However, it is impossible to discuss NSP lists without acknowledging the ethical and legal fault line. Nintendo views the distribution or downloading of NSPs from any source other than its official servers as piracy, plain and simple. The corporation aggressively pursues legal action against sites that host these lists, arguing that a “Current Page” facilitates theft of intellectual property. Yet, advocates counter that the list itself is metadata—information about files, not the files themselves. They point to the inability to buy digital Switch games secondhand as a failure of consumer rights that the NSP format inadvertently solves.
As of mid-2026, the scene is shifting. While this still focuses on NSP, two new formats are emerging:
In addition to base games, updates (vividly tracked in lists by version numbers like v1.0.1 or v2.0.0) and downloadable content are also packaged as NSP files. Legal Disclaimer:
A high-quality NSP list isn't just a wall of filenames. It is a database. When you view a current list, look for these columns to ensure you are getting the right file: Current Page- Nintendo Switch NSP List
When browsing a "Current Page" list, you will often see these three file types intermingled. Understanding the difference is vital:
A: You are looking at a trimmed or compressed NSP (missing update data). Always verify the BTRIM status.
A: No. Nintendo only provides proprietary NCA files. The "lists" are scene-maintained. However, it is impossible to discuss NSP lists
While NSP files are the official format for digital purchases, "NSP Lists" are frequently used in the context of custom firmware (CFW) to facilitate the installation of backups. Downloading NSP files for games you do not own is a violation of Nintendo’s Terms of Service and may lead to a console ban. What is typically on an NSP List Page?
For those looking for older or preserved content, repositories on the Internet Archive often host directory listings of updates and DLCs.
: Nintendo can detect modified software or unauthorized installs when the console connects to its servers, often resulting in a permanent ban from online services. Yet, advocates counter that the list itself is
: Files downloaded from sketchy third-party sites can contain malicious code that may brick the console.
Often, the base game is easy to find, but the current updates are not. Here is a snapshot of the latest UPD NSPs needed to play online (via LAN) or access new content:
If you are viewing or creating a tracking list, the "Current Page" usually displays the following data points: Description
