Some people love the Nintendo Switch not for its games and the convenient hardware that it comes with, but because it has an interface and form factor that would make it ideal for running a mobile operating system. But it's safe to say that Nintendo isn't exactly a fan of this idea.
Last year, an exploit was found in the Nintendo Switch that would allow users to run outside code. It brought on some piracy issues, but it also allowed coders and modders to have fun with the console, including getting Android to run on the system.
Now Nintendo has always been overly protective of anything that it produces and how it's been used, but that doesn't mean it can stop people from tinkering with it. And that's exactly what XDA Developers did - they released an Android ROM for the Switch and made it available for everybody.
Based on the Nvidia Shield TV OS - LineageOS 15.1, which is also based on Android 8.1, the firmware can be used to play mobile games, browse the web, and basically anything you would do on a mobile device. With LineageOS 15.1 installed on your Switch, you'll be able to use it in both handheld and docked modes, with audio and Joy-Con support in both modes.
Of course, along with this technological innovation are some caveats here and there. Topping the list is the fact that Nintendo doesn't support this kind of thing, and if something goes wrong with your console, it won't help you in any kind of way. You'll also need a Switch console that is able to run the Hekate bootloader, something that might not be possible if you've purchased one of the updated consoles after June 2018.
Adding to the list of drawbacks are some patchy WiFi and docking problems, Joy-Cons not working properly with some apps, a lack of the auto-rotate feature, and possibly poor battery life.
This hack is for those who can live with the bugs and with some knowhow on this kind of thing, but we admit this is pretty cool, in fact, a milestone for cracking open the Switch's full potential.
It's definitely something that XDA should be proud of. While you were allowed to install Linux on the PS3 at one point, this is different. You're installing an easy-to-use mobile operating system with a rich library of apps and games -- you could keep using this well after the novelty wears off.
