L4T Linux Distributions
Understanding and setting up L4S distros
Various L4T-based linux distributions are available for the Nintendo Switch.
| Distro | Version | Official Release Date | Official EOL | Maintainer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
18.04 | April 2018 | ELTS: 4/2028 | ||
22.04 | April 2022 | ELTS: 4/2032 | ||
24.04 | April 2024 | ELTS: 4/2034 | ||
39 | November 2023 | STS: 11/2024 | ||
5.0 | April 2024 |
Setting up your SD Card
Insert SD card to your PC
Download TegraRcmGUI for Windows and run "TegraRcmGUI_vX.X_installer.msi" to install TegraRCMGUI (follow on-screen instructions).
Launch "TegraRCMGUI" and Install The APX driver if needed. This can be located in "Setting" -> "Install Driver"
Download Hekate latest release and extract "heakte_ctcaer_X.X.bin"
Connect your switch to your PC/device via usb cable.
First, power off your Switch then insert the RCM Jig in the right joycon rail and press/hold VOLUME UP + POWER BUTTON for three seconds to enter into RCM
Find and select "heakte_ctcaer_X.X.bin" under "Select payload:" and hit "Inject payload". Then your Switch should now be in Hekate bootloader.
Flashing a distribution for the first time
First time Linux installation
Partition the sd card in order to create an ext4 partition. hekate's partition manager can be used for that: Tools -> Partition SD Card.
The process in hekate is destructive, so you need to backup your fat partition files (if they are more than 1GB total) or emuMMC.
Move the sliders as you want them and then hit next. You will have plenty of chances/warns to backup your stuff if it's needed.
Make sure your Switch is connected via usb to your PC/Device and Select SD UMS
Extract your distro of choice 7z directly to SD
Safely unmount and flash via hekate's Flash Linux
Then go to Home and Nyx options and dump your joycon BT pairing
Return to hekate's Home menu and choose "More Configs"
Boot
Distributions layout
Last updated