Piracy, Legality & Safety — FAQ
Brewser runs on modified Nintendo Switch consoles, so questions about piracy come up naturally. Here are straight answers.
The questions we get asked
Nothing here is hedged. If something is impossible by design, we say so.
Does Brewser enable piracy?
NoBrewser is a web runtime: it downloads and runs web applications — HTML, JavaScript, and WebGL, the same kind of apps that run in any browser. It cannot load, decrypt, or launch commercial Switch games, and the app catalogue does not accept submissions that facilitate copyright infringement.
Can Brewser run pirated games or ROMs?
NoBrewser has no concept of game cartridges, NSP/XCI files, or ROM images. The apps in the catalogue are web apps, reviewed before publication.
Ordinary web games (the kind that run in a browser) are welcome in the catalogue; commercial Switch games are a different thing entirely and are impossible by design.
Does Brewser contain any Nintendo code?
NoBrewser is built entirely from open technology: the V8 JavaScript engine, the Skia graphics library, and the Mesa open-source graphics stack, running on the open-source homebrew toolchain lineage (nx.js / libnx). It contains no Nintendo SDK code, no decrypted system files, and nothing derived from Nintendo’s firmware.
Does Brewser hack or exploit the console?
NoBrewser is an ordinary homebrew application. It runs only on consoles whose owners have already installed custom firmware, and it neither includes nor distributes any exploit. We do not provide instructions for modifying a console.
Why build this for a hacked console at all?
Because the Switch is capable, well-loved hardware that standard browsers can’t reach — and Brewser exists precisely for devices in that gap. The same apps also run on PC and mobile; the Switch is simply the first device where “Chrome can’t, Brewser does.”
How is the app catalogue kept clean?
Every submission passes automated security analysis (static code inspection and taint tracking) plus review before it is published. Apps that infringe copyright, attempt to access pirated content, or behave maliciously are rejected. If you believe a published app slipped through, report it and it will be reviewed promptly.
Scanned and reviewed before publicationWhat is the NSP forwarder included with the release?
An optional convenience for users who want a home-menu icon: it simply chainloads the Brewser homebrew app. It contains no game content, is clearly labeled, and is not required to use Brewser — the standard NRO via the homebrew menu is the default.
Are you affiliated with Nintendo?
NoBrewser is an independent project. Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo Co., Ltd. Brewser is not endorsed by, affiliated with, or sponsored by Nintendo.
Rights holder? Tell us.
If you believe content in the catalogue infringes your rights, send a link to the app and a description of the claimed infringement. Verified reports result in prompt removal.
Email takedown@brewser.ioReports are handled by a person, not a form.