Nintendo Switch 2 Jailbroken Using AI and an Older Application

The Nintendo Switch 2 has reportedly been jailbroken by a security researcher who used artificial intelligence to help uncover a vulnerability in the system software. The software-only exploit, designated as "ns2jb," allows the console to run custom modifications, though it currently operates as a tethered jailbreak that must be reactivated every time the device is powered on.

The researcher, Sammy Hajhamid, known online as "pepsipu," explained that the project took approximately two weeks to develop. Hajhamid utilized OpenAI's programming agent, Codex, to assist in researching system access points and investigating potential flaws. To streamline the process, the developer constructed a physical testing setup using JetKVM devices to transmit automated inputs via USB and capture video output over HDMI, alongside a Bluetooth light switch to physically reboot the console when it crashed.

The exploit relies on an application called SmileBASIC 4, which is available on the eShop and allows users to program and play games. According to reports, Codex identified an integer overflow vulnerability within the application's code, which served as a stepping stone to target the console's file system services. The method functions on system firmware version 23.0.1, though it does not achieve full kernel-level access.

To demonstrate the capability of the new jailbreak, Hajhamid showcased a modified version of Mario Kart World. The custom game featured playable characters not normally included by Nintendo, such as Peter Griffin, Hatsune Miku, Cinnamoroll, and an Angry Bird. According to the developer, these character modifications were programmed in a single day.

While the exploit marks a notable milestone for system security research, its full long-term impact remains debated within online modding communities. Because the method is tethered and lacks unrestricted low-level access, everyday usability is constrained. Furthermore, the reliance on a specific entry point means that regular users cannot automatically attain total hardware control.

Nintendo has not yet officially commented on the jailbreak or announced a patch specifically addressing this vulnerability. The company recently released firmware version 23.0.1, which addressed software stability issues such as application launch delays and unexpected closures, but did not mention the exploit described by Hajhamid. Observers note that Nintendo may deploy future firmware updates or remove vulnerable applications from the eShop if the exploit gains broader attention.