DBI Switch MTP folders are virtual storage locations that appear on a connected computer when DBI’s MTP Responder is running on a Nintendo Switch. Instead of removing the microSD card and inserting it into a PC, DBI allows compatible storage areas to appear through a USB connection.
These locations are useful for browsing the SD card, accessing selected NAND areas, backing up save data, viewing screenshots and videos, examining installed content, and using special installation folders. DBI’s current documentation lists nine main MTP storage entries, although individual folders can be disabled through the configuration file.
What Are DBI Switch MTP Folders?
DBI MTP folders are the storage entries displayed by DBI when the Nintendo Switch is connected to a PC or supported Android device through USB while Run MTP Responder is active.
MTP stands for Media Transfer Protocol. Instead of presenting the Switch as a normal removable disk, DBI creates several separate MTP storage locations. Some correspond closely to real storage, such as the microSD card, while others are virtual views generated by DBI for specific purposes.
This distinction is important because a folder such as 4: Installed games does not necessarily represent a physical folder with that exact name on the SD card.
How MTP Folders Work in DBI
DBI starts an internal MTP service when you select Run MTP Responder. Once the Switch is connected to the computer with a USB data cable, the computer can detect the console as an MTP device.
DBI then exposes selected storage entries. Its current configuration lists SD Card, Nand USER, Nand SYSTEM, Installed games, SD install, NAND install, Saves, Album, and Gamecard as the standard MTP storages. Each of these can be individually shown or hidden through the [MTP Storages] section of DBI’s configuration.
Because DBI creates these views dynamically, they can behave differently from normal Windows folders. Some are direct storage views, while others provide specialized access to content managed internally by the Switch.
What You Can Access Through MTP
The most straightforward area is 1: SD Card, which allows normal browsing of the microSD card. This can be used to copy homebrew files, configuration files, screenshots stored there, and other personal data between the computer and Switch.
DBI also provides virtual areas for installed software, save backups, the Album, internal storage, and an inserted game card. Special SD install and NAND install entries can accept supported package files for content the user is authorized to install.
Exactly what appears can differ from one DBI setup to another because the administrator can disable individual MTP storages or create custom shortcuts.
Main DBI MTP Folders Explained
DBI numbers its standard MTP storage entries. This makes it easier to identify each function even when Windows or another operating system changes how the device is displayed.
The current standard list begins with 1: SD Card and continues through 9: Gamecard. Not every installation will necessarily show all nine because visibility is configurable.
SD Card
1: SD Card provides direct access to the microSD card installed in the Nintendo Switch.
This is the closest DBI MTP storage to a normal removable drive. You can browse the actual directory structure of the SD card and access folders such as switch, atmosphere, application folders, configuration folders, and other user-created directories if they exist.
For ordinary file transfers, this is generally the most useful DBI MTP entry. Files copied into 1: SD Card become normal files on the microSD card rather than being interpreted by one of DBI’s specialized virtual views.
NAND and System Storage
DBI provides two internal-storage entries: 2: Nand USER and 3: Nand SYSTEM.
These expose selected portions of the Switch’s internal NAND storage. Unlike the SD card, NAND contains important operating-system and console data, so it should not be treated like general-purpose file storage.
The presence of these entries also does not mean users should freely modify everything inside them. Accidentally changing or deleting system files can create serious problems, which is why inexperienced users are better off leaving NAND areas alone unless they understand exactly what a particular file does.
Installed Games
4: Installed games is a virtual DBI storage that presents installed titles in a more convenient format.
It is not simply a normal SD directory. DBI builds this view from information about software installed on the console. The virtual storage can be used to inspect installed content and, where appropriate, create backups of software that the user owns or is otherwise authorized to archive.
DBI also has an option called ShowCombinedNSPInInstalledGames, confirming that the Installed games storage is a generated content view rather than an ordinary filesystem directory. Another optional virtual Mods & cheats directory can appear inside Installed games and redirect to the corresponding Atmosphere title directory on the SD card.
Saves
7: Saves provides DBI’s MTP interface for working with game save data.
DBI documentation specifically lists save management and backup/restore among its features. Through MTP, the Saves storage can be used to copy save backups to the computer and work with save data through DBI’s managed interface.
Save files should still be handled carefully. Keeping an untouched backup before replacing or restoring anything is advisable because a damaged or incorrect save can result in lost progress.
Screenshots and Videos
8: Album is the MTP storage associated with Nintendo Switch captures.
This is where DBI provides access to media from the console’s Album, including compatible screenshots and recorded video clips. It provides a convenient way to move captures to a computer without removing the microSD card.
For users who frequently create screenshots, this virtual storage can be faster than manually searching through the underlying SD directory structure. DBI’s configuration explicitly lists 8: Album as one of the standard MTP storages.
How to Open DBI MTP Folders on PC
DBI’s MTP folders appear only while the MTP Responder is running and the Switch has a working USB data connection to the computer.
A charging-only USB cable may provide power without transferring data, so cable quality is an important part of the connection.
Start MTP Responder in DBI
Open DBI on the Nintendo Switch and select Run MTP Responder from the main menu.
DBI documentation also identifies the X button as a shortcut for starting MTP Responder in some versions. Once the responder is active, leave DBI running and connect the Switch to the computer using a USB-C data cable.
The MTP screen should remain active while transferring files. Exiting the responder ends the MTP connection.
Open Nintendo Switch Storage in File Explorer
On Windows, open File Explorer after connecting the Switch.
The console should appear as an MTP device. Opening it should display enabled DBI storage entries such as 1: SD Card, 4: Installed games, 5: SD install, 6: NAND install, 7: Saves, and 8: Album, depending on the current DBI configuration.
If the Switch appears but only some folders are visible, that does not necessarily indicate a connection problem. DBI allows individual MTP storages to be disabled.
What You Can Do Inside DBI MTP Folders
Different DBI MTP folders are designed for different jobs. The SD Card entry behaves mainly like a file browser, while Saves, Installed games, Album, and install storages provide specialized functions.
Understanding which type of storage you are using helps avoid accidental file changes.
Copy Files to and From the SD Card
Use 1: SD Card when you want normal access to files stored on the microSD card.
You can transfer homebrew applications, configuration files, documents, backups, themes, or other legitimate personal files between the Switch and PC without physically removing the SD card.
DBI also allows users to define custom MTP storage shortcuts pointing directly to particular SD directories. For example, a custom entry can redirect directly to sdmc:/switch, which makes frequently used folders easier to reach.
Manage Installed Content
4: Installed games provides a virtual representation of software already installed on the console.
It can be used for inspecting and backing up compatible installed content rather than manually locating internal Nintendo content directories. Because the view is generated by DBI, file names and structure can be easier to understand than the raw storage layout.
Users should limit this functionality to software they own or are authorized to manage.
Transfer Save and Media Files
The Saves and Album storages simplify two common tasks.
Saves can be backed up to a computer before making changes, while Album allows screenshots and supported video captures to be copied to the PC. DBI’s own feature documentation includes working with save backups and exposes both Saves and Album as separate MTP storages.
These virtual views are generally easier to use than manually searching through the underlying Nintendo storage structure.
DBI MTP Folder Structure
One of the most important things to understand about DBI is that its MTP interface is not simply a mirror of the SD card.
Some entries are true storage views, while others are generated by DBI.
Virtual Folders vs Real SD Card Folders
1: SD Card corresponds directly to the microSD card’s filesystem. When you enter it, the directories you see are actual folders stored on the card.
4: Installed games, 7: Saves, 8: Album, and the install storages behave differently. DBI creates these views to expose specific categories of Switch data through MTP.
For example, DBI can also create custom MTP storages that redirect to a real SD path such as sdmc:/switch. This illustrates how a Windows-visible MTP entry can function as a virtual shortcut rather than representing an identically named physical directory.
Understanding Folder Names
The standard DBI MTP storage names are:
1: SD Card, 2: Nand USER, 3: Nand SYSTEM, 4: Installed games, 5: SD install, 6: NAND install, 7: Saves, 8: Album, and 9: Gamecard.
5: SD install and 6: NAND install are special-purpose virtual destinations. Dropping a supported installation package that you are authorized to use into one of these locations tells DBI to process it for installation to the selected destination rather than simply storing the file there.
9: Gamecard becomes relevant when a physical game card is inserted and DBI is configured to expose that storage.
DBI MTP Folders Not Showing
If the expected DBI MTP storages do not appear, first determine whether the entire Switch is missing or only individual folders are absent.
These are different problems and usually have different causes.
Switch Not Detected
If Windows does not detect the Switch at all, make sure Run MTP Responder is actually active.
Try another USB port and confirm that the cable supports data transfer rather than charging only. Avoid unstable hubs while troubleshooting and connect directly to the computer when possible.
DBI also has an MTP setting called ReportAndroidExtension. Its documentation notes that some MTP clients, particularly those based on libmtp on Mac or Linux, can behave differently depending on this setting.
Missing MTP Folders
Missing individual folders may simply be disabled in dbi.config.
Under [MTP Storages], each standard storage has a true or false setting. true makes it visible, while false hides it from the main MTP view. DBI documentation says all standard storages are enabled by default, although third-party configurations may change these values.
For example, a customized DBI configuration can intentionally disable Nand USER, Nand SYSTEM, Installed games, or Gamecard while leaving SD Card, Saves, and Album visible.
Permission or USB Connection Problems
Windows MTP problems can also result from a faulty USB cable, unstable port, device-driver problem, or an MTP session that did not initialize correctly.
Disconnect the cable, exit MTP Responder, reopen it, and reconnect the Switch. Trying another known-good USB data cable is often one of the quickest diagnostic steps.
If ordinary SD Card access works but a particular virtual storage does not, check DBI’s configuration before assuming Windows permissions are responsible.
Is It Safe to Modify DBI MTP Folders?
Some DBI MTP locations are relatively safe for ordinary file management, while others expose sensitive system data.
The safest approach is to treat SD Card, Album, and save backups differently from NAND system areas.
Files You Can Safely Manage
Ordinary personal files stored under 1: SD Card can generally be copied to and from the PC just as they would be through an SD card reader.
Screenshots and videos in Album are also intended for user access. Save backups can be copied to the PC for safekeeping, although restoring or replacing saves should still be done carefully.
Custom MTP shortcuts pointing to known personal SD directories are similarly straightforward because they simply redirect to locations on the memory card.
System Files You Should Avoid Changing
Be much more careful with 2: Nand USER and especially 3: Nand SYSTEM.
Internal NAND contains critical console information, and deleting or replacing the wrong data can create boot, application, or system problems. There is rarely a reason for an inexperienced user to manually modify raw NAND files through MTP.
Likewise, do not delete unfamiliar files from Installed games or other virtual storages merely to free space. Use proper DBI or Nintendo management functions when removing installed content.
Conclusion
DBI Switch MTP folders provide a convenient USB interface for accessing several different areas of a Nintendo Switch without repeatedly removing the microSD card.
The standard DBI MTP storages are 1: SD Card, 2: Nand USER, 3: Nand SYSTEM, 4: Installed games, 5: SD install, 6: NAND install, 7: Saves, 8: Album, and 9: Gamecard. Their visibility can be changed individually through DBI’s configuration.
The most important distinction is between physical and virtual storage. 1: SD Card exposes the real SD filesystem, while entries such as Installed games, Saves, Album, and the installation folders are specialized views generated by DBI.
For ordinary transfers, use the SD Card and Album areas. Be much more careful around NAND and other system-related storage because accidental changes there can affect the console.
Frequently Asked Questions
What folders appear in DBI MTP mode?
DBI’s standard MTP storage list contains SD Card, Nand USER, Nand SYSTEM, Installed games, SD install, NAND install, Saves, Album, and Gamecard. These are numbered from 1 through 9. Individual entries can be hidden through dbi.config, and custom MTP storages can also be added.
Where is the SD card folder in DBI MTP?
The microSD card appears as 1: SD Card. Open that entry to browse the actual filesystem stored on the Switch’s SD card. Unlike several of DBI’s other MTP entries, this storage closely represents the real directory structure of the card.
Why are some DBI MTP folders missing?
A folder may be disabled under the [MTP Storages] section of dbi.config. Every standard entry can be individually set to true or false, which controls whether it appears while MTP Responder is active. Some third-party DBI configuration packages intentionally hide sensitive entries such as NAND or Installed games.
Can I access installed games through DBI MTP?
Yes. DBI provides 4: Installed games, which is a virtual MTP view of installed software. It is not simply a normal folder on the SD card; DBI generates the view from installed-content information. It can be useful for inspecting and backing up compatible content that you own or are authorized to manage.
Can I copy save files using DBI MTP?
Yes. DBI provides 7: Saves and supports working with game-save backups and restoration. This makes it possible to keep personal save backups on a PC. Keep an untouched backup before restoring or replacing any save so you can recover if something goes wrong.
What is the difference between virtual MTP folders and SD card folders?
A real SD card folder physically exists on the microSD card and can be seen through 1: SD Card. A virtual MTP folder is created by DBI to provide a convenient view or function, such as Installed games, Saves, Album, or an installation destination. DBI can even create custom MTP storages that redirect to specific SD paths, showing that an MTP entry does not necessarily correspond to a physical folder with the same name.
