Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the modding process, our services, and hardware support.
Is it right for me?
A modified console unlocks system-level features that are restricted on retail units.
📦 Game Management
- ▹ Digital Backups: Create and manage digital backups of games you own, allowing you to preserve your physical cartridges while still accessing your library.
- ▹ Save Data Management: Advanced backup, restore, and editing tools for your game saves - never lose progress again.
⚡ Performance & Enhancements
- ▹ Overclocking: Boost CPU and GPU speeds for smoother gameplay, higher frame rates, and reduced stuttering in demanding titles.
- ▹ In-Game Cheats: Access debugging tools and cheat engines for experimentation, accessibility, or custom gameplay modes.
- ▹ Game Mods: Apply ROM hacks, texture packs, and community-created modifications for entirely new experiences.
🎮 Emulation & Retro Gaming
Turn your Switch into the ultimate retro gaming machine with support for:
- • NES & SNES
- • Game Boy / GBC / GBA
- • Nintendo 64
- • Nintendo DS
- • PlayStation 1 & PSP
- • Sega Dreamcast
🎨 Total Customisation
- ▹ Custom Themes: Apply unique UI themes, custom icons, and visual overhauls that make your console truly yours.
- ▹ Homebrew Apps: Access a library of community-developed utilities, media players, and productivity tools.
🔧 Advanced Features
- ▹ Expanded Controller Support: Use PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S, and third-party controllers seamlessly.
- ▹ PC Game Streaming: Stream games from your gaming PC directly to your Switch with apps like Moonlight.
- ▹ Alternative OS: Run Android or Linux for an entirely different experience.
With over 50 successful installations, we've refined the process to deliver a reliable, warranty-backed modification that respects your hardware while unlocking its full potential.
Ready to unlock your console? Explore our services to get started.
Modifying a console does involve specific risks, but our process is designed to effectively mitigate them:
🛠️ Hardware Risks
The Concern: The installation requires modifying the console's circuitry. Poor workmanship can permanently damage the console.
Our Mitigation: We use professional-grade equipment (microscope, precision soldering iron, etc) and have a A proven track record across 50+ successful installations. Every install is tested thoroughly and backed by our 6-month warranty.
🚫 Software Risks (Bans)
The Concern: Inherent with a modified console is the risk of being banned from using Nintendo's online services.
Our Mitigation: We set up a Dual-NAND system. Your original console (SysNAND) remains 100% unmodified and safe for online play. The modified copy of the console (EmuNAND) is completely isolated and configured to prevent communication with Nintendo’s servers (via DNS MITM & Exosphere), keeping your console safe from bans.
Yes, absolutely. In fact, a banned console is one of the best candidates for modding.
Since a ban only prevents you from accessing Nintendo's official servers (eShop and Online Play), you lose nothing by modding it.
No. Beyond the Cartridge strictly provides hardware modification and software environment setup.
We do not distribute, install, or provide links to copyrighted games or ROMs. Our service is designed to allow users to:
- ▹ Back up their own physical game collection.
- ▹ Play legally obtained homebrew software.
- ▹ Apply community-made mods to games they own.
We are based in Trinidad & Tobago, operating out of Port of Spain.
Most of our clients opt for local drop-off and collection in-person in Port of Spain. However, we can provide delivery to other parts of Trinidad and Tobago for an additional fee.
We generally do not accept mail-in orders from outside of Trinidad and Tobago, but we may make exceptions for clients in the wider Caribbean region.
How it works
We support all retail Nintendo Switch models.
- ▹ Switch OLED: All colours and special editions (Splatoon, Zelda, etc).
- ▹ Switch Lite: All colours.
- ▹ Switch V2 (HAC-001-01): The "Mariko" red-box model with improved battery.
- ▹ Switch V1 (HAC-001): Both "Unpatched" and "Patched" versions.
Note on Switch 2: We do not mod the Nintendo Switch 2. These consoles are currently unhackable and no modification exists for them yet.
While early V1 models could be modded via software only, all other models require the hardware modchip installation service we specialize in.
To install the modchip, several connections to the Switch's motherboard are required. While all of these points are accessible on the surface for Lite/Original models, the OLED has a critical point hidden beneath the memory chip. There are two primary methods to access it:
Method A: DAT0 Adapter
The Balanced Choice
A thin flex cable is slid underneath the memory chip to create a pressure contact. The image shows a console with the memory chip removed and illustrates how the adapter slides in to make contact with the relevant point.
Pros
- ▹ Cost-effective and easier to install.
- ▹ Relatively reliable if installed properly.
- ▹ I've had several DAT0 adapter installs last over one and a half years without issue.
Cons
- ▹ Not a permanent, direct connection.
- ▹ Long-term reliability can be affected by oxidation in rare cases over extended periods.
- ▹ Less tolerant of physical shocks than a direct soldered connection.
Method B: Kamikaze
The Ultimate Solution
A microscopic access point is made to allow a direct soldered connection to the dataline.
Pros
- ▹ Long-term, stable, direct hardware connection.
- ▹ Not susceptible to oxidation or shifting like contact-based adapters.
- ▹ Regarded as the gold standard for long-term stability.
Cons
- ▹ Highly complex, advanced microsoldering.
- ▹ Requires a high level of surgical skill and expertise.
Because of the technical difficulty involved, many installers opt for the DAT0 adapter. I have successfully modded several OLEDs with the Kamikaze method and strongly recommend this approach for its long-term reliability.
Verdict: Choose DAT0 for the best value (backed by our warranty upgrade), or Kamikaze for a zero-compromise, long-term solution.
Still not sure which method is right for you? Reach out to us and we’ll help you choose based on your usage and budget.
Yes, absolutely. This is the major advantage of the modern "Dual-NAND" setup we install. You get the best of both worlds:
- 1. Stock Mode (SysNAND): When you boot into the original system, your console behaves exactly like a factory-standard Switch. You can play your retail cartridges, access the eShop, play online multiplayer, and download updates safely.
- 2. Modded Mode (EmuNAND): When you want to use mods, homebrew, or backups, you boot into the emulated system on your SD card. This is completely offline and isolated from Nintendo's servers.
Switching between modes is as simple as restarting the console.
Yes, but the method depends on which mode you are using:
Stock Mode (SysNAND)
Update this normally through the System Settings. This is safe for online play and does not affect your modified environment.
Modded Mode (EmuNAND)
By default we block system updates on EmuNAND and we recommend that you do NOT update via System Settings. We can provide a guide on how to update safely using community tools once it is safe to do so.
No. The process is designed to be non-destructive. Your internal saves, profiles, and games remain untouched on the original system.
We create a 1:1 clone of your system for the modified setup, meaning you start with all your data exactly where you left it. Plus, we can perform a full backup of your saves during the process for extra peace of mind.
The impact of the chip itself is negligible.
The modchip consumes a small amount of power during the boot process and shuts down afterwards. However, how you use the modded console can affect battery life:
- ▹ Overclocking: Boosting your CPU/GPU for better graphics will drain the battery faster.
- ▹ Emulation: High-end emulators (like PSP or Dreamcast) can be more taxing than native Switch games.
- ▹ Standard Use: Normal use of the Switch will not have any noticeable impact on battery life.
Our service
Quality takes time. Our typical turnaround for a modchip installation job is 7 to 14 days to ensure your console returns in peak condition. This window allows for:
- ▹ Precision Work: Unhurried, microscopic installation for maximum reliability.
- ▹ Maintenance: Full internal dust cleaning and thermal paste refresh (using premium Arctic MX-4).
- ▹ Feature Testing and Quality Control: We ensure that your console is returned with 100% functionality and all features are unlocked.
✅ What is Covered
- ▹ The Modchip: Full replacement if the hardware component itself fails.
- ▹ Installation Integrity: Coverage for any soldering defects or connection issues related to our installation work.
- ▹ Ongoing Support: Full technical guidance and environment troubleshooting throughout the 6-month period.
- ▹ Initial Configuration: We ensure the software environment is correctly set up and running.
❌ What is NOT Covered
- ▹ Software Bans: We provide the safety tools, but online bans resulting from user violation of safety guidelines are not covered.
- ▹ Physical & Liquid Damage: Drops, cracked screens, or spills.
- ▹ Unrelated Hardware Failure: Issues with Joycons, batteries, or ports that were not part of the modification service.
- ▹ Independent Tampering: The warranty is voided if the console is opened or repaired by anyone else.
Speed and reliability are non-negotiable for a modded console. The right size SD Card, however, depends entirely on your needs - whether you're keeping a rotating selection of a few favorites or building the ultimate all-in-one digital library.
We provide a pre-configured 128GB card with all installations, but higher capacity cards are available for purchase. You are also welcome to provide your own SD Card.
- ▹ Brands: Stick to SanDisk (Extreme/Ultra), Samsung (EVO Select/Plus), or Amazon Basics Micro SDXC.
- ▹ Speed: Ensure the card is rated U3, A2, or Class 10 to prevent stuttering or slow load times.
- ▹ Size: This will ultimately depend on your requirements, but the following provides an approximate indication of how many games you can expect depending on the size of the card:
Note on Space: A "Full Setup" requires ~30GB of reserved space on your card for the EmuNAND (the emulated copy of your system software).
⚠️ Warning: Avoid "too good to be true" deals on Amazon/eBay. Counterfeit SD cards are common and can cause serious data loss.
Ready to play, straight out of the box. Our "Full Console" packages provides everything you need. Every bundle includes:
- ▹ Complete Retail Kit: All original accessories (Joy-Cons, Dock, Straps, and/or Power Supply).
- ▹ The BTC Mod: Professional internal modification already installed and stress-tested.
- ▹ Maintenance Suite: Applied Arctic MX-4 thermal refresh and internal cleanup.
- ▹ Pre-Configured: A high-speed 128GB SD card set up with our custom software environment.
True pick-up-and-play experience.
Still have questions?
If your question isn't covered here - especially regarding specialty hardware repairs or software - feel free to reach out.
Message Us ▹