Frequently asked questions

Short answers to the questions people ask most about nxnative. The guides go into more detail.

What is nxnative?

nxnative is an open-source project that turns Switch games you own into native apps for iPhone, iPad and Mac. A script on your Mac packs your own game files and keys into an app, which you then install on your device.

Is NxNative the official nxnative site?

No. NxNative is an unofficial fan site. It is not affiliated with nxnative, Nintendo or Apple. The project itself lives on GitHub, and that is the source of truth for everything reported here.

Does NxNative host games, apps or other downloads?

No. NxNative hosts no downloads of any kind: no games, no packed apps and no keys.

Where do I get the keys and game files?

NxNative does not explain that. nxnative is meant to be used with keys dumped from your own Switch and with games you own.

Which iPhone, iPad or Mac do I need?

An iPhone 15 Pro or newer (A17 Pro chip or later) or an iPad with an M1 chip or later, on iOS or iPadOS 26 or later. iPads with the A17 Pro chip (iPad mini) have the iPhone 15 Pro's chip but are untested by nxnative. Mac apps need a Mac with Apple silicon. See Requirements, or try the Compatibility checker.

Is nxnative a Switch emulator?

No. An emulator translates a game's code while you play. nxnative prepares a tested game once on your Mac, and the game's own code then runs directly on the Apple chip. That is also why it works on iPhone and iPad. See nxnative vs emulators.

Do I need a Mac?

Yes. Packing a game runs on a Mac with macOS 26.6 or later, Xcode 27.1, Homebrew and Python 3.12 or newer. That Mac can also play the games as Mac apps if it has Apple silicon.

Which games work?

nxnative lists the games it has been tested with. Browse them on the Games page, where each game has its own page with what is known about it.

How long does packing take?

The first build takes 30 to 60 minutes and needs free disk space of about twice the game's size plus 10 GB. Building again is much faster.

How do I install a game on my iPhone or iPad?

nxnative produces an unsigned IPA, which you sideload with a tool such as AltStore, Sideloadly or LiveContainer. If your tool offers an increased memory limit, turn it on: the bigger games need it. See Sideloading.

Is there an app instead of the command line?

Yes. Launchers are third-party Mac apps that wrap nxnative's packing in a graphical interface. They are separate projects, not maintained by nxnative. See Launchers.

Is it legal?

It depends on where you live, and NxNative cannot give legal advice. Read Is it legal? for the project's stance and the questions worth considering.

Where do I report a bug?

Report bugs in nxnative itself on nxnative's GitHub issues. Bugs in a Launcher go to that Launcher's own page. For problems with this site, see Contact.