The possibility of running Android on a Nintendo Switch has always been a source of discussion in the scene since its early days. Some are favourable to the idea, pointing to the Tegra X1 SoC at the heart of the console which is already found in other Android devices (not taking into account the customizations commissioned by Nintendo) and how such a port would both expand the console's capabilities and its software library. Others reject it, citing how many other devices would be able to do the same job in a better way without requiring any software modifications. Nevertheless, so far all those arguments have been the product of speculation, however it seems things may change soon as the developer Max Keller, also known as "langer hans", has shown a video of an unofficial Android port running on a Switch.

While we've already been teased with small details of such a port in the past, for example see this tweet made by @natinusala not too long ago, it's indeed the first time we're able to see a sneak peek of it in action. The video is linked down below and it showcases the OS's home screen, a couple applications including a WebKit browser test, switching between portrait and landscape mode and working WiFi & Bluetooth. Still, the GPU drivers don't behave properly at the moment which causes stuttering during operation.

Failed to fetch tweet https://twitter.com/langer_hans/status/1099436381791752192​

The poster is already known for other projects, mainly for modding other Android ROMs, however it underlines that most of the work has been done by another developer known as Billy Laws (ByLaws) who has already posted a device tree for the Switch on his GitLab account (link in the sources below). There is currently no public release nor ETA but this should come as no surprise as it's evident the port needs some work before it can be called usable.

What do you think? Are you excited about an Android port for the Switch or do you dismiss it as being just a gimmick?

Source

 

[andeers]

Can't wait to use it with Hearthstone and Pokemon TCGO!

(OK, I'll buy a tablet)

 

[CORE]

Hmm a reason to own a Switch.

 

[bungboi]

I was genuinely surprised to see this was a current version of Android after seeing that search bar at the top

 

[Vhestal]

There it is, the true dualboot. Lets see how Google will ban you from the store now.

 

[jeffyTheHomebrewer]

how in the fuck did they do this black magic

 

[blahblah]

how in the fuck did they do this black magic

We have the level of control over the Switch to run whatever we want as far as code goes.

 

[Deleted User]

how in the fuck did they do this black magic

With a Bootrom exploit, that allows us to access anything on the Device, because at that time, the Switch OS is not booted and so there are no restrictions on the Hardware. How thay booted Android? I don't know but i guess thay used some Special loader, that loads a Kernel image from the Sdcard and the Kernel then loads the Android image from the Sdcard.

 

[Axido]

Finally, Super Mario RUN and Pokémon GO will come to a Nintendo console... so to speak.

 

[fst312]

Can't do it with Linux.. Why would this be feasible?

Might not be, but it would be cool to load this from the home menu. That would make the switch a even more must have system. I know people already may have an android phone or tablet but if this can somehow be a channel, I’m sure most people will get it, I know I would.

 

[Psionic Roshambo]

Hmm time to buy a hacked Switch now lol

 

[DRAGONBALLVINTAGE]

ANDROID MASTER RACE!

 

[plushifoxed]

It might be time to hack my Switch. Not gonna do any piracy because I actually enjoy playing online and don't wanna get superbanned, but I'd love to have an Android device again, especially if something like OS2SD is possible so I don't have to mess with my eMMC partitions.

 

[CORE]

@DRAGONBALLVINTAGE Ssssssh. Not until CELL is ready.

 

[jeffyTheHomebrewer]

With a Bootrom exploit, that allows us to access anything on the Device, because at that time, the Switch OS is not booted and so there are no restrictions on the Hardware. How thay booted Android? I don't know but i guess thay used some Special loader, that loads a Kernel image from the Sdcard and the Kernel then loads the Android image from the Sdcard.

huh. I mean, it is fitting to see Android on a switch, seeing as how Horizon OS (The internal name of the Switch OS) uses some things from android.

 

[Deleted User]

huh. I mean, it is fitting to see Android on a switch, seeing as how Horizon OS (The internal name of the Switch OS) uses some things from android.

I hope it will get soon stable. The Switch would then be the Ultimate Handheld device with Linux, Android and Horizon OS.

 

[anhminh]

Imagine all the shitty gacha game I can play with this.

 

[AlbusGellert]

It's kind of weird for Switch, i think, maybe that's because I'm weird

 

[TotalJustice]

This is amazing.

Android can make for a great media center and also has the best ds emulator called Drastic.

Can't wait for the first release!

 

[wiewiec]

I am thinking if Dolphin Emulator work on current state

 

[darrysmi]

woop! Now i can play flappy bird on my switch