A defining feature of the modern NSP list is the encroachment of the NSZ file format.
As game libraries swelled (with titles like The Witcher 3 or DOOM Eternal pushing 30GB+), raw NSP lists became unwieldy for storage management. The "Current Page" of a modern list often features a mix of NSP and NSZ files.
To understand an NSP list, one must first understand the file itself. NSP stands for Nintendo Submission Package.
It is the file format Nintendo uses for digital distribution. When you download a game from the Nintendo eShop, the system downloads and installs an NSP file. Therefore, an "NSP List" is essentially a catalog of titles in their digital installable format.
You will often see labels like "Base," "Update," or "DLC."
An NSP (Nintendo Submission Package) is the digital file format used for games, updates, and DLC on the Nintendo Switch eShop. For enthusiasts, these files allow for sideloading games or backing up a library to a microSD card. 1. Getting Started: The Requirements
To use NSP files, your console must be "modded" to run Custom Firmware (CFW) like Hekate or Atmosphere.
Hardware: A compatible Nintendo Switch (v1 or unpatched models are easiest). Current Page- Nintendo Switch NSP List
Storage: A high-capacity microSD card (256GB or 512GB) formatted to FAT32 to avoid data corruption.
Tools: You will need an "NSP Installer" app on your Switch, such as Tinfoil, Goldleaf, or DBI. 2. How to Install NSP Files
There are two primary methods for transferring files from your computer to your Switch:
USB Installation (Recommended): Use a tool like NS USB Loader on your PC and an app like Awoo Installer or DBI on your Switch. Connect them via USB-C to "push" the files directly without removing your SD card.
Direct SD Transfer: Copy the .nsp file directly into a folder on your microSD card (e.g., a folder named /nsp/). Insert the card back into the Switch and use Goldleaf to locate and install it. 3. Managing Your NSP List
NSPs often come in three parts that you should keep organized: Base Game: The core game data.
Update: Bug fixes and new versions (required for most online features or newer DLC). DLC: Extra content like expansion passes. A defining feature of the modern NSP list
Current Page: Nintendo Switch NSP List (2026 Guide) If you’ve dived into the world of Switch modding, you’ve likely encountered NSP (Nintendo Submission Package)
files. These are digital installation packages, essentially the same format used for games downloaded directly from the Nintendo eShop. Keeping track of your NSP library and knowing how to manage them is essential for any homebrew setup. What is an NSP File?
files, which are exact duplicates of physical game cartridges,
files function as digital installers for games, DLC, and updates. Because they are designed for the digital environment, they are the standard for most custom firmware (CFW) users. Essential Tools for Managing Your NSP List
To keep your library organized and functional, several community-developed tools are indispensable:
: A popular multipurpose tool for the Switch that allows you to browse your SD card and install NSP files directly from a dedicated folder. DBI Installer
: Highly regarded for its "MTP Responder" mode, which lets you connect your Switch to a PC via USB and simply drag and drop NSP files to install them. NSC_Builder Finding unmatched DLC:
: A powerful PC-based utility that can rename, compress (into NSZ), or even combine multiple NSPs (like a base game and its update) into a single file. nxdumptool
: The gold standard for safely dumping your own legally purchased games and DLC into NSP format to create your own personal backup list. How to Install Your NSPs
The most common methods for adding files to your list include: SD Card Installation : Placing the file in a folder on your SD card and using to select and install it. USB Transfer : Connecting your Switch to a PC and using
to transfer and install files without ever removing your SD card. Combination Installs
: Using a tool like "Swiss Army Knife" (SAC) to merge updates and DLC into a base NSP before installation to keep your "installed" list clean and unified. Safety First: Avoid the Ban
A quick reminder: Installing NSP files—especially those not dumped from your own console—while connected to official Nintendo servers is a high-risk activity that often results in a permanent console ban. Always use Atmosphère with DNS blocking or to stay offline when using homebrew tools.
If you're looking to save space on your SD card, consider converting your NSP list into format using NSC_Builder
. It uses lossless compression to shrink file sizes significantly. into NSP format? nxdumptool-rewrite (latest commit build) #139 - GitHub