About Picofly
Picofly is a modchip that works on all variants of the original Switch (not Switch 2) and does not need a "blank" or reset device to start from.
The Picofly modchip uses a tiny controller called a Raspberry Pi. The controller convinces the Switch to:
- Make a copy of the Switch's OS and all your internal data, including saves and downloaded games
- Show a custom menu when you power your device on
- Reboot into "OFW" mode where everything is the same as it was out of the box... or...
- Reboot into "CFW" mode where everything is still as you left it but now you can do way, way more things
Is it safe?
Oh my god yes.
The way this kit works is quite clever and very effective. It simply "resets the device's APU" at a specific time, allowing the device to run arbitrary code.
The only danger comes from soldering and modifying the thin and delicate circuit board. The points are tiny, there's often grinding and dangerous fumes. Spicy pillows are possible.
Sagebrush Repair has over 16 years experience improving our microsoldering skill, so good job finding us.
OFW vs CFW
- "sysMMC OFW" refers to the Switch booting from it's own built in "SD card" (circled in red) running the stock experience with absolutely no changes. Official Firmware.
- "emuMMC CFW" refers to booting from a copy of the built in SD card instead, that runs completely from your (hopefully fast) add-on microSD card. Custom Firmware.
- Running emuMMC CFW from the add-on microSD card is nearly as fast as the original built in SD card, SOME choppiness on load-in is reported by many on old/slow microSD cards.
You have the option every boot to choose OFW or CFW.
- If you power on, press the "reboot" button and choose OFW, the mod shuts off, the device reboots, and your experience is 100% stock, locked, and visible. This is the exact same as having a non modded unit.
- If you choose emuMMC CFW, the mod does it's job, the CFW runs, and your device is modded, unlocked, and hidden.
Uh huh, sure, and will I get console banned?
If you stay in CFW emuMMC, you should never get console banned.
- Most people stay in CFW emuMMC forever and ever.
- There are valid reasons to enter other boot modes, but most people just do what they need to do, and then reboot to CFW.
If you must open OFW:
A video on the emuMMC/sysMMC and it's different launch modes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUs-5JV6Rg8
Read even more if you like: https://socalconsolemodding.com/pages/what-can-you-do-with-a-modded-switch