This archive report was first published on 28 July 2019.
July 28, 2019, marked a significant milestone in the world of gaming as the Nintendo Switch, a handheld console that has dominated the market for over two years, received an unexpected gift - Android.
Thanks to the efforts of enthusiast tinkerers, a custom LineageOS has been successfully ported to the Switch, enabling users to run a trial build of Android on their console. While this development may raise eyebrows, it's essential to note that Nintendo is unlikely to endorse this unofficial software, leaving the door open for other manufacturers to explore this possibility.
For experienced Switch users, the good news is that the custom Android software still allows for the Joy-Cons to function as usual, along with the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and keyboard and mouse combo. However, users should be aware that this experimental software comes with its own set of bugs, including poor battery life and compatibility issues with certain apps and games.
Despite these limitations, the inclusion of support for GeForce Now, NVIDIA's cloud gaming service, and native apps from the NVIDIA Shield is a significant advantage. Installing Android on the Switch does not affect the main OS, so users can breathe a sigh of relief and explore this new development without worrying about breaking their console.
For those eager to try out this custom Android software, the best place to start is XDA Developers.
