Hardwiring a push button in a JoyCon to grant bootloader access
Hardwiring a push button in a JoyCon to grant debug/bootloader
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XxWiReDxX
This is a tutorial on how to hack the Nintendo Switch JoyCon to grant the user escalated access for Custom Firmware (CFW) and HomeBrew. I created this hack and tutorial to help users and myself to easily use the Nvidia Integra exploit. Current hacks require a user to use a jig tool by inserting it in the right JoyCon slot, using aluminum on a JoyCon and inserting it in the right JoyCon slot, or shorting and breaking the right JoyCon pins, every time a user wants to boot into bootloader. This can be cumbersome and annoying when switching between stock firmware and custom firmware, and this hack is to make it a seamless operation for the user.
Also, currently all exploits require the user to use the Nvidia Integra exploit every time the Nintendo Switch is shutdown or rebooted, and this can be a burden if you are using a purchased or homemade tool. By modding your controller easily and once, you now will have a hassle-free method of getting into the bootloader. This will come in handy with Xecuters USB C Modchip (https://sx.xecuter.com/), for a fast and easy CFW launch. A list of resellers can be found Here (https://team-xecuter.com/where-to-buy/).
If your momentary switch is installed properly, to enter the bootloader you need to insure your device is powered off, and then press and hold the installed button and the volume up button. While holding these 2 buttons power the device on with the power button. (If you see the Nintendo logo, it did not boot properly. If it booted to a blank black screen, congratulations you have access to the bootloader. If you are using Xecuter's CFW, then you should boot into SX OS).
Take your time. Do not rush through the project. The JoyCon hardware is sensitive (Ribbon Cables can come loose if pulled hard) and the components are small.
Measure twice and Mod once. Make sure the placement of you button is in a location free of the existing hardware to insure the device closes back up again.
A little goes a long way. When you are gluing or securing your button, use just a small amount of adhesive to prevent freezing up the momentary button.
Adhesive
6x6 Push Button Switch (http://a.co/0qSeANA). For $10.00 it is worth getting various button heights.
Wire and Connector (I recommend a connector to easily connect and disconnect from the button) .
Soldering Iron (Try and use a fine tip soldering iron for lower heat and better control) & Solder.
Drilling Device
Shrink Tubing (http://a.co/6SDwGox). I recommend getting a kit of various sizes at $7.99
Heat Gun or Lighter (Used for the Shrink Tubing) .
Solder Flux (Optional, but it helps solder flow) .
Security Screw Driver Set (YBit & Phillips used to open the JoyCon) . I used my own set, but here is a link to one (http://a.co/aoYPtmz).
Right JoyCon controller. (This will not work with the left JoyCon)
Please keep in mind that I am not responsible for any issues caused by this modification. With that said, follow instructions and you should be okay.
(Image 1 - Female Jumper)
(Image 2 - Lifting the Locking Tab)
(Image 3 - Removing the Jumper Housing)
(Image 4 - Jumper Housing Removed)
(Image 5 - Measuring the Shrink Tubing)
(Image 6 - Cut Shrink Tubing)
(Image 7 - Heated Shrink Tubing)
(Image 8 - Momentary Switch - Top)
(Image 9 - Momentary Switch - Side & Bottom)
(Image 10 - Multimeter and Momentary Switch)
(Image 11 - Momentary Switch with Side Posts Removed)
(Image 12 - Momentary Switch with Side Posts Bent Straight)
(Image 13 - Momentary Switch Connected to Jumpers)
(Image 14 - JoyCon Back Removed)
(Image 15 - JoyCon Slide Connector Board Fully Removed)
(Image 16 - Using Momentary Switch to Find the Drill Location)
(Image 17 - Drilled Hole on the Back of the JoyCon Controller (A Little to Far to the Left))
(Image 18 - Momentary Switch Secured with Hot Glue)
Measure the length of wire you need to cut off of your jumper wires to properly connect the JoyCon Slide Connector Board to the momentary switch. (I recommend leaving just a little bit of room for error) . Once you have your measurement, cut your wire and strip the ends exposing just a mm long (This will reduce the error of over exposed wire shorting) .
Prep your wire to be soldered to the JoyCon Slide Connector Board by pre-soldering the wire as seen in (Image 19). (I use flux to help the solder flow, but it is especially useful when soldering the jumper wire to the JoyCon board)
(Image 19 - Jumper Wire with Soldered Ends)
(Image 20 - Testing Pins to Find the Associated Solder Posts)
(Image 21 - Solder Posts for Pins 1 & 10 Circled in Red)
(Image 22 - Jumper Wires Soldered to the JoyCon Slide Connector Board)
(Image 23 - Jumper Wires Soldered to the JoyCon Slide Connector Board)
(Image 24 - JoyCon Slide Connector Board Connected to the Momentary Switch and JoyCon Back)