When the Switch mounts a specially malformed exFAT SD card, a buffer overflow occurs in the sdmmc driver. The original RCM (Recovery Mode) exploit required a hardware jig or a shorted pin. ExFATHAX was different: it was purely software-based. It could be triggered from the Horizon OS without a dongle.
If you own a Pico and a dusty 5.1.0 Switch, hunt down the exfathax_pico_exclusive.uf2 binary. It is the most elegant way to unleash custom firmware without a single jumper wire. Stay tuned to your favorite open-source forums for potential updates, as the developer behind the "Exclusive" build is rumored to be working on a TX (SX Core) emulation layer for the Pico next. exfathax pico exclusive
Critics argue it is simply a repackaged version of the old ShofEL2 exploit. Proponents have disassembled the binary and confirmed unique PIO assembly that does not exist in public repositories, validating the "exclusive" claim. The ExFATHAX Pico Exclusive is not for everyone. If you are on modern firmware (9.0.0+), this exploit does nothing for you. You still need a modchip. When the Switch mounts a specially malformed exFAT