Switch 2 keys and firmware are the two kinds of system data the Lichii emulator needs: prod.keys and title.keys decrypt protected content, and firmware supplies the system software games call. Every Switch 2 game needs prod.keys and firmware; some dumps also need title.keys.
What are the three files an emulator needs?
| File | Type | Role in Lichii |
|---|---|---|
| prod.keys | Console keys, text file | Decrypts game headers, key areas and firmware |
| title.keys | Per-game keys, text file | Decrypts content distributed with tickets |
| Firmware | System titles, ZIP of NCA files | Provides fonts, applets and system modules |
Why are Switch 2 games encrypted?
Switch 2 games are encrypted so that only a console holding the right keys can read them. Every game file, update and firmware title is stored as encrypted NCA content; the console derives the decryption keys from secrets in its own hardware.
What is the firmware an emulator installs?
The firmware an emulator installs is the set of system titles Nintendo ships in each system update: system modules, shared fonts, the keyboard and Mii applets, and data archives. Lichii does not run Nintendo’s operating system; it reads these files so games find the resources they expect.
How do keys and firmware relate?
Keys and firmware move together. When a system update introduces a new key generation, its firmware and the games built against it need the matching master key. This is why a prod keys and firmware mismatch stops games even when both files are present.