Understanding Nintendo Switch File Formats: XCI vs. NSZ for Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey is a 3D platform game. In this adventure, Mario leaves the Mushroom Kingdom to save Princess Peach from Bowser. Bowser wants to force Peach into a wedding.
: The emulator or console must be running a firmware version compatible with the game's release or update version. Installation super mario odyssey xci nsz
| Format | Full Name | The "Soul" of the Format | Primary Characteristic | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | NX Card Image | Physical Game Cartridge | A 1:1 copy of the data from a physical Switch game card. | | NSP | Nintendo Submission Package | Digital eShop Game | The exact file format that is downloaded when you purchase a game from Nintendo's official online store. | | NSZ | Nintendo Zstandard | Compressed NSP | An NSP file that has been compressed to save storage space. |
Use a hacked Nintendo Switch and homebrew tools like NX Dump Tool to legally create XCI or NSP/NSZ backups of the games you physically own. Understanding Nintendo Switch File Formats: XCI vs
An file is a highly compressed version of a digital Nintendo Switch game, update, or DLC. It is a modified version of the standard NSP (Nintendo Submission Package) format, which represents games downloaded directly from the official Nintendo eShop.
NSZ utilizes specialized compression algorithms to drastically reduce the file size of standard NSP files. Bowser wants to force Peach into a wedding
: Tools like Tinfoil or DBI can load XCI files directly, or install them into your digital library.
Original XCI files typically contain the base game. However, advanced users can use tools to modify XCI files, injecting game updates and Downloadable Content (DLC) directly into the single file.