File Extension Library


.XCI File Extension

  • Developer by: Nintendo
  • Category: Game Files

What are .XCI files and how to open them?

Can't open .XCI file? Are you wondering what it contains? On our site we will explain to you what this file is, what it is used for and what software opens the .XCI file.

What is a .XCI file extension?

.XCI file extension is created by Nintendo. .XCI has been classified as Game Files.

.XCI is Nintendo Switch Game Backup File

An XCI file contains an encrypted backup of a Nintendo Switch game, which is a dump of a Nintendo Switch game cartridge. It stores a Switch game ROM, icons, and metadata. XCI files may also contain updates to the game.

XCI files can be played on a Nintendo Switch using SX OS, which can be booted on to a Switch console using the Xecuter SX Pro tool. The SX OS is custom firmware that allows you to play Nintendo Switch Homebrew and XCI backup files. XCI files require master keys to decrypt them so they should only be used if you own the game.

XCI files may also be played using Switch emulator, such as Yuzu or Ryujinx, but they must be decrypted to .NRO files. You can decrypt XCI files using hactool, which is a utility developed by SciresM to decrypt, extract, and view information about various Nintendo Switch file formats.

List of all softwares that can open the Nintendo Switch Game Backup File
Windows
SciresM hactool
Mac
SciresM hactool
Linux
SciresM hactool

How to fix problems with .XCI files

  1. You need to update the application that you normally use to open .XCI files. Only the latest version of the software supports the current .XCI file format
  2. You need to check the .XCI file for viruses. To do this, you need to scan it with a popular antivirus (Norton, Nod32, Kaspersky, Dr.Web, etc.)