The latest Switch system update allows for the dock firmware to be updated
Dataminers are unsure of what this means for the Nintendo Switch going forward.
What you need to know
- The latest Nintendo Switch firmware update, 12.0.0, has recently been released.
- One component of the system update was the ability to update and check the system dock’s firmware.
- Homebrew community members are unsure of whether this hints to the rumored Switch Pro or not.
Dataminers have found evidence to suggest that the newest Nintendo Switch 12.0.0 system update has made it possible for the Nintendo Switch dock to have its firmware updated.
[Nintendo Switch System Update]
It appears that update 12.0.0 has added the capability for the Dock’s internal firmware to be updated.
Can’t see an obvious reason why.
(“Cradle” is the Dock’s internal name. Thanks to SwitchBrew and its maintainers.)https://t.co/SbZJpVjmDp pic.twitter.com/eT3CcEr1KE
— OatmealDome (@OatmealDome) April 6, 2021
This is a peculiar new piece of information, as the Switch dock is allegedly quite rudimentary, essentially only having the capability to convert to HDMI and process USB inputs.
While many believe that this is obvious evidence for the existence of the long-rumored “Switch Pro“, others may think of it as a pre-emptive protective move against the Homebrew community, in the event that they discover an exploit in the current Switch dock hardware. The Homebrew community has previously found hardware exploits in the Nintendo Switch system, using 3D-printed tools to access an exploit in the Joy-Con rails.
However, those in the Homebrew and video game hardware scene have also found that the updated code checks for whether the dock supports the “Aula” firmware update. According to the Homebrew community, “Aula” is allegedly the codename for the rumored “Switch Pro” that is said to support 4K and be much more powerful than the current models available on the market.
[Nintendo Switch Firmware Update]
About my earlier tweet about update 12.0.0 being able to upgrade the dock firmware…
There is also this setting:
“is_crda_fw_update_supported”
“CrdA” = Cradle (Dock) for Aula. Aula is the codename for the new model.
(Thanks to @hexkyz!) https://t.co/USSPCbG20q pic.twitter.com/gwsOZdmg6b
— OatmealDome (@OatmealDome) April 6, 2021
Nevertheless, it is important that consumers keep an eye on these rumors while also taking them with a grain of salt. Developers and manufacturers can change plans at any moment, even after announcements, and so it is safer to assume that something is fact once it has been officially announced by the relevant companies. In the meantime, fans should enjoy the systems they have, and all the amazing games that come with it.
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There’s a reason the Nintendo Switch has been one of the most popular consoles over the past two years. Its sleek design, versatility and seemingly endless pool of thrilling games make it a great choice for gamers of all ages.
