.BNVIB File Extension
Binary NX Vibration File
| Developer | Nintendo |
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What is a BNVIB file?
A BNVIB file is a vibration file used by Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers. It contains audio that is played to generate a vibration in a controller. Unless a player mods their Nintendo Switch controllers, they are unlikely to encounter BNVIB files.
More Information
The Nintendo Switch's Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers include a feature called HD Rumble. This feature, developed using haptic technology licensed from Immersion, allows the controllers to produce precise vibrations that simulate various actions. For example, in the Switch game 1-2-Switch, the Joy-Cons use HD Rumble to simulate marbles rolling within a box and the click-click-click sensation of turning a combination lock.
To produce these vibrations, the Switch console uses BNVIB files, included in each Nintendo Switch game, to trigger controllers' HD Rumble feature. BNVIB files are small audio files that the Switch console broadcasts to controllers. The controllers then play the files to produce vibrations. BNVIB files each have a maximum of 8 bytes of vibration data, 4 bytes of which are used on each side (left or right) of a controller.
Because BNVIB files are not intended to be opened, modified, or used outside the Nintendo Switch game they're included in, most Nintendo Switch players will never encounter a BNVIB file. However, some Nintendo Switch modders have created homebrew applications that allow them to play existing and create their own BNVIB files on their PCs.
How to open a BNVIB file
Nintendo Switch modders can open and play BNVIB files using Joy-Con Toolkit, a free program available on GitHub. They can also use the program to broadcast their own custom HD Rumble vibrations.