i used the fusee-gelee method because i have a pre-2019 switch; you need to make or buy a plastic jig to activate an invisible button at power-on. this is patched for 2020 models onwards.
however, in 2023 an open-source modchip was developed that works on all models, you can make it yourself for $5 and some precise soldering, or you can send your switch to a mail-order service on etsy for like $50 and have someone do it for you.
The hardware mod method depends on a raspi rp2040 chip to fiddle with some CPU lines and emulate the storage, so the mega-cheap way involves a little fabrication and fly wires to a $3 board, but you can get premade flex-pcb kits called “picofly” boards for crazy cheap now, like 20 bucks. The hardest part is the precise and delicate soldering that absolutely requires skill and some high quality tools, but it’s not outside the realm of possibility if you’re already equipped and experienced with microscope-level repairs. It is an advanced level DIY procedure, and not for the inexperienced hobbyist.
i used the fusee-gelee method because i have a pre-2019 switch; you need to make or buy a plastic jig to activate an invisible button at power-on. this is patched for 2020 models onwards.
however, in 2023 an open-source modchip was developed that works on all models, you can make it yourself for $5 and some precise soldering, or you can send your switch to a mail-order service on etsy for like $50 and have someone do it for you.
how do you make the modchip?
The hardware mod method depends on a raspi rp2040 chip to fiddle with some CPU lines and emulate the storage, so the mega-cheap way involves a little fabrication and fly wires to a $3 board, but you can get premade flex-pcb kits called “picofly” boards for crazy cheap now, like 20 bucks. The hardest part is the precise and delicate soldering that absolutely requires skill and some high quality tools, but it’s not outside the realm of possibility if you’re already equipped and experienced with microscope-level repairs. It is an advanced level DIY procedure, and not for the inexperienced hobbyist.