How to Install Games on Your Modded Switch Using DBI

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DBI’s MTP Responder is the easiest way to install games on your modded Switch. It lets you drag and drop files directly from your PC to your Switch over a USB cable — no SD card removal needed.

This guide covers installing game backups (.NSP and .XCI files) to your Switch using DBI over USB.

Note: This guide is intended for installing backups of games you legally own. Backing up your own game cartridges and digital purchases is supported through tools like NXDumpTool. So-Cal Console Modding does not support or condone piracy.

What You’ll Need

  • A modded Nintendo Switch running Atmosphère CFW with EmuMMC
  • DBI installed on your Switch (included in most standard CFW setups)
  • A USB-A to USB-C cable (data capable, not charge-only)
  • A PC running Windows
  • Your game backup files (.NSP or .XCI format)

If your game files are in a .rar or .zip archive, extract them first using a tool like 7-Zip (free) before transferring.

Step-by-Step: Install Games via MTP Responder

1. Boot into CFW EmuMMC

Turn on your Switch and select Launch → CFW EMUMMC from the Hekate boot menu.

2. Open the Homebrew Menu

From the home screen, press and hold R while opening any game, or tap the Album icon to launch the Homebrew Menu.

3. Launch DBI

Select DBI from the homebrew list. You’ll see several options on the main menu. (ignore the circle)

4. Start MTP Responder

Select MTP Responder, then connect your Switch to your PC using a USB-A to USB-C cable.

5. Locate Your Switch in File Explorer

Your Switch should appear as a drive on the left side of your Windows File Explorer. Click into it.

6. Open the MicroSD Install Folder

Inside the Switch drive, open the MicroSD Install folder.

7. Drag and Drop Your Game Files

Drag your .NSP or .XCI file(s) from your PC into the MicroSD Install folder. DBI will begin installing automatically.

8. Wait for Installation to Complete

The Switch screen will show progress. Wait until it says complete, then press B or exit DBI.

Tips

  • Use EmuMMC, not SysNAND — always install games to your EmuMMC partition to keep your system safe and reduce ban risk.
  • Large files may take a few minutes — a USB 2.0 connection tops out around 20 MB/s, so a 10GB game will take several minutes. This is normal.
  • If your Switch doesn’t show up on PC, try a different USB cable. Many cables are charge-only and don’t support data transfer.
  • You can install multiple files at once — just drag a batch of files into the folder and DBI will queue them.

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