Can save files from new HAC-001(-01) Switch be edited?

[Gr4dy]

Hello!

New Switch owner here. Just got one of the new HAC-001(-01) Switches (serial starts with XKW, I know it can't be "hacked" like the previous units), but I don't know if save game files can be edited without a hacked Switch? Like, without a hacked Switch, how would one access the save game files?

I tried to read as many of the pinned topics on here as I could but I'm honestly not sure what to look for and I couldn't find a simple, direct answer to this.

 

[theSLAYER]

All answers are based on Switch hacks available to public, at time of writing.

1 hour ago, Gr4dy said:

but I don't know if save game files can be edited without a hacked Switch?

Saves are encrypted per console per game, if I'm not mistaken.

So no, can't gain access to save files (for view or edit) without a hacked unit. It's one of the reasons why people want a hacked unit at the first place.

If people have access to save files without hacking, why risk the hacking?

1 hour ago, Gr4dy said:

without a hacked Switch, how would one access the save game files?

Normally not possible.

I've seen people suggest using Ninty's official save transfer mechanic to send their saves to a hacked console, but ultimately the restrictions are:

• It's a one way transfer (save doesn't get duplicated, gets destroyed on sender end)
• Both Switches need to be firmware 8.0.0 or higher
• Transfer only possible locally, internet connection required (so cannot send to someone far away with a hacked Switch)
• Both consoles have to be linked to same Nintendo Account (risk of ban lol)
• You still require one of the Switches to be a hacked Switch

 

tl;dr: not possible if you only have one switch that is unhacked/unhackable.

[Gr4dy]

Thank you for the answers!