SCCM Retro installs onto a Linux partition on your Switch SD card. You add that partition with the free SCCM Switch Toolbox app, restore the preconfigured build to it, then boot it for the first time from a small homebrew app that carries your Bluetooth and WiFi settings over. You can do all of this without wiping your existing SD card. This guide covers the whole path from an empty download folder to a working launcher, and links out to the detailed Toolbox guides for the SD card steps.
SCCM Retro handles ROMs, cover art, save states, and cheats for you, but it does not come with any games. Only use your own legally obtained backups of games you own.
1. Get the tools
You need two things before you start:
- The free SCCM Switch Toolbox app for Windows.
- The preconfigured SCCM Retro build, a
.sccmbakfile you download from the SCCM Retro page.
You’ll also need a Windows PC and your Switch SD card in a card reader.
2. Add a Linux partition to your SD card
Open SCCM Switch Toolbox and use the Format tab to add a Linux partition of at least 40 GB. The Toolbox has a Preserve mode that keeps your existing Horizon files and partitions intact, so you don’t lose data in the process. See the Format SD card guide for the full walkthrough.
Important: Back up anything you can’t replace before you start, and make sure the card has room for the new partition.
3. Restore the SCCM Retro build
Use the Toolbox Restore tab to write the SCCM Retro .sccmbak onto the new Linux partition. This drops the whole preconfigured launcher onto the card, already set up. See the Restore a backup guide for the full walkthrough.
The target partition layout has to match the backup. If it doesn’t, go back to the Format tab first, then return to Restore.
4. First boot from the NRO
The build includes a small homebrew launcher (an NRO) in your Switch homebrew menu. Run it for the first boot from either CFW EMUMMC or CFW SYSMMC. It boots you into SCCM Retro and carries your Bluetooth controller pairings and saved WiFi networks over from the Switch’s original firmware, so your pads connect and you’re online without setting everything up again.
Do this first run from that app rather than any other boot path so the carry-over happens.
5. You’re in
You land on the SCCM Retro grid, ready to go.
From here, add your games with the Add ROMs and BIOS guide, and tune performance with the Performance and overclock guide.
SCCM Retro Guides
- SCCM Retro
- How to Install SCCM Retro
- Overclocking Setup
- How to Add ROMs and BIOS Files
- Controllers
- Performance and Overclock Settings
- How to Report Game Compatibility
- Game Compatibility Database
- RetroAchievements
- How to Add Cheats
- How to Use Save States
- Display and Dock Features
- Updates
Was this guide helpful? Consider donating to support development of new content, software, and guides.
Support This GuideNeed a modchip installed? Place an order or learn how to ship your console.