Have you ever seen a Nintendo Switch with Android 10?

Curious to see a Nintendo Switch with Android 10 on board? Good: know that it can be done, even if it is not an original method and recommended by the manufacturer. However, we are talking about a ROM developed by sources outside the company. We don’t see the utility honestly, but for those who want to know that it will be enough to just follow the installation procedure shown by the experienced developers at XDA Developers. In addition, we warn you that such operation could void the official warranty of the console. Be careful.

Android 10 on Nintendo Switch: Here’s how

Android 10 has just been put on a Nintendo Switch. Thanks to the hard work of the team SwitchRoot, you can now use an Android 10 based LineageOS 17.1 port on your large N hybrid console. This version comes from the same team that originally ported Android 8.1 Oreo to this product a few years ago.

Android version 10 is based on LineageOS 17.1 build for NVIDIA SHIELD TV and it brings many improvements over the previous version, including a much-needed deep sleep mode so the operating system doesn’t interrupt your console’s battery life. It’s also generally faster and more responsive than the older version of Android 8.1 Oreo, according to the SwitchRoot team.

The unofficial LineageOS 17.1 port for Nintendo Switch offers the following features:

• Android 10 based on Lineage 17.1;
• OTA updates;
• Full Joy-Con and Pro Controller support with analog sticks and rails;
• Support for Hori Joy-Con;
• Deep sleep that can last for weeks;
• A build based on Android TV;
• Reworked fan profiles for quieter operation;
• Improved dock support with resolution scale;
• A rewritten charger driver that supports USB-PD and third-party ports;
• Optimized touch screen controller;
• Easier installation through Hekate partition tool;
• Reworked power profiles, now much simpler;
• Uninterrupted WiFi controller;
• Support for the Shield TV application for remote control of the Switch on the dock;
• Support for Bluetooth accessories;
• Support for autorotation.

The ROM is available in two versions: one build for tablet offers a standard Android user interface with support for all applications and a build of Android TV. The former is recommended if you primarily use the Switch without the stand (in a “portable” way). Instead, the second software is recommended for those who use the console connected to a display.

As for any issues, the developer says that games made for SHIELD (Half-Life 2, Tomb Raider, etc.) are not supported and you may notice some lag with Bluetooth audio. Some apps may not be compatible with the Joy-Con D-Pad either.

How do you install?

To install this build, you will need an exploitable RCM switch, a USB-C cable, a high speed microSD card (FAT32 formatted), and a PC. After installing the ROM, be sure to update the package Google apps, from Disable ZIP alarm and of Xbox Joycon ZIP layout (this is if you are using an Xbox controller).

If you’re interested in trying everything out, we recommend that you follow the XDA thread at the link below, but be warned – it’s a procedure that we recommend only for experienced users.

Download LineageOS 17.1 for Nintendo Switch