I just want to back up my save file on my Switch.

[Attacker]

I've seen the tutorial and it requires me to start Checkpoint on my Switch. To do that, do I have to "hack" my Switch? (Edit firmware etc) 

[theSLAYER]

This isn't a forum for hacking the Switch, but we can try to help.
(We aren't responsible if your device bricks or gets banned etc)

Typically speaking, this site covers the steps to get hacked (https://switchguide.xyz).
I bought a jig from ebay, a USB-C cable and SD card from a hardware shop.
(Stuff I needed from Switch to PC connection.)

However, towards the end I had to use different files on my PC to launch my Switch into CFW.
(the method for using Tegrasmash as per the instruction didn't work for me)

You probably can grab most of the files and prepare all the physical items required, and follow that guide until the end.

[ReignOfComputer]

Here's an alternative guide that covers firmwares past 3.0.0. Note that the latest firmware 6.2.0 that just came out cannot be modded yet.

https://switchguide.xyz

[theSLAYER]

55 minutes ago, ReignOfComputer said:

Here's an alternative guide that covers firmwares past 3.0.0. Note that the latest firmware 6.2.0 that just came out cannot be modded yet.

https://switchguide.xyz

Sorry this was the one I followed. I just grabbed whatever was in my url bar, I didn't realize it was wrong ><