Dumping RomFS

What is RomFS?

RomFS is a file system used by the Nintendo Switch to store game data. It contains all the assets, such as textures, models, and sounds, that the game uses. Dumping RomFS allows you to access these files for modding purposes.

Dump RomFS on Real Hardware

Make sure your Nintendo Switch is modded and has homebrew capabilities before proceeding. Dumping RomFS requires access to the file system, which is not available on unmodded consoles.

1. Download the latest release and copy it to your Nintendo Switch switch folder.

2. Download and install Zadig on your PC. This tool is for USB communication with your Switch.

3. Launch NXDumpTool on your Nintendo Switch.

4. Connect your Nintendo Switch to your PC using a USB cable.

5. Run Zadig on your PC. Go to Options and check the List all devices option.

6. In the top dropdown menu, select the nxdt_rw_poc USB device.

7. Change the Driver dropdown on the right to libusbK (vX.X.X.X).

8. Click on the Install Driver and wait for it to finish.

9. Download nxdt_host.7z, extract it with 7zip or WinRaR and run nxdt_host.exe.

10. Set a output directory by pressing on Choose and click on Start Server.

11. In your Switch, on NXDumpTool, select user titles menu.

12. Find Animal Crossing: New Horizons in the list and select it.

13. Select nca / nca fs dump options and change the output storage to usb host (PC)

14. Select dump base application (or dump update / dump DLC if you want to dump those)

15. Select Program #0: <string of characters> and then select FS section #2: RomFS

16. Click on start nca fs section dump and make sure your nxdt_host.exe is running on your PC.

17. Wait for the dump to complete. The files will be saved in the output directory you specified in step 10.

Dump RomFS on Emulator

If you are using an emulator like Yuzu or Ryujinx, you can dump RomFS directly from the emulator without needing a homebrew application.

Emulators like Sudachi, Suyu can follow the same steps as Yuzu. And emulators like Ryubing can follow the same steps as Ryujinx.

Warning

This guide will not cover how to install or set up Yuzu or Ryujinx.

Yuzu

1. Open Yuzu and right-click on Animal Crossing: New Horizons in the game list.

2. Select Dump RomFS > Dump RomFS.

3. In the pop-up window, choose Program and click OK.

4. For Dump Mode, choose Full and click OK.

5. Wait for the extraction process to complete.

Ryujinx

1. Open Ryujinx and right-click Animal Crossing: New Horizons in the game list.

2. Select Extract Data > RomFS.

3. Choose where you want to save the RomFS files.

4. Wait for the extraction process to complete.