Homebrew Suggestion APK to NSP/XCI converter

Deleted member 191657 · Oct 22, 2018

I love how everyone just points out that it's impossible (or rather impractical) and nobody really cares to explain why.

The main factor here is that the Switch runs the Horizon kernel (which is loosely based on FreeBSD) and all the code and games "talk" to it through proprietary Nintendo code. (The majority of the code is written in C and derivatives)

Android applications on the other hand run on Linux through a Java Virtual Machine. (The majority of the code is written in Java).

Now, porting a Java Virtual Machine on Horizon is theoretically possible, even if it's difficult and tedious. But that would not be enough since ART (they still use ART, right?) is not a standard one and heavy modifications (which will be on an entirely different level of difficulty) would have to be done in order to run it under Horizon.

Now, sorry for any inaccuracies in my explanation but I wanted it to be as simple as possible.

If you really want this to happen it would be easier to port Android on its own on the Switch the same way Lakka was ported. It will not be easy, but it's feasible. Keep in mind that there is not really a point in this, since a powerful android phone or tablet can be yours for very little money nowadays.

ghjfdtg · Oct 22, 2018

hippy dave said:
I'll make you an apk-to-nsp converter once you make me a lead-to-gold converter.

Fun fact: It's possible to convert materials similar to gold into gold. But it requires so much anergy to pull this off that it would not be worth it.

It's similar here. You don't just convert apk into nsp/xci. Your best bet is waiting for an Android port.

Edit:

LucaFraga said:
The main factor here is that the Switch runs the Horizon kernel (which is loosely based on FreeBSD) and all the code and games "talk" to it through proprietary Nintendo code. (The majority of the code is written in C and derivatives)

Not true. The only FreeBSD part used is the network stack. The remaining was rewritten from the 3DS.

Deleted User · Oct 22, 2018

Can you convert the brain stupidity to genius?

ElConsolero · Oct 22, 2018

Dominator211 said:
I think this would help bring games that are typically asscoited with moble hardware to switch, would be a fun idea could even open up running sheild tv games on the switch.

You dont need any converter. Just rename .xci/.nsp to .apk and everything is fine! If you are not able to rename it, we will build up a team and deliver you an easy to use tool!

Seriously, I am not sure if you only want to "dominate" or just troll around...

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Dominator211 said:
it was just a thought i didnt really expect much

Like now the rest from us from you...

2Siralv · Oct 22, 2018

blahblah said:
God, you people.....

An APK is a container. It's not an MP3 or something, it is a container of files. Among those files are binaries. For Android. Which the Switch does not run.

No, there will never be an 'Apk to NSP converter'. That wouldn't achieve anything. You'd still have binaries for a DIFFERENT OPERATING SYSTEM. Jesus.....

What is theoretically possible is booting Android on the Switch. With a sufficient level of hardware control (which we have) and extensive work, one could port the Android variant* from the Nvidia Shield TV (which features a Tegra X1) to the Switch. But I'd say that occurring is unlikely - it's just a lot of work & doesn't really appeal to the FOSS crowd the way that straight Linux does.

*By variant I am referring to the patches/drivers Nvidia wrote to get Android up and running on their SOC. As opposed to grabbing AOSP and starting the work of getting it running on the Switch SOC from scratch. Having Nvidia's patch set(s) helps a lot.

Would something like parrot os or kali be able to run on switch

blahblah · Oct 22, 2018

2Siralv said:
Would something like parrot os or kali be able to run on switch

That's just Linux, buddy. Sure, but no one is going to bother to build them for the Switch so you can crack WEP passwords.

SimonMKWii · Oct 22, 2018

What in ten types of fuck

EliseZeroTwo · Oct 22, 2018

linuxares said:
APK actually would work to be converted, since it's just a zip file. Rename the .apk to .zip and you can unpack it on any system.

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i could make something that converts the apk to a valid XCI or NSP, i mean it wouldnt run but hey... you got what your asking for technically. APK repackaged into an NSP or XCI

jakkal · Oct 22, 2018

linuxares said:
APK actually would work to be converted, since it's just a zip file. Rename the .apk to .zip and you can unpack it on any system.

And do you know the file structure of an apk?
First you have to learn how to convert .smali to whatever the switch compatible file is. This

EliseZeroTwo said:
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i could make something that converts the apk to a valid XCI or NSP, i mean it wouldnt run but hey... you got what your asking for technically. APK repackaged into an NSP or XCI

lol yeah i didnt get his post either

k7ra · Oct 22, 2018

run emulators in linux and forget about topics like that

Joom · Oct 22, 2018

LucaFraga said:
The main factor here is that the Switch runs the Horizon kernel (which is loosely based on FreeBSD)

No it's not. The network stack is just from FreeBSD. I didn't think people still misconstrued this.

Dominator211 · Oct 22, 2018

mss1988 said:
I see that original poster is 15 years old.

I was asking questions like that when I was 15. In a mean time I learned that life (universe) is crual

Similar question:
Can you write a homebrew that converts my granny into a car?

lufeig said:
it's because of questions like these that I pay my internet plan.

thank you!

expertise post: 8346169 said:
You can't just port stuff like that without source code. Like I said, you're bored

I'm not just sitting here and getting ridiculed on how it wont work. why dont we just shut it down. Im sorry, i dont understand how code works, my area of experize is in computer repair. I understand it can get quite repetitive but don't you think I get that in my industry as well. But you don't see me screaming at grannies because they don't know how to check their email. It's not just me but anyone who writes a thread like this. they get bashed for what? being uninformed. It's not everyone on this thread but just some. I'm not going at anyone in particular including the people I tagged its just airing my frustrations. I mean I have to deal with jerks in school saying things to my face, but it's another thing when adults some of which are from different countries just bash people for being uninformed. Call me whatever say this is whatever I've given up.

ScarletDreamz · Oct 22, 2018

lordelan said:
It's like asking for a *.deb (Linux) to *.msi converter (Windows).

This is Somehow possible.
Knowing that the .deb is just 2 .tar files, onw with the data files, and another with the meta/information etc etc.

Msi files can be also extracted, so pretty much it is possible tl make a .deb to msi. and vice versa.

mss1988 · Oct 22, 2018

Come on bro, I'm not bashing you.

I said that I was asking similar questions when I was your age.

You shouldn't take things that hard.

Sonansune · Oct 22, 2018

i think if the title is something like "possibility? - apk from android to nsp/xci on switch" this.
ppl would be a little nicer to explain to u....

anyway, just dont suggest anything in any area u not familiar with.
u can ask why, but not suggest.... only embarrass yourself.

Dominator211 · Oct 22, 2018

mss1988 said:
Come on bro, I'm not bashing you.

I said that I was asking similar questions when I was your age.

You shouldn't take things that hard.

rough day man, rough day

Joom · Oct 22, 2018

Dominator211 said:
I'm not just sitting here and getting ridiculed on how it wont work. why dont we just shut it down. Im sorry, i dont understand how code works, my area of experize is in computer repair. I understand it can get quite repetitive but don't you think I get that in my industry as well. But you don't see me screaming at grannies because they don't know how to check their email. It's not just me but anyone who writes a thread like this. they get bashed for what? being uninformed. It's not everyone on this thread but just some. I'm not going at anyone in particular including the people I tagged its just airing my frustrations. I mean I have to deal with jerks in school saying things to my face, but it's another thing when adults some of which are from different countries just bash people for being uninformed. Call me whatever say this is whatever I've given up.

Welcome to the tech scene. It's literally like this anywhere because a semblance of common sense is assumed. These kinds of threads translate to "can I stick a fork in my toaster and make popcorn?". If you're ignorant on a subject, educate yourself. You're not bashed for being uninformed, but for being uninitiated.

TR_mahmutpek · Oct 22, 2018

Didnt read the comments but I think we should install proper android to switch first. Then running apk wont be a problem.

lordelan · Oct 23, 2018

ScarletDreamz said:
just 2 .tar files, onw with the data files, and another with the meta/information etc

Which is far from providing anything runnable for Windows or am I wrong?
Vice versa as a MSI file installs (and registers) a Windows binary (+ libs + program files) which can't be launched under Linux (apart from WINE).

anhminh · Oct 23, 2018

I sure SX team are working on it. We pay them a lots of money after all.

olixus · Oct 23, 2018

this could bring kodi

urherenow · Oct 23, 2018

Closed minded fools. Not saying it will happen, but are you even paying attention to what you’re saying? .n64 or .nes, or .d64 are also binaries meant for a specific cpu and OS. There are Android emulators like https://www.bignox.com/

Edit: Re-read the title. Ok, the answer really is no, but only because it would be far easier to simply run the apk as is, in an emulator.

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