S2ARM COMMUNITY GUIDE
Before you start, choose your route
Check your Apple device, computer, game files and keys before starting the S2Arm setup process.
On this page
Find your route
You will prepare a game on a computer, then run it on your chosen Apple device. These routes use the S2Arm graphical launcher. Start with one game you own.
Choose where to play
| Play on | Prepare on | Your route |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone or iPad | Windows x64 PC | Windows → iPhone / iPad |
| iPhone or iPad | Apple silicon Mac | Mac → iPhone / iPad |
| The same Mac | Apple silicon Mac | Play on Mac |
The v0.2.8 documentation targets iOS/iPadOS 18 or later and Apple silicon Macs. The Mac app declares macOS 15 as its minimum, but building also needs a compatible Xcode and Metal toolchain. Opening the app does not prove that your computer can build a game. Check the launcher's requirements for your device and game. Platform source · Build configuration
Only have a phone? Want to play on Windows, Android or HarmonyOS? These beginner routes do not cover that setup. Windows is the preparation computer, not the playing device. Intel Mac source builds are also outside this guide.
Know what you need
| Item | Purpose | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| S2Arm launcher | Imports, builds and installs games | Get the Mac or Windows release from the official project |
| Your game base file | The game itself | Your own complete .nsp or .xci; an update or DLC alone is not enough |
Your prod.keys | Reads encrypted game content | A complete key file prepared from your own device, not a screenshot or renamed text file |
| Game library folder | Working files, cache and game records | Enough space on an accessible drive, outside a cloud sync folder |
The beginner route uses NSP/XCI files. Already extracted game directories have different input rules and may skip keys in the launcher. Renaming a file does not make it an extracted game.
Owning a cartridge or a store purchase does not mean your computer already has an importable game file. If you do not yet have your own files or keys, prepare those first. This site does not provide or accept them. Upstream requirements
Prepare one game
- Choose one game for the first run, rather than your whole library.
- Keep its base, updates and DLC together somewhere you can find. Include extras you already have; you do not need every optional DLC to begin.
- Fully extract any archive using its normal extraction process. Do not rename an archive to NSP/XCI.
- Keep original files accessible after import. Leave an external drive connected if it contains them.
- Note the game name and version for troubleshooting.
Check space and the connection
The computer needs room for originals, working files and temporary build data. The phone needs room for game resources and their first import. There is no reliable universal size multiplier: use the task's space check. See storage troubleshooting for unusual estimates or external drive usage.
For a phone route, also have a data-capable cable, your own Apple account and access to trust / Developer Mode prompts on the device. Use your account only in the relevant official tools, never on this site.
Ready to continue?
- You know both your playing device and preparation computer.
- You have one complete base game and your own keys for the NSP/XCI route.
- You can find the originals and have space on the computer and playing device.
- For a phone route, you have the cable and account ready.
Missing something? Stay here until you have it. Reading a step or choosing a route does not mark it complete.