: In Windows, make sure "File name extensions" is enabled in View settings to ensure the file isn't accidentally named prod.keys.txt .
As a result, you will still be able to:
Use a homebrew tool like Lockpick_RCM on your own hacked Nintendo Switch console to dump your system keys directly from the console's hardware.
hactool cannot legally bundle Nintendo’s proprietary keys. You must legally extract (dump) them from your own hacked Nintendo Switch console. Boot your Nintendo Switch into the payload. hactool prodkeys does not exist
To protect its software from piracy, Nintendo encrypts Switch game files using a complex hierarchy of cryptographic keys. Hactool is capable of performing the mathematical decryption, but it cannot do so without the actual key data.
| Command/Feature | Warning Output | What It Actually Means | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | [WARN] prod.keys does not exist. | hactool is politely letting you know it can't find its keys, but since you're just getting info, the command will likely still work fine. | | Unpacking/Decompression | [WARN] Failed to match key "key_name" | The key named in the error exists in your prod.keys file, but hactool has no use for it in this task. | | Disable Key Warnings | N/A (Use the --disablekeywarns flag) | This command-line flag silences all key-related warning messages, perfect for when you know your keys are correct and want a clean terminal output. | | Verification Failures | [WARN] Failed to match key "titlekek_source" | Your keys might be outdated. The Nintendo Switch Key set is a constantly evolving collection. |
(Note: If the .switch folder does not exist, create it manually.) For Linux and macOS Users Place the file in your home directory: ~/.switch/prod.keys Step 4: Use the Command Line Explicitly : In Windows, make sure "File name extensions"
I can provide the exact commands or folder paths tailored to your setup. Share public link
When running your command, append the -k or --keyset switch followed by the path to your keys: hactool -k path/to/prod.keys -t xci yourgame.xci Use code with caution.
If you prefer not to place the keys in your user profile directory, you can explicitly tell hactool where your keys file is located using the -k or --keyset flag during execution. hactool -k path/to/prod.keys -t nca input.nca Use code with caution. You must legally extract (dump) them from your
Put the prod.keys file inside a folder named .switch in your user directory ( C:\Users\YourUsername\.switch\prod.keys ). Method 2: Use the --keyset Argument (Recommended)
By default, hactool looks for keys in specific system directories. Moving your prod.keys file to one of these locations usually resolves the issue. For Windows Users
Look at your key file. If it reads prod.keys.txt , rename it and delete the .txt part entirely. Step 4: Use the Command-Line Override
What are you using (Windows, macOS, or Linux)? What specific command are you trying to run? Did you dump your keys using Lockpick_RCM ?
Boot your unpatched or modded Nintendo Switch into RCM mode.