A Nintendo Switch capable of running custom firmware (e.g., an unpatched V1 console or a console with a modchip). The bootloader installed on your SD card.
The file is derived from prod.keys , a file dumped directly from a modded Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo Switch game files are heavily encrypted. To perform operations like converting an XCI (cartridge dump) to an NSP (digital package), or merging a game update directly into the base game file, NSC_Builder must temporarily decrypt portions of the file metadata and re-encrypt them. The software uses the strings inside keys.txt to unlock these data blocks. How to Obtain Your Keys Legally nsc builder keys.txt
✅ Dump your own keys using Lockpick_RCM. ✅ Rename prod.keys to keys.txt . ✅ Place the file in the same folder as NSC_BUILDER.exe . ✅ Launch NSC Builder and verify "Keys loaded" in the console log. ✅ Never share or download keys from the internet. ✅ Re-dump keys after every Switch firmware update.
A Nintendo Switch capable of booting into RCM (Recovery Mode). An SD card reader. A Nintendo Switch capable of running custom firmware (e
These errors (e.g., master_key_06 is Missing , master_key_07 is Missing ) indicate that your key file is out of date.
The keys.txt file (sometimes referred to as prod.keys ) is a plain text file containing a collection of cryptographic keys. These keys are unique to the Nintendo Switch hardware and ecosystem. Why is it Required? Nintendo Switch game files are heavily encrypted
If you are active in the Nintendo Switch homebrew and backup scene, you have likely encountered (Nintendo Switch Content Builder). This powerful, command-line-based utility is the gold standard for modifying, merging, splitting, and converting Switch game files between NSP, XCI, and NSZ formats.