An XCI file contains a Nintendo Switch game backup. It is extracted from a Switch storage card. The file can play on the Switch using custom firmware called SX OS. SX OS boots on a Switch with the Xec...
An XCI file contains a Nintendo Switch game backup. It is extracted from a Switch storage card. The file can play on the Switch using custom firmware called SX OS. SX OS boots on a Switch with the Xecuter SX Pro tool. The firmware allows playing Switch game backups and homebrew. XCI files need decryption keys to work. So they should only play owned games. Emulators like Yuzu and Ryujinx can play XCI files. But the files need decrypting to NRO first.
Software supporting XCI files may need updating. Developers release new formats in updates. So old software versions might not open new XCI formats. Adobe Reader may fail to open XCI files if outdated.
Custom firmware helps use XCI game backups on Switch. The files contain game code, assets and save data. So they play without a game card. XCI files associate with custom firmware and homebrew on the Switch.
Here are tips to open XCI files and programs supporting them:
Update software opening XCI files. Only the newest versions support the latest XCI format.
Scan XCI files for viruses with antivirus software.