To play the latest games today, 2021 keys are now considered "outdated." You generally need keys that match the current firmware of the console.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Always dump your own encryption keys from your own hardware.
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.
SAK can fail if the game file name has special characters (e.g., the 'é' in Pokémon). Rename the NSP/NSZ file to something simple like game.nsz and try again. sak are the keysdat prodkeys correct 2021
By keeping your keys synchronized across both your file conversion utilities (like SAK) and your playback software, you can avoid decryption errors and ensure compatibility across your entire library.
It looks like you’re asking about the 2021 “Sak” (likely referring to the keyset or tool, possibly from keys.dat or prod.keys in a software/cracking context).
Below is a detailed breakdown of why your 2021 keys won't work, how SAK utilizes these files, and how to acquire the correct keys to use with modern Switch tools. Understanding SAK (Switch Army Knife) To play the latest games today, 2021 keys
A 2026 firmware key can decrypt games released in 2021.
Use the payload tool Lockpick_RCM (or modern community forks). This software interacts with the Switch's fuses to safely dump the prod.keys and title.keys directly onto your micro SD card.
: If you were using SAK in late 2021, the required keys needed to match the firmware version of the games you were trying to patch or convert. Using outdated keys often resulted in "renxpack - keys.dat/prod.keys missing" or "Unknown meta type" errors. How to Correctly Setup Your Keys keys.dat/prod.keys missing error · Issue #57 · dezem/SAK Any game, update, or DLC released after that
The Nintendo Switch uses a proprietary encryption system to prevent unauthorized software from running on its hardware. Emulators cannot read game data directly from a cartridge dump or digital file without the proper cryptographic keys.
Transfer the newly generated prod.keys and title.keys from your SD card to your PC. 2. Correct the File Names and Placement Emulators will not recognize files named keys.dat . Rename the file to prod.keys . Place the file in the correct directory: