libnx is an open-source library for Nintendo Switch homebrew development. It provides a comprehensive set of APIs and tools for creating custom applications and games for the Nintendo Switch console, allowing developers to access various system features and hardware capabilities.

Pros

• Extensive documentation and community support
• Regular updates and maintenance
• Wide range of system features and hardware access
• Cross-platform development support (Linux, macOS, Windows)

Cons

• Requires a modded Nintendo Switch for testing and deployment
• Limited to homebrew applications, not official Nintendo development
• Potential legal concerns due to reverse-engineering of Nintendo's systems
• Learning curve for developers new to console programming

Code Examples

1. Initializing the console and printing "Hello World":

#include <stdio.h>
#include <switch.h>

int main(int argc, char *argv[])
{
    consoleInit(NULL);
    printf("Hello World!");
    consoleUpdate(NULL);
    while (appletMainLoop())
    {
        hidScanInput();
        if (hidKeysDown(CONTROLLER_P1_AUTO) & KEY_PLUS)
            break;
    }
    consoleExit(NULL);
    return 0;
}

2. Reading input from controllers:

#include <switch.h>

void readInput()
{
    hidScanInput();
    u64 kDown = hidKeysDown(CONTROLLER_P1_AUTO);
    
    if (kDown & KEY_A)
        printf("A button pressed\n");
    if (kDown & KEY_B)
        printf("B button pressed\n");
}

3. Drawing a simple shape using SDL2:

#include <SDL2/SDL.h>
#include <switch.h>

void drawRectangle(SDL_Renderer *renderer)
{
    SDL_SetRenderDrawColor(renderer, 255, 0, 0, 255);
    SDL_Rect rect = {100, 100, 200, 150};
    SDL_RenderFillRect(renderer, &rect);
    SDL_RenderPresent(renderer);
}

Getting Started

1. Install devkitPro and libnx:

   pacman -S switch-dev
   

2. Create a new project directory and Makefile:

   mkdir my_project && cd my_project
   wget https://github.com/switchbrew/switch-examples/raw/master/templates/application/Makefile
   

3. Write your source code (e.g., main.c) and build:

   make
   

4. Deploy the resulting .nro file to your modded Nintendo Switch.