The Nintendo Switch operating system uses a hierarchical encryption scheme to protect the integrity and confidentiality of its software. prod.keys serves as the master keyring for bypassing these protections.
To get your Switch emulator running smoothly:
Move the file from your SD card to your PC for use in your emulator. Troubleshooting Common Key Issues
prod.keys is a file container used within the Nintendo Switch homebrew and modification community. It holds the cryptographic keys required to decrypt, read, and modify Nintendo Switch software. While the file itself contains no copyrighted code or game assets, the data it holds—encryption keys—is legally protected. Possession and distribution of this file are primary points of contention in the video game preservation and piracy debate.