burst-mode photography. Handles RAW files, time-lapse sequences, and smooth 4K UHD playback without lag or frame drops.
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Rank #4
- [Gaming Series] Especially designed for Gaming Consoles. A1 spec enables high speed data transfer for game professionals
- [Ultra HD] Read/Write up to 100/60 MB/s. UltraHD video displaying/recording
- [Compatibility] Storage for Laptop, Tablet, PC, Smartphones, Camera, e-Reader. Files, Videos, Music [Notice] Compatible with Nintendo Switch 1; not compatible for gaming with Nintendo Switch 2
- [Environment] Waterproof, shockproof, temperature-proof and X-Ray proof
- [Support] Gigastone 5-year limited warranty
Rank #3
- Nintendo Switch 2 uses a new standard of expandable memory card called microSD Express (sold separately). This kind of memory card is needed for faster access speeds and to ensure games will run smoothly.
- Please note: Nintendo Switch 2 is only compatible with microSD Express cards. If the microSD cards you have used for Nintendo Switch do not support microSD Express standards, you cannot use them with Nintendo Switch 2.
Rank #2
- EXPAND YOUR STORAGE. Insert your card to add massive storage up to 1.5TB[1] to your Android smartphones and tablets, digital cameras, and laptops.
- SPACE FOR MORE. With expansive capacities up to 1.5TB[1], capture and store hours of Full HD video[4], movies, music, games, photos, and podcasts.
- MOVE FILES FAST. Use your card with the SANDISK QuickFlow microSD UHS-I Card USB-A Reader[6] to achieve up to 195MB/s[2] read speeds [128GB-1.5TB models] and offload your content fast.
- LOAD APPS IN A SNAP. Rated A1[3], the SANDISK Ultra microSD card is optimized for faster app launch and overall app performance.
- EASY CONTENT MANAGEMENT. Easily back up, organize, and transfer your photos and videos with the SANDISK Memory Zone desktop or Android mobile app[5].
SwitchBrewDocs: Homebrew Menu setup and use
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