XCI vs NSP. What are the differences? (2024)

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XCI vs NSP. What are the differences? (2)
  • May 29, 2021
  • #1

I am new to the Switch hacking scene and am having some issues. I used NXdumptool to rip Mario Odyssey from the gamecard. The options were "NX card image (XCI)" or "Nintendo Submission Package (NSP)". I chose XCI not knowing what the major/minor differences between the two were. After choosing, you can adjust some settings or start the dump. (what is "keep certificate", and why is it auto unchecked?). I started the dump. After it dumped, it was in 2 files because of the fat32 split. At this point, I have absolutely no idea how to play this game dump. I tried Gold Leaf and Awoo installer and just cannot figure out how to have it recognized. This is what makes me ask these questions.

What is the difference between XCI and NSP?
Which format is preferred and why?
Can you play online at all without getting banned using one of these formats?
What are the pros and cons of each format?
Thanks for your answers in advance! Also, if you have any other recommendations regarding Switch Homebrew apps and such I'm all ears.

  • XCI vs NSP. What are the differences? (3)

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XCI vs NSP. What are the differences? (5)
  • May 29, 2021
  • #2

All are containers to game files.

.XCI is like a clone to the gamecard. think .iso being a clone from a disc.
.nsp is a dump from digital game. smaller than xci, without garbage files.
.nsz is like nsp, but with smaller file sizes than .nsp, in most cases.

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XCI vs NSP. What are the differences? (8)
  • Jun 5, 2021
  • #3

NightDweller said:

I am new to the Switch hacking scene and am having some issues. I used NXdumptool to rip Mario Odyssey from the gamecard. The options were "NX card image (XCI)" or "Nintendo Submission Package (NSP)". I chose XCI not knowing what the major/minor differences between the two were. After choosing, you can adjust some settings or start the dump. (what is "keep certificate", and why is it auto unchecked?). I started the dump. After it dumped, it was in 2 files because of the fat32 split. At this point, I have absolutely no idea how to play this game dump. I tried Gold Leaf and Awoo installer and just cannot figure out how to have it recognized. This is what makes me ask these questions.

What is the difference between XCI and NSP?
Which format is preferred and why?
Can you play online at all without getting banned using one of these formats?
What are the pros and cons of each format?
Thanks for your answers in advance! Also, if you have any other recommendations regarding Switch Homebrew apps and such I'm all ears.

  • .XCI files are dumps of cartridges while .NSP files are packaged dumps of digital content such as anything from the eShop
  • There is no preferred format however they are treated very similarly when it comes to Atmosphere since you can only install both formats with that CFW. When it comes to SX OS, you have the option to mount the .XCI files which has the advantage of saving you the installation time at the cost of some speed and storage space
  • You risk getting banned regardless if you use .XCI or .NSP files
  • XCI vs NSP. What are the differences? (9)

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XCI vs NSP. What are the differences? (11)
  • Jun 5, 2021
  • #4

almmiron said:

.nsp is compressed dump from digital game. smaller than xci, without garbage files.

NSP are not compressed. XCIs are just packed in two ways - as 1:1 with null data at the end or without them. NSP is packed without any ending nulls always.

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XCI vs NSP. What are the differences? (13)
  • Jun 5, 2021
  • #5

masagrator said:

NSP are not compressed. XCIs are just packed in two ways - as 1:1 with null data at the end or without them. NSP is packed without any ending nulls always.

as I Understand is kind of compressed, with bunch of game files .nca inside. I'm sure it has a more adequated term to use.

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XCI vs NSP. What are the differences? (16)
  • Jun 5, 2021
  • #6

almmiron said:

as I Understand is kind of compressed, with bunch of game files .nca inside. I'm sure it has a more adequated term to use.

Compressed means it's using compression.

NSP is an uncompressed archive type, storing files in blob with header. No compression involved.
The same NSZ. It's in real NSP, but it's used to show easily that it stores NCZ, which are zstd compressed NCA.

I can understand saying that NSZ is compressed to explain it simpler. But saying that NSP is compressed is completely false.

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XCI vs NSP. What are the differences? (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between XCI and NCP? ›

In summary, NPC and XCI files are different types of files that serve different purposes on the Nintendo Switch. NPC files are used to identify and manage game titles, while XCI files are used to back up and install game cartridges on a custom firmware.

What is XCI and NSP? ›

NSP is what the eShop uses to install a game or update. While XCI is a game cartridge dump. You can use either of them. But in both cases when you install game updates (which are always in NSP format because they're acquired through the eShop), you need to make sure the update matches the game's region.

What is the difference between NSP and NSZ? ›

NSP files are standard format for Nintendo Switch game files. They are essentially raw, uncompressed files. NSZ files are compressed versions of Nintendo Switch game files. They are essentially NSP files that have undergone compression to reduce their size.

Which is smaller, NSP or XCI? ›

NSP size is far smaller than XCI size.

What is an NSP? ›

A network service provider (NSP) is a company that owns, operates and sells access to Internet backbone infrastructure and services. The primary customers of NSPs are other service providers, including internet service providers (ISPs), which, in turn, sell internet access to businesses and consumers.

What does NSP mean in ROMs? ›

NSP stands for “Nintendo Submission Package.” It is file format used by Nintendo for distributing and installing games, updates and DLC (Downloadable Content) on Nintendo Switch system. NSP files are essentially containers that contain all necessary data and assets for particular game or content.

Can NSP be converted to XCI? ›

FYI: Its possible to convert nsp only games to xci with NSC_Builder for the Migswitch when it comes out.

What format is XCI? ›

XCI Files: XCI files are file format used to store game data from Nintendo Switch game cartridges. These files contain game's code, assets and save data in format that can be loaded onto Nintendo Switch console for playing games without the need for physical cartridge.

What is NSP emulation? ›

PPSSPP (an acronym for "PlayStation Portable Simulator Suitable for Playing Portably") is a free and open-source PSP emulator for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo Switch, BlackBerry 10, MeeGo, Pandora, Xbox Series X/S and Symbian with a focus on speed and portability.

How to convert NSZ to NSP on Android? ›

put the nsz files in the downloads folder 4. Put your keys in the Sak /bin folder. 5.in winlator open the container find and open sak.exe then just click nsz to nsp button and follow the instructions. The new nsps will be in the sak folder.

Can you use NSZ on Ryujinx? ›

NSP, XCI, and NSZ. Yuzu and Ryujinx do not support NSZ, so don't download that. XCI has the update file merged into the game file so you need to download only one file. NSP has different game and update files, making it easier to update.

Can I install NSZ on switch? ›

A compression/decompresson script (with optional GUI) that allows user to compress/decompress Nintendo Switch ROMs loselessly, thanks to zstd compression algorithm. The compressed file can be installed directly with supported NSW Homebrew Title Installers.

How big is NSP XCI? ›

The size for the XCI base and NSP update 2.3. 1 is about 7.5gb. After installing the game I look in the Data Management and saw that the installed game plus update only used 5.1gb on my microSD card.

Can I run NSP files on switch? ›

Yes. On installing nsp is unpacked and stored as nca files. DBI recreate nsp virtually on the fly when you copy it from installed storage.

What is Xilinx XCI file? ›

Vivado Design Suite Xilinx Core Instance files (XCI) XCI format IP cores are native to the Vivado Design Suite and can be added to the design or project by customizing the IP core from the Xilinx IP catalog, or by using the File > Add Sources command to directly add the files.

What is the difference between TCP and NCP? ›

NCP preceded the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) as a transport layer protocol used during the early ARPANET. NCP was a simplex protocol that utilized two port numbers, establishing two connections for two-way communications. An odd and an even port were reserved for each application layer application or protocol.

What does nsp mean in an emulator? ›

An NSP extension refers to a Nintendo Submission Package, a game file. Nintendo Switch and its emulators use the format. These files may store several elements such as the game ROM, its icon, metadata containing the description, and several updates.

What is the difference between NSIP and pulmonary fibrosis? ›

Usual interstitial pneumonia is another name for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the most common interstitial lung disease. IPF causes irreversible lung scarring. NSIP doesn't always cause lung scarring and can often be cured.

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