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Check the serial number shown on your console at System Settings → System → Serial Information, then enter it in the serial lookup in the Nintendo Homebrew Switch Guide. The result is a community-maintained estimate—not an official Nintendo certification. In particular, a result marked “potentially patched” is inconclusive.
How to check your Switch’s patch status
- On the console, open System Settings → System → Serial Information and note the serial number. If the console is secondhand or may have been repaired, use the number shown in Settings rather than a case label; the guide says the system-reported value is more accurate.
- Open the NH Switch Guide serial lookup, select the serial prefix, and enter the following digits. The guide says its checker needs the first six digits after the prefix.
- Read the category as a screening result: the guide classifies serial ranges as unpatched, potentially patched, or patched. A potentially patched result is ambiguous. Treat any result as the guide’s assessment of the serial range, not Nintendo’s verdict on your individual console.
If you are considering a used Switch, ask the seller to show the serial in Settings and check that exact console before paying. A model name or sticker alone may not establish the status of the hardware inside.
What “patched” means
In this context, “patched” usually means that the console’s hardware is no longer vulnerable to the fusee-gelee exploit through RCM. It does not mean simply that the console has a recent system update. Hardware revision and system software are separate factors; the guide lists them separately.
A serial lookup estimates vulnerability to that particular hardware exploit path. It does not tell you whether custom firmware is installed, whether the console is banned from Nintendo services, whether a repair changed internal components, or whether a software method currently works.
#1 Best Overall
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
Model number is a clue, not a complete check
| Model marking | What the NH Switch Guide says |
|---|---|
| HAC-001 | Original Switch. Both vulnerable and patched units exist, so check the serial range rather than assuming status from this marking. |
| HAC-001(-01) | Revised original Switch; the guide identifies this revised hardware as not having the original RCM vulnerability. |
| HDH-001 | Switch Lite; the guide identifies it as revised hardware without the original RCM vulnerability. |
| HEG-001 | Switch OLED; the guide identifies it as revised hardware without the original RCM vulnerability. |
The guide reports that patched consoles began appearing by mid-2018. Nintendo announced the Switch Lite and a revised original Switch in July 2019; these use the Tegra X1+ family, also referred to as Mariko/T214/T210B01, with a new bootROM. These dates and model details explain why an original HAC-001 cannot be classified from its model marking alone.
Patch status is not firmware compatibility
The guide’s firmware table describes different paths for unpatched hardware and patched/Mariko hardware. Those details are guide-specific and can change as system software and exploit support change. A serial result alone therefore cannot establish whether a particular software method works now; check the guide’s live page for current compatibility rather than relying on an old firmware claim.
Rank #2
- 6.2” LCD screen
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
Risks of circumvention hardware
Nintendo describes modchips as devices soldered to the motherboard that bypass security measures. Its Intellectual Property & Piracy FAQ warns that unauthorized circumvention products may damage a product in ways not covered by warranty, reduce functionality, affect online play, or cause problems after network updates. Nintendo Support states: “The use of unauthorized products that circumvent the security measures of any Nintendo products may damage the product and such damage is not covered by Nintendo’s warranty.”
You do not need a modchip, jig, payload tool, cable, or replacement console to perform the serial check. Nintendo’s product security information provides general security and update information, not a per-console patch-status lookup.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
- Two players can each take one
- Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)
- Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- 6.2” LCD screen.
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
Rank #3
- Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
- This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.
- The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
- Model number HAC 001( 01)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
