- An unofficial Android 10 port is now available for the Nintendo Switch.
- The LineageOS-based port offers extensive hardware support and even your choice of Android TV.
- As always, you are installing at your own risk.
You no longer need to use old software to run Android on the Nintendo Switch. According XDA, the SwitchRoot team unofficially ported Android 10 to the Nintendo console, complete with some welcome improvements over an earlier version of Android 8.1 Oreo.
The version based on Lineage OS 17.1 is available with the standard Android 10, as well as a version of Android TV that loses some application compatibility in exchange for better functionality while your Switch is docked. Regardless of the version, you will have full support for Joy-Con, Pro Controller and Hori, as well as better Wi-Fi, touch and charging functionality. There is also a new mode of deep hibernation that can keep your system powered for “weeks”.
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Some games developed for Nvidia’s Shield, such as Half-life 2, will not work with the Android 10 port for Switch. There are also some problems with intermittent Bluetooth audio and some applications that do not recognize the Joy-Con directional keyboard.
As with many unofficial ports, running Android 10 on your switch will involve some work and a lot of risk. You will need an old enough system for RCM exploits, as well as a USB-C cable, a fast microSD card and the knowledge to install a ROM from your computer. Suffice it to say that Nintendo will not help you if there is a problem.
If you are willing to live with risk, however, it can be tempting to run Android 10 on your Switch. Nintendo hardware is potentially ideal for Android games, and the launch of Android TV offers a media center, if you don’t already have one. Consider getting a second switch if you still want to play using the native platform.