RCMloader ONE dongle
A Type-c dongle that is a plug and play solution to injecting the necessary RCM payload to boot into CFW for the Switch. It is mainly intended for users who want a simple and reusable way to launch a compatible custom firmware without relying on a computer every time.
Introduction
This product, resembling a small usb key, is a payload loader. It allows you to start the Nintendo Switch in RCM mode and inject the data necessary to boot your Custom FirmWare.. In practice, it reduces the setup to a small accessory that you can keep with the console and use again whenever needed.
You can use Atmosphere, ReiNX or SXOS as you wish in the easiest way. There are other ways to use a CFW, but this is by far the easiest and does not invalidate the warranty. For many users, the main advantage is convenience: the payload is ready on the dongle, so the boot process stays quick and predictable.
The kit consists of the RCMloader, a jig, a transport box, as well as a mini USB cable that allows you to recharge as well as update the payload. That means you have the essential accessories needed both for day-to-day use and for keeping the dongle updated over time.
Namely, an SD card is required. This is not provided in the kit. You can check our SD card suggestions for more details. Without a properly prepared memory card, the console will not have the files required to boot your preferred setup.
The principle of operation is very simple. You plug the memory card, the RCM dongle as well as the jig to the console and you start it in RCM mode by performing a key combination. That's all ! Once everything is prepared correctly, the process is straightforward enough to repeat without much effort.
Can I use it on my Switch?
This tool is compatible with all Nintendo Switch consoles manufactured before June 2018. After this date, Nintendo implemented new protections on its consoles. Because of that hardware difference, the dongle is not universally usable on every Switch model.
For consoles produced after this date, the compatibility must be checked from the serial number. That check is worth doing before buying anything, since the result directly determines whether the RCM method is even available.
To find out if your console is compatible with this equipment, you can use our tool to find out if your console is protected or not. It gives you a quick first answer before you spend time setting up files or purchasing accessories.
Updating the RCMloader
Plug the RCMloader dongle into a usb port on your computer. It will be detected as a usb key. This makes the update process fairly simple, since the device behaves like a small removable drive.
Download the latest update from the manufacturer's website. Once the archive has been downloaded, unzip it at the root of the dongle. The update files need to be copied to the correct location, otherwise the dongle will not detect them on reboot.
A new folder named IAP should be created. Eject the dongle and plug it back in so that the update takes place automatically. If the folder structure is correct, the update normally runs by itself without any extra configuration.
Usage
Before first use, the dongle must be recharged. To do this, simply plug it into a USB port on your PC or onto any standard USB charger. A full charge lasts 1 hour and allows up to 1000 uses, which leaves a good autonomy in nomadic mode. In practice, you usually do not need to recharge it often once the initial setup is done.
To choose the CFW to use, you must press the + button on the dongle for at least 3 seconds. The color tells you which CFW will be used: This visual indicator is useful because it lets you confirm the selected payload immediately before booting the console.
- Blue = Atmosphère
- Green = ReiNX
- Red = SX OS
You must first prepare the SD card. Plug the memory card into your computer (Linux, Windows or Mac). If all goes well, it should be detected as a USB drive. Although not necessary, it is advisable to format the card in exFAT. Be careful, this will erase ALL DATA on the card! A clean and correctly prepared card avoids many common startup issues later in the process.
You can use this site which allows you to automatically download ready-made configurations, or you can customize them. Once your selection is made, download the zip and extract it at the root of your memory card. When the copy is complete, eject the memory card correctly so as not to corrupt the data. The important point is that the required folders and payload-related files end up in the expected locations on the card.
Now we are going to boot the Switch in RCM mode. This is the part where the jig and the dongle are both needed together.
To do this, first of all, it must be turned off completely. Be careful that it is not on standby mode. Unplug the right joycon and install the jig instead. Plug the dongle into the console's USB port. If the console is only sleeping, the payload injection step will not work as expected.
Now you have to press and hold the volume button (+) and press the power button. Hold the keys until the console boots to the CFW (a handful of seconds). The LED on the dongle should change color (Blue = Atmosphere | Green = ReiNX | Red = SX OS). That color feedback is a quick way to verify that the selected payload was actually sent.
You can remove the dongle and jig in the console. You are now on your favorite CFW! From that point on, the console continues booting normally on the selected environment.
Once in the home screen of your Switch, even if nothing seems to have changed visually, you are well on your CFW. To use a homebrew, you must go through the Album application. It is possible to view your screenshots and videos by pressing the (R) key before clicking on Album, this will launch the classic album application. This often confuses first-time users, because the home menu can look almost identical to the stock system at first glance.
Where can I get an RCM dongle ?
You can get an RCM dongle through our partner. If your console is confirmed compatible, it is one of the simplest accessories to keep on hand for regular CFW booting.
