While Tinfoil is an incredibly versatile application, some users prefer a more lightweight, straightforward, and reliable tool for installing game files (.nsp, .nsz, .xci). For this purpose, DBI (DB Installer) is widely considered the best in class.

DBI is a multi-purpose homebrew tool that excels at installing files and managing your storage. Its most popular feature is the MTP Responder, which lets you drag-and-drop files directly from your PC to your Switch for installation.

This guide will show you how to get DBI and use its most effective features.

Step 1: How to Get DBI

There are two easy ways to get DBI on your Nintendo Switch.

This method ensures you always have the most up-to-date version directly from the developer.

  1. Go to the official DBI GitHub page: https://github.com/rashevskyv/dbi
  2. On the right-hand side of the page, click on “Releases” to find the latest version.
  3. Download the DBI.nro file from the latest release.
  4. Copy the DBI.nro file to the /switch/ folder on your Switch’s SD card.

Method B: Using the Homebrew App Store

If you have the Homebrew App Store installed on your Switch, you can install DBI directly from your console.

  1. Launch the Homebrew App Store from the Homebrew Menu.
  2. Use the search function to find “DBI”.
  3. Select it from the list and choose “Install” or “Download”.
  4. The App Store will automatically download and place the DBI.nro file in the correct /switch/ folder for you.

Once installed using either method, you can launch DBI from the Homebrew Menu.

The Best Method: Installing Over USB with MTP Responder

This is the feature that makes DBI famous. It allows you to install files from your PC without having to first copy them to your SD card, saving time and space.

  1. Connect your Nintendo Switch to your PC using a USB-C cable.
  2. Launch DBI from the Homebrew Menu on your Switch.
  3. From the DBI main menu, select the option “Run MTP Responder”.
  4. Your Switch’s screen will now show a log, and your PC will recognize the Switch as an MTP device. On your PC, open File Explorer (“My Computer” or “This PC”). You will see your Nintendo Switch appear as a new drive or device.
  5. Open the Switch device on your PC. You will see several virtual folders, such as:
    • 1: External SD Card
    • 2: Internal Storage
    • 6: SD Card Install
    • 7: NAND Install
  6. To install a game to your SD card, simply drag and drop your .nsp or .nsz file from your PC directly into the 6: SD Card Install virtual folder.
  7. Look at your Switch’s screen. You will see a progress bar as DBI receives the file and installs it directly to your SD card.
  8. Once the installation is complete, the file transfer will finish on your PC. You can now close the folders on your PC and safely stop DBI on your Switch by pressing the ‘B’ button.

You have successfully installed a game without ever having to move the file to your SD card first!

The Traditional Method: Installing from Your SD Card

If your files are already on your SD card, DBI can install them easily.

  1. Make sure your .nsp or .nsz files are on your SD card (e.g., in a folder named install).
  2. Launch DBI from the Homebrew Menu.
  3. From the main menu, select “Browse SD Card”.
  4. Navigate to the folder containing your files.
  5. Select the file you wish to install by pressing the ‘A’ button.
  6. A confirmation menu will appear. Press ‘A’ again to start the installation. DBI will show you a detailed progress log as it installs.

Why Use DBI?

  • Simplicity and Speed: DBI has a no-nonsense interface and is optimized for fast installations.
  • MTP Responder: The drag-and-drop installation from a PC is a game-changing feature.
  • Reliability: It is known for being extremely stable and less prone to errors than some other installers.
  • Storage Management: DBI can also be used to browse all your installed content, check for errors, and clean up unnecessary “orphaned” files left over from incomplete installations.

While Tinfoil is excellent for its network features, many users find DBI to be the superior tool for managing and installing local files. It is a must-have application in any Switch homebrew setup.