Extract NSP, NCA, XCI, Update all in one tool for LayeredFS (2024)

FAQs

Is XCI the same as NSP? ›

Are you a cartridge purist, seeking the full experience (and a slightly larger download)? Go for the XCI. But if speed and convenience are your jam, the NSP is your digital download destiny.

NCA means «Nintendo Content Archive». The entire raw NCAs are encrypted. The only known area which is not encrypted in the raw NCA is the logo section, when the NCA includes that section. Everything else documented on this page is for the plaintext version of that data.

NSP stands for “Nintendo Submission Package.” It is file format used by Nintendo for distributing and installing games, updates and DLC (Downloadable Content) on Nintendo Switch system. NSP files are essentially containers that contain all necessary data and assets for particular game or content.

XCI files are specifically designed for use with Nintendo Switch gaming console; can be played on Nintendo Switch using custom firmware called SX OS which can be loaded onto console using Xecuter SX Pro tool. SX OS enables you to play Nintendo Switch homebrew applications and XCI backup files.

hactool is a tool to view information about, decrypt, and extract common file formats for the Nintendo Switch, especially Nintendo Content Archives. It is heavily inspired by ctrtool.

Keeping your games up to date is important. Tinfoil helps manage all of your updates and patches, so you know what to install.

Xci is what you get from dumping a physical cartridge. Nsp is what the Nintendo eshop uses to install eshop games and dlc updates. If possible, yuzu recommends you use xci. If not available, nsp is fine.

In the blue corner, the burly and brawny XCI (short for "eXtended Cartridge Image"). This one's a digital dump of a physical game cartridge, like ripping open a present with reckless abandon (but hopefully without damaging the precious contents inside).

While emulation software itself are legal as long as they don't infringe copyright protections on the console, emulating games is only so when legitimately purchasing the game physically and ripping the contents.

Updates are always nsp. Xci is a cartridge dump, nsp is an eshop file. Since dlc updates ALWAYS come from the eshop, you can only get dlc updates as nsps. So in short, yes don't worry about using nsp files for updates, as that's your only option.

What is NSP? ›

A network service provider (NSP) is a company that owns, operates and sells access to Internet backbone infrastructure and services. The primary customers of NSPs are other service providers, including internet service providers (ISPs), which, in turn, sell internet access to businesses and consumers.

Vivado Design Suite Xilinx Core Instance files (XCI) XCI format IP cores are native to the Vivado Design Suite and can be added to the design or project by customizing the IP core from the Xilinx IP catalog, or by using the File > Add Sources command to directly add the files.

NSP and NSZ are both file formats associated with Nintendo Switch games. NSP files are standard format for Nintendo Switch game files. They are essentially raw, uncompressed files. NSZ files are compressed versions of Nintendo Switch game files.