Firmware 23.0.0 support arrives
Hekatos 6.5.4 was published on September 28, 2026, with support for Nintendo Switch firmware 23.0.0. The release also updates the project to hekate 6.5.4 and Nyx 1.9.4, covering both the bootloader and its graphical interface.
The OFW launch option remains available. Hekatos documentation also lists launch support for custom firmware, emuMMC configurations, Android and Linux.
Two packages, identical contents
The release provides Hekatos-6.5.4-4GB.zip and Hekatos-6.5.4-8GB.zip. Both downloads contain the same files, while RAM selection takes place at runtime rather than through different package contents.
The release notes do not report other changes beyond the component updates, firmware support and preserved OFW launch option.
A graphical Switch bootloader and toolset
Hekatos is an unofficial fork of hekate with additional launch options and 4GB and 8GB release packaging. It provides a graphical Nintendo Switch bootloader, firmware patcher and collection of maintenance tools.
Its Nyx interface supports touchscreen and Joy-Con input, configurable themes, launch entries and graphical settings. The project can launch Switch system configurations, payloads, Android and Linux. Its tools include emuMMC creation and management, SD-card partition preparation, eMMC and emuMMC backup and restore functions, and USB mass storage features for supported Switch storage devices.
Users can configure boot entries through Nyx or the bootloader configuration files. Available settings include autoboot behavior, emuMMC selection, payload paths and Linux or Android launch options. The relevant files and configurations must be supplied by the user.
What to expect from this release
For users moving to firmware 23.0.0, the main reason to update is the support stated in the release notes, along with the newer hekate and Nyx versions. Users who rely on the OFW launch option can continue using it in this build.
Hekatos is not the official hekate project and is not affiliated with or endorsed by CTCaer.
