Yes, you read that title right. You can now run Android on your Nintendo Switch!
Last month, I wrote an article about the build being in development. Well, now it’s live and available for download!
With the LineageOS 15.1 build, you’ll be able to do things like watch Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Twitch, and just about any other app on Google Play. You’ll also be able to run emulators and even use Bluetooth headsets. Of course, there are some limitations and a few bugs right now. Below are a handful of some of the major issues right now.
- The Joy-Cons only connect via Bluetooth, so they’ll always in wireless mode even if they’re physically connected
- Bluetooth headsets are limited to older, less power-efficient and lower-quality profiles.
- There’s no video DRM, so Netflix won’t let you stream at HD resolutions
- The Switch doesn’t have a camera, mic, or GPS, so lots of Android apps are off-limits
- While the USB ports let you plug in mice, keyboards and controllers, there’s no USB external storage support
- No deep sleep mode, “so battery life is not great.”
- “WiFi may randomly stop working. If this happens just reboot.”
Of course, there’s always a downside to running things like this. You could possibly brick your Switch or Nintendo could find out and drop the ban hammer on you. Plus, it’s kind of a pain in the ass to do and it only works on older devices. But, if this is something that you’re interested in, you can get started right here.
NOEN (@hashtagNOEN)
