Switch 2: SmileBASIC 4 pulled from the US eShop after ns2jb
By Tgames · · 3 min read
SmileBASIC 4, the entry point of the Switch 2 jailbreak ns2jb, is no longer on sale on the US eShop, and a tool now types the exploit in from a Mac.
SmileBASIC 4 disappears from the US eShop
On 22 October 2026, pepsipu unveiled ns2jb, the first Switch 2 jailbreak, which goes through the programming software SmileBASIC 4. On 23 October, its pages on Nintendo's US eShop return a 404 error, while those of other games load normally. Several sites report a removal in every region: we have only seen it in the United States. Nintendo has made no statement. The author had warned that eShop software could be taken off sale.
What ns2jb really does
The repository's README was clarified on 22 October. It is now titled “Switch 2 FS demo”, and it is clear:
mac2jb: the Mac types the code for you
Typing in the starting program is tedious. mac2jb, by cpypwn, released as version 0.1.0 on 23 October, makes an Apple silicon Mac pose as a USB keyboard plugged into the Switch 2: it types the code into SmileBASIC, then sends the RUN, REMOVE and V=START commands generated by ns2jb.
Beware of fake Switch 2 “CFW”
As early as 23 October, a GitHub repository offered a one-click Switch 2 “CFW activator”, compatible “up to 18.0.1”, a firmware the Switch 2 never had. The download goes through a shortened link to a password-protected archive, and the instructions ask you to turn off your antivirus: the classic pattern of malware. We are not linking to it. There is no custom firmware for the Switch 2 today.
What to do if you own a Switch 2?
As of 23 October, 23.0.1 is still the latest system version. If the scene interests you, do not update. ns2jb is still a base for developers, not a tool for everyone, and there is no point looking for SmileBASIC 4 anywhere but the official eShop. On the original Switch, the way in is still Atmosphère: see our step-by-step tutorial. Questions belong in Questions/Help Switch & Wii U.
Sources: ns2jb (GitLab) · mac2jb (GitHub) · mac2jb 0.1.0
SmileBASIC 4 disappears from the US eShop
On 22 October 2026, pepsipu unveiled ns2jb, the first Switch 2 jailbreak, which goes through the programming software SmileBASIC 4. On 23 October, its pages on Nintendo's US eShop return a 404 error, while those of other games load normally. Several sites report a removal in every region: we have only seen it in the United States. Nintendo has made no statement. The author had warned that eShop software could be taken off sale.
What ns2jb really does
The repository's README was clarified on 22 October. It is now titled “Switch 2 FS demo”, and it is clear:
- the demo runs two small native functions inside the fs system module, checks their results, then restores the original instructions;
- it installs no custom firmware and nothing permanent: a reboot wipes everything;
- you need SmileBASIC 4 version 4.4.9, system software 23.0.1, and a computer running macOS or Linux with Node.js 22, on the same network as the console (port 39380);
- no download key is published: the starting program, bootstrap.bas, has to be typed by hand into the SmileBASIC editor. A USB keyboard helps;
- success depends on timing: the author's test on 21 October only worked on the third boot.
mac2jb: the Mac types the code for you
Typing in the starting program is tedious. mac2jb, by cpypwn, released as version 0.1.0 on 23 October, makes an Apple silicon Mac pose as a USB keyboard plugged into the Switch 2: it types the code into SmileBASIC, then sends the RUN, REMOVE and V=START commands generated by ns2jb.
- it only works on a single verified setup: an M4 MacBook Pro on macOS 26.4.1, a Switch 2 on 23.0.1 and SmileBASIC 4.4.9;
- you need a USB-C cable that carries data, and the Switch 2 must not charge from the Mac;
- it also works with the SmileBASIC demo, which cannot save the program: you then have to send it again every session;
- it relies on an experimental kernel extension. The test Mac was switched to Reduced Security, with SIP turned off during testing. The author stresses that this is not a recommendation and that security should be restored afterwards.
Beware of fake Switch 2 “CFW”
As early as 23 October, a GitHub repository offered a one-click Switch 2 “CFW activator”, compatible “up to 18.0.1”, a firmware the Switch 2 never had. The download goes through a shortened link to a password-protected archive, and the instructions ask you to turn off your antivirus: the classic pattern of malware. We are not linking to it. There is no custom firmware for the Switch 2 today.
What to do if you own a Switch 2?
As of 23 October, 23.0.1 is still the latest system version. If the scene interests you, do not update. ns2jb is still a base for developers, not a tool for everyone, and there is no point looking for SmileBASIC 4 anywhere but the official eShop. On the original Switch, the way in is still Atmosphère: see our step-by-step tutorial. Questions belong in Questions/Help Switch & Wii U.
Sources: ns2jb (GitLab) · mac2jb (GitHub) · mac2jb 0.1.0
No comments