An XCI file is a complete copy of a Nintendo Switch game stored as a single file on your computer

XCI stands for eXtensible Cartridge Image. It is an exact digital copy of what sits on a physical Nintendo Switch game cartridge — the same way an ISO file is a copy of a DVD or a disc image is a copy of a CD. When you have an XCI file on your computer, you have the entire game: all the code, graphics, sound, and data needed to play it.

XCI files are large, usually between 2 and 32 gigabytes depending on the game. They are not the same as the game files that live on your Switch's internal storage or SD card. An XCI is a raw cartridge dump — a bit-for-bit replica of the physical cartridge itself.

You will encounter XCI files if you own a Nintendo Switch and have backed up your own cartridges, or if you are researching how game preservation and emulation work. They are also the format used by Switch emulators on PC if you want to play Switch games on your computer.

Key Takeaways

  • XCI files are complete copies of Nintendo Switch game cartridges stored as single files on a computer.
  • XCI files are typically 2 to 32 gigabytes in size, depending on the game.
  • You can create an XCI file from a physical cartridge you own using specialized hardware and software.
  • XCI files work with Nintendo Switch emulators on PC, allowing you to play Switch games on your computer.
  • XCI files are different from NSP files, which are the format Nintendo Switch uses for digital game installations.

How XCI files differ from NSP files

Nintendo Switch games come in two main file formats: XCI and NSP. An XCI file is a cartridge image — it mirrors exactly what is on a physical game card. An NSP file is an installation package, the format the Switch uses when you download a game from the Nintendo eShop or install it digitally to your console.

The practical difference: an XCI file is larger and contains everything, while an NSP file is optimized for the Switch's internal storage and can be installed directly to the console. If you have an XCI file, you cannot simply copy it to your Switch and play it. You would need to convert it to NSP format first, or use an emulator on your computer.

Think of it this way: XCI is the original cartridge. NSP is the digital download version. They contain the same game, but they are packaged differently.

How to create an XCI file from a cartridge you own

If you own physical Nintendo Switch games and want to back them up as XCI files, you will need two things: a device that can read Switch cartridges and software that converts the cartridge data into an XCI file.

The most common method uses a Raspberry Pi or a specialized cartridge reader connected to your computer, along with software like Cartridge Dumper or similar tools. You insert the cartridge into the reader, run the dumping software, and it creates an XCI file on your computer. The process takes 10 to 30 minutes per game depending on the cartridge size and your hardware.

This is a technical process that requires some comfort with command-line tools and hardware setup. If you are not experienced with this kind of work, the learning curve is steep. Many people who back up their games use pre-built dumping kits that come with instructions, which simplifies the process but still requires patience and attention to detail.

Playing XCI files on your computer with an emulator

The main reason most people encounter XCI files is to play Switch games on a PC using an emulator. Popular Switch emulators like Yuzu and Ryujinx both accept XCI files as input. You point the emulator to your XCI file, and it runs the game on your computer instead of on a Switch console.

Emulation performance varies widely depending on the game and your computer's hardware. Some games run smoothly at full speed and resolution. Others have graphical glitches, audio problems, or frame rate drops. There is no way to know until you try a specific game in a specific emulator on your specific computer.

Running an emulator and playing from an XCI file requires a reasonably powerful PC — typically a processor from the last five years and a dedicated graphics card. Older or budget computers may struggle. The emulator software itself is free, but the XCI files are your responsibility to obtain legally.

Where XCI files come from and legal considerations

XCI files exist in two contexts: backups you create from cartridges you own, and files shared online by other people. The legal status depends entirely on which one you are dealing with.

If you dump an XCI file from a physical cartridge you purchased, that is a backup of your own property. Most countries recognize your right to make personal backups of media you own. However, the tools and methods used to dump cartridges exist in a legal gray area in many jurisdictions, and Nintendo actively opposes cartridge dumping.

If you download an XCI file from the internet that someone else created, you are downloading a copyrighted game without permission. Nintendo does not distribute XCI files, and downloading them from third-party sites is copyright infringement. This applies even if the site claims the files are "for preservation" or "for research."

XCI file size and storage requirements

XCI files are large because they are complete cartridge images with no compression. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is about 13.4 gigabytes. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is about 7.6 gigabytes. Larger games like NBA 2K24 can exceed 30 gigabytes.

If you plan to store multiple XCI files, you will need external hard drive space. A single external drive with 2 to 4 terabytes of storage can hold dozens of games. Most people who maintain a collection use a dedicated external hard drive connected to their computer, which keeps their main drive free and makes it easy to organize and back up their files.

When you run an XCI file through an emulator, the emulator reads directly from the file — it does not extract or decompress it. So the file stays intact on your drive, and you do not need additional space to play it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play an XCI file directly on my Nintendo Switch?

No. The Switch does not recognize XCI files natively. You would need to convert the XCI to NSP format first, and even then, installing it requires a modified Switch console. On an unmodified Switch, there is no way to use XCI files at all.

What is the difference between XCI and ISO?

Both are cartridge or disc images, but they are for different systems. XCI is specific to Nintendo Switch cartridges. ISO is the standard format for copying CDs and DVDs. The concept is identical — a complete bit-for-bit copy of the original media — but the file format and the systems that use them are different.

Do I need a special program to open an XCI file?

You cannot "open" an XCI file the way you open a document or image. XCI files are meant to be read by emulators or dumping software. If you try to open one with a standard file viewer, you will see gibberish. The file only makes sense to software designed to interpret cartridge data.

How long does it take to dump a cartridge into an XCI file?

Dumping a single cartridge typically takes 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the cartridge size and your hardware speed. Larger games take longer. Once the dump is complete, the XCI file is ready to use immediately.

Can I convert an XCI file to play on other systems?

XCI files are specific to Nintendo Switch cartridges and contain Switch-specific code and assets. You cannot convert them to play on PlayStation, Xbox, or PC natively. An emulator on PC can run the Switch code, but that is emulation, not conversion. There is no tool that transforms an XCI into a format for other gaming systems.