Your Nintendo Switch now runs Android 10 (unofficially)
- An unofficial Android 10 port is now available for the Nintendo Switch.
- The LineageOS-based port offers full hardware support and even Android TV of your choice.
- As always, installation is at your own risk.
You no longer have to use old software to run Android on your Nintendo Switch. According to XDAThe SwitchRoot team unofficially ported Android 10 to the Nintendo console and made some welcome improvements over an earlier version of Android 8.1 Oreo.
The version based on Lineage OS 17.1 is available with both standard Android 10 and an Android TV version, which in return for better functionality loses some app compatibility while your Switch is docked. Regardless of the version, you get full support for Joy-Con, Pro Controller and Hori as well as better WLAN, touch and charging functions. There’s also a new deep sleep mode that can keep your system running for “weeks”.
See also: The best Nintendo Switch controllers
Some games that were built for Nvidia’s shield, such as: Half-life 2does not work with the Android 10 port for Switch. There are also some issues with Bluetooth audio stuttering and some apps not detecting the Joy-Con D-Pad.
As with many unofficial ports, running Android 10 on your Switch comes with some work and high risk. You need a system old enough for RCM exploits, plus a USB-C cable, a fast microSD card, and the know-how to install a ROM from your computer. Suffice it to say that if you have any problems, Nintendo will not help you.
However, if you’re willing to live with the risk, it might be tempting to run Android 10 on your Switch. Nintendo’s hardware may be ideal for Android gaming, and the Android TV version gives you a media center in case you haven’t had one before. Just consider a second switch if you want to keep playing games on the native platform.
