Beginner Inquiries

[Ultimadrago]

Hello, I've recently purchased a SX Pro (it hasn't shipped yet) and had some lingering questions after doing a few hours of research. I'd appreciate if anyone with some free time could answer. I apologize if some of these questions have obvious answers, but out-of-context discussions can be confusing for me:

1. I see terms like "Hekate" and "Atmosphere" around as alternative/additional software. Would these be recommended or will the tools in the SX Pro do?

2. If I create a clean NAND Backup for the current Switch FW: 8.1.0 and have a separate EMUNand. Then in the future, there is a new firmware. If I install it (after it's confirmed supported by TX), due to burnt fuses that would make it impossible for me to return to my clean NAND, correct? Since I can't revert burnt fuses and the clean backup would be of an older firmware. I couldn't simply backup the NAND before updating because it would be dirty then. Should I have multiple NAND backups? Is there a step I'm missing here?

3. Ideally (with always some level of risk), I imagine as long as I keep EmuNAND offline, I should be able to load OFW to play physical copies online/normally?

4a. Is AutoRCM a requirement? The idea of my Switch not being able to turn on without a bootloader scares me for a variety of reasons. Any downside to having it off?
4b. Once the EmuNAND has been loaded once. Could you turn on your Switch normally to go right into Original FW or will you require the dongle/jig to even Power On the Switch from then on?

5. When you delete Wi-fi Settings, can this be done for just the EmuNAND and kept in tact for OFW? I imagine having to enter Wi-fi information every OFW boot if you're planning to go online would be tedious.

Thanks!

 

[Icarium]

1. SXOS will do. It has all of the essential features.

2. One of the main functions of emuNAND is to keep your sysNAND clean. Once the next firmware releases, just boot back into your sysNAND and update online. You will update emuNAND offline using Choidujour.

3. See #2. EmulNAND offline, clean sysNAND online.

4. AutoRCM is really only useful if you are booting into CFW exclusively. I don't use it, since the only time I am powering down my console is to switch between CFW and OFW (and vice-versa). The only caveat with AutoRCM is that, once powered down, the console boots back into RCM, (though it is not possible to detect until you push a payload). The console battery will drain in this state, and may deplete completely if left in RCM long enough. You just need to research how to power the switch down properly so that it does not boot back into RCM once off. There are several methods.

5. Another method is to just leave your console in airplane mode until you are running sysNAND (and be sure to turn it off before you boot into emuNAND).

 

[Ultimadrago]

5. Another method is to just leave your console in airplane mode until you are running sysNAND (and be sure to turn it off before you boot into emuNAND).

Thanks a ton, Icarium. That's just the rundown I needed.

For this part, you mean turn Airplane Mode "On" (and therefore Wi-fi "Off") before you boot into EmuNAND again, right?

And for #2. Could/Should I backup the SysNAND again after updating?

 

[Icarium]

Yes, airplane mode ON unless you are running clean sysNAND, my mistake.

I personally do backup the sysNAND everytime there is a firmware update. It only takes ~40 minutes each time, and it gives me piece of mind in case I ever accidentally taint my sysNAND; I would just restore my clean NAND and move on.