If you own an older version of the Nintendo Switch then you are in luck. You can install Android on it and expand your gaming library quite a bit. There are some problems to be aware of though.

Android on Nintendo Switch

The version of Android that you can run on your Nintendo Switch is based on Android 8.1. The fork that you can run on your Switch is better known as LineageOS (and version 15.1, as of this writing, to be more specific). For most intents and purposes, this is a full Android experience on your console.

You will have access to the normal Google Play store, or an alternative of your choice. I believe the device is recognized as something in the Nvidia Shield family. This is due to the NVIDIA Tegra X1 chipset in Nintendo’s hybrid console. According to Android Police this mod comes with an app that will allow access to Nvidia Gamestream and some Shield exclusive releases.

Cool, so no need for other Android devices then

Um, no. There are a few reasons you will not be relying on that Nintendo Switch for all your Android needs. Simply put, this port of Android is not perfect and is still a work in progress.

The battery life of the Nintendo Switch takes a hit when running this fork of Android. Touch screen functionality can be intermittent, and the screen cannot be turned off while in docked mode. Deccan Chronicle continues stating, Joy-Cons work but “…you will need Bluetooth connectivity” to use them. They also state audio works as well while running this fork of Android.

How to make this happen

First, make sure you have a compatible Nintendo Switch. Se7ensins.com can help you verify your chances of making this work or not. Please note, neither they, nor Retro Gaming Magazine or our staff take responsibility for anything that goes wrong in your attempt to install this hack.

Want more Switch fun? We have you covered. Already updated your console to something not compatible with this hack? Check out eBay for a Nintendo Switch that can be hacked.

Head to the XDA Developers forum for more information on the process.

Carl Williams

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