Nintendo released two main versions of the standard Switch. Understanding which one you have is the key to knowing if it's "patched":

These use the improved Tegra X1+ chip. Their serial numbers almost always start with XKJ or XKW . These consoles were built from the ground up to prevent the Recovery Mode (RCM) exploit. How to Confirm Your Model

If you want to be 100% certain, you can verify your console’s hardware version using these methods:

If you are looking at a Nintendo Switch with a serial number starting with , the short answer is: Yes, it is definitely patched.

These typically have serial numbers starting with XAW or XAJ . Only the earliest units are "unpatched" and hackable via software.