Standard digital package format used for eShop titles, downloadable content (DLC), and software updates.
Find the ztools folder inside your main NSC Builder directory. Copy your prod.keys file into this ztools folder. Rename prod.keys to keys.txt . 3. Verify the Text Format
: The file must be placed in the ztools directory within the NSC Builder folder to be recognized.
In the world of Switch file management, your games are encrypted. To decrypt them for merging or converting (like NSP to XCI), the software needs specific "product keys" from the console. NSC Builder looks for these keys in a file specifically named . How to Set It Up nsc builder keys.txt
Having this information readily available in a simple text file streamlines the process of creating and notarizing apps. It allows developers to easily reference and include necessary identifiers and keys in their build scripts or when manually notarizing apps using tools like notarytool .
The keys.txt file is essentially a renamed copy of the prod.keys file that you extract from your own Nintendo Switch console. This file contains the cryptographic keys necessary for NSC_BUILDER to properly read, decrypt, and repack encrypted Switch game files (like NSP and XCI). Without this file, the tool will be unable to correctly process most game files.
If you try to process a newer game (e.g., a title requiring Firmware 17.0) with keys from an older firmware (e.g., 11.0), the builder will fail. To avoid errors, always ensure you are using the dumped from a console running the most recent firmware. Pro-Tip: The Power of Multipack Mode Standard digital package format used for eShop titles,
Downloading keys.txt directly from the internet via public forums, sketchy file-sharing sites, or Discord servers is highly discouraged. These files contain copyrighted Nintendo material. Sharing or downloading them constitutes copyright infringement.
| File | Purpose | Location in NSC_Builder | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | keys.txt | Active key file used for decryption | /ztools/ | | prod.keys | Dumped directly from a Switch console | Anywhere (source file) | | keys_template.txt | Template to guide key file creation | /ztools/ |
key_name_00 = 0123456789abcdef0123456789abcdef key_name_01 = fedcba9876543210fedcba9876543210 Use code with caution. Critical Keys Required by NSC Builder Rename prod
Copy this file to your PC. If NSC Builder specifically asks for keys.txt , simply rename prod.keys to keys.txt . Where to Place keys.txt in NSC Builder
// The "builder" here is not a software compiler, but a physical device. // Ref: Hardware schematic "NSC_Bunker_Controller_v3.pdf"