Check That Bootloader/hekate_ipl.ini Has Boot Entries __hot__ -

The file lives at: /bootloader/hekate_ipl.ini A healthy hekate_ipl.ini contains at least one boot entry . Each entry is a block of text describing a bootable configuration. A minimal entry looks like this:

Open bootloader/hekate_ipl.ini . Count the brackets. If you see zero, you’ve found your problem. check that bootloader/hekate_ipl.ini has boot entries

No "Launch" menu. No "Atmosphere" icon. No "Stock" option. Just a blank payload menu or a direct reboot to Horizon. This is the silent failure of a missing configuration. This is what happens when you forget to check that bootloader/hekate_ipl.ini has boot entries. In the world of Switch custom firmware (CFW), hekate is the gatekeeper. It doesn’t boot your operating system directly; instead, it reads a simple text file called hekate_ipl.ini to know what to boot. The file lives at: /bootloader/hekate_ipl

[Atmosphere FSS0 EmuMMC] [Atmosphere FSS0 SysMMC] [Stock SysNAND] (zero entries): Count the brackets

Use a plain text editor (Notepad++, VS Code, or even Windows Notepad). Do not use Word or rich text editors.

You’ve just soldered a modchip, pushed a payload, or watched the blue screen of your RCM jig flash. The Nintendo Switch vibrates, and the familiar hekate logo—the custom bootloader’s icy blue interface—splashes across the screen.

Scan the file for any line that starts with [ and ends with ] . Each one is a boot entry.