Nintendo Switch gets unofficial Android 10 support from SwitchRoot

android 10 on nintendo switch.png

The SwitchRoot team has successfully ported Android 10 to the Nintendo Switch. This build is based on the LineageOS 17.1 for NVIDIA Shield TV which, compared to previous releases, is faster, more responsive and includes new features such as deep sleep and an Android TV build. This release is also available in two versions where the 'Tablet' build works best in portable mode and supports the full Android app library, and the 'Android TV' build supports both docked and portable modes for media but may not support all apps and games.

An official changelog for this release can be found below:

  • Android 10 based on Lineage 17.1
  • OTA updates.
  • Full Joy-Con and Pro Controller support with analog sticks and rails.
  • Hori Joy-Con support.
  • Deep sleep that can last for weeks.
  • An Android TV based build.
  • Reworked fan profiles for quieter operation.
  • Optimised dock support with resolution scaling.
  • A rewritten charger driver supporting USB-PD and third party docks.
  • Optimised touch screen driver.
  • Easier install via hekate partition tool.
  • Reworked, simpler, power profiles.
  • Much improved WiFi driver with less dropouts.
  • Shield TV remote app support for easy docked control.
  • Reboot to payload support.
  • Improved Bluetooth accessory support.
  • Auto rotation support.

Additionally, there are a couple of known bugs which the SwitchRoot team shared:

  • Shield games are broken, DO NOT BUY THEM.
  • Sleep may not work on a small proportion of devices, you can flash the alarm disable zip to try and mitigate this.
  • BT audio might stutter on some headphones.
  • You might need to reboot for Bluetooth to work on a small proportion of devices.
  • Default keyboard can't be used with a controller.
  • Some apps don't like the Joy-Con D-Pad.

SwitchRoot member bylaws posted a complete installation guide, with download links and tips over on XDA and is linked below.

:download: Android 10 Nintendo Switch Installation Guide
 

Silent_Gunner

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I take it this is the full version of Android? Because Android on the Switch until now had always been in a "WIP" state of affairs, what with problems with the analog sticks only being 8-way as opposed to registering the full range of motion. (Was that ever properly resolved by Switchroot themselves?)
 
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FAST6191

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I wonder what became of the "why would I want android on Switch?" set. They always seemed so vocal in the older and "hypothetically what if?" threads.
 

NNate

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The Switch scene is on fire.

I don't see a need myself, but it's great the option is there.
 

Goku1992A

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I think that this is perfect for Apple users who doesn't own an android that want to see what it is like. My GalaxyS10 is nearly flawless so the android on switch wouldn't work for me!
 

vaugerbird

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I take it this is the full version of Android? Because Android on the Switch until now had always been in a "WIP" state of affairs, what with problems with the analog sticks only being 8-way as opposed to registering the full range of motion. (Was that ever properly resolved by Switchroot themselves?)

I can't speak for the tablet build, but the TV build is almost completely comparable with any factory Android TV device, IMHO. Also, I'm not sure about the joystick thing, but I haven't noticed it working like an 8-way joystick.
 

vanrocka90

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SO EVERYONE IS AWARE, you can only use gapps 10 to install in Android Recovery TWRP!!!! DOES NOT WORK ON 9!!!!
 

MorningBlunt

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This is awesome, but past Dolphin, what's a use case? Looking to get it all setup and updated again but not just "because I can" haha.
 

KingAsix

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When you set up Android in Hekate it gives you the option to adjust partition sizes for emummc, SD card storage, Linux, and Andoid (so yes).

That's what I was thinking... I'll probably give it a shoot. Thanks!

Anyone tried Genshin, Honkai and FGO on this? I'm curious.

I plan to try Genshin Impact. It's actually ironic because I tried running Genshin on a whim in Oreo and it just crashed the system and my first thought was "an update would be nice"
 

KingAsix

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Just finished my install and my god this is so much faster. Switchroot did good work here and it was well worth the wait. I'm currently installing emmuMMC to the same SD to see how that goes and if that goes well I'll probably try Genshin Impact.
 
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urherenow

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SO EVERYONE IS AWARE, you can only use gapps 10 to install in Android Recovery TWRP!!!! DOES NOT WORK ON 9!!!!
And... why do you think that’s necessary to point out? Did you actually try to install apps built for 9... on 10? And also install it without following the directions? :wtf:
 

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