Since the Nintendo Switch’s release back in 2017, hackers have been trying to find exploits in the House of Mario’s latest console. After some major breakthroughs last year, it has now surfaced that Android can run on the Nintendo Switch. It doesn’t even have to be installed on the system itself, rather it works via SD card. You can try it for yourself with this handy guide. Keep in mind that this port of Android to the Nintendo Switch is of course, unofficial and the usual caveats and loss of warranty when trying this out apply. Thanks to a flaw in the Tegra X1 SoC custom development is possible on most Nintendo Switch units available now.
Interestingly, this Android port for the Nintendo Switch is based on LineageOS 15.1 (Android 8.1 Oreo) for the Nvidia Shield Android TV. Despite being in early stages of development, Joy-Cons work smoothly and even Android apps like Netflix operate just like official Nintendo Switch games do — allowing you to resume instantly when moving from docked to handheld mode and vice versa. That said, there are some issues such as certain apps not working and screen rotation not being as polished as it could be. Considering it just released however, it bodes well for those interested in the homebrew scene on the Nintendo Switch. You can see how it works right here:
After already announcing a Nintendo Switch Lite, it looks like fans who wanted a better standard Switch model will be getting something soon. An upgrade to the standard Switch model arrives next month in USA with other regions in Europe to follow. The Japanese market gets the upgraded model in August as well. This new model will offer nearly double the battery life and have new packaging.
The currently available Nintendo Switch offers 2.5 to 6.5 hours of battery life with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild lasting for 3 hours in specific conditions. The New Nintendo Switch Model that is still called the Nintendo Switch will offer 4.5 to 9 hours of battery life with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild lasting for 5.5 hours. This is a huge upgrade. Though we won’t be surprised to see these exploits blocked in revisions using newer Tegra X1 variants like the Nintendo Switch Lite and this Nintendo Switch revision with improved battery life.
