: Both prod.keys and title.keys must be placed in the /bin/ subdirectory within your SAK folder.
Switch Army Knife (SAK) tool requires specific files, , to decrypt and convert Nintendo Switch game files. In the context of 2021 and beyond, these keys are "correct" if they are dumped directly from your own hardware using a tool like Lockpick_RCM Blog Post: Mastering Switch Army Knife (SAK) in 2021 Unlocking the Mystery of prod.keys and keys.dat If you've ever tried to convert an or patch an
: The standard file used by most modern tools and emulators to store encryption keys.
: Ensure your computer isn't hiding file extensions. If it is, you might accidentally name the file keys.dat.keys . Check the Windows file explorer settings to see full extensions.
Download the latest version of the payload tool . sak are the keysdat prodkeys correct 2021
What or behavior are you currently seeing in SAK? What game or file type are you trying to process?
Select the option to or EmuNAND depending on where your highest firmware is installed.
Switch encryption keys are directly tied to the console's official firmware versions. Every time Nintendo releases a major firmware update, they often introduce new master keys to secure upcoming games. The Encryption Timeline
Throughout 2021, Nintendo utilized specific "Master Keys" and "Header Keys." : Both prod
But SAK is powerless without the keys. If you tried to use SAK with "incorrect" keys from 2021 to process a game released in 2024, the program would fail. The keys act as the "permission" for the software to look inside the game files. The 2021 Milestone
Setting up a Nintendo Switch emulator like Yuzu or Ryujinx requires specific cryptographic keys to decrypt and run game files. If you are searching for , you are likely trying to figure out if older key files work with modern emulation tools, or how to use the Switch Activation Toolkit (SAK) to generate them.
If you were using , they would fail to run newer titles like Shin Megami Tensei V or Metroid Dread . How to Ensure Your Keys Are Correct
Rename that duplicate file to keys.dat so both naming schemes coexist. Technical Verification and Workarounds Feature Metric Expected Standard Typically between 1 KB and 5 KB File Encoding Format Plain text (ANSI or UTF-8 without BOM) File Path Configuration : Ensure your computer isn't hiding file extensions
To give you a precise answer:
Any game, update, or DLC released after that window requires newer encryption keys. Trying to load a 2023 or 2026 game with 2021 keys will result in a "Missing derive keys", "Key derivation failed", or black screen error.
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Ryujinx\system\
In 2021, the Nintendo Switch transitioned through Firmware versions 12.0.0 up to 13.2.1. A set of keys from 2021 matches these specific firmware levels.