Custom Firmware (CFW)
A customized oporating system (typically Atmoshpere) which allows you to perform functions such as launch custom applications.
Official Firmware (OFW)
The stock switch firmware that comes on a console when you purchase it.
SYSMMC
The memory unit on the motherboard that stores the OFW in an unhacked switch
EMUMMC
An emulated memory stored on your sd card. This is basically a copy of you operating system stored on your sd card and is unique to your switch’s hardware
“Semi-Stock”
Semi-stock is a HATS boot option that boots OFW sysMMC. It does this through hekate’s boot options which means two things: it skips efuse checks and burning, and is only compatible with OFW versions that Hekate is compatible with. So if you have a fuse mismatch error you can simply boot using this portion. If you updated your OFW to a version hekate doesn’t yet support, this option will not boot. You can always boot 100% stock using the “reboot” button and selecting OFW. Semi-Stock is safe to use while connected to Nintendo’s servers as long as you don’t have any pirated games or custom software installed on OFW.
HATS
HATS is a combination of Hekate, Atmosphere, Tinfoil, and Syspatches. It was created and is maintained by Sthetix.
Hekate
Hekate is the first application that you boot to when you turn on your switch. It has a variety of tools and boots before any firmware. It allows you to select which firmware you would like to boot. You could also boot straight to payload tools, Android, Ubuntu, or Lakka. Most people use it to switch between CFW emuMMC, OFW, and CFW sysMMC.
Atmosphere
Atmosphere is a modified version of the switch operating system that allows you to launch a homebrew menu from the photo gallery icon (or holding R while loading an installed app) and install games and applications unofficially. It also allows for custom overlays and access to many other functions and homebrew.
Syspatches
Syspatches allow you to install games and apps within atmosphere.
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