| Format | Contains | Use case | |--------|----------|----------| | NSP (base) | Game + ticket + cert | Digital install, no cartridge check | | XCI | Cartridge dump | Emulates physical insertion | | NSZ | Compressed NSP | Smaller size for archiving |

| Extension | Tool Used | |-----------|------------| | .001, .002, .003 | 7-Zip, File Splitter | | .part1.rar, .part2.rar | WinRAR | | .z01, .z02 | PKZip |

When installing via signature-patched CFW (e.g., Atmosphere, Ryujinx, Yuzu – where legally permitted), the base NSP must be installed first. Updates (UPD) and DLC (NSP files for Fighter Passes) then overwrite/extend the base game part. Attempting to install an update without the base present will fail.

While the DLC fighters (like Sephiroth and Steve from Minecraft) grabbed headlines, the base game remains a complete experience.