Logically locked by Nintendo to control its software ecosystem and in particular to prevent pirating, the hardware of the Switch is nevertheless capable of running Android. Developers have just demonstrated it.
Nintendo Switch Introductory price 299.99 €
- All
- Switch only
- Pack Mario Kart 8
- All
- Switch only
- Pack Mario Kart 8
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Amazon Warehouse
247,46
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Fnac.com Marketplace occasion
252,99
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Amazon Marketplace occasion
261,41
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Carrefour 267,49
- Carrefour Shopping 267,49
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Fnac.com marketplace
268,99
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Amazon
269,99
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Fnac.com 269,99
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Asgoodasnew.com 279,00
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Boulanger.com 279,98
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Culture 280,99
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Cdiscount 284,98
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reBuy
285,99
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eBay
288,99
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Amazon Marketplace
299,99
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Rakuten
303,00
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Rakuten
304,00
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eBay
319,09
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Topbiz.com 337,42
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LDLC
358,91
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Amazon Warehouse
247,46
-
Fnac.com Marketplace occasion
252,99
-
Amazon Marketplace occasion
261,41
-
Fnac.com marketplace
268,99
-
Amazon
269,99
-
Fnac.com 269,99
-
Carrefour 271,48
- Carrefour Shopping 271,48
-
Asgoodasnew.com 279,00
-
Boulanger.com 279,98
-
Culture 280,99
-
Cdiscount 284,98
-
reBuy
285,99
-
eBay
288,99
-
Amazon Marketplace
299,99
-
Rakuten
303,00
-
Rakuten
304,00
-
eBay
319,09
-
Topbiz.com 337,42
-
LDLC
358,91
-
Carrefour 267,49
- Carrefour Shopping 267,49
-
Amazon
320,55
-
Amazon Marketplace occasion
354,14
-
Amazon Marketplace
370,27
-
Fnac.com marketplace
378,40
-
Rakuten
382,89
The Switch is a pure game console and its functions are therefore limited to video games and what Nintendo wants to offer. Applications like Netflix are clearly desired and some developers are determined to give the small hybrid console functions usually reserved for Android tablets.
A version of Android based on that of Shield TV
Work made possible by a flaw discovered in 2018 and which had already made it possible to install a version of Linux on the Switch. Now it's time for Android, therefore, with a version of the Google system adapted to the Switch and which we owe to developers acting on the XDA Developers forum. The latter relied on the Android distribution of the Nvidia Shield TV which undoubtedly represents a more suitable starting point since the chip driving the Switch is a modified version of the Tegra X1 SoC present in this multimedia box. Android runs here from a microSD card inserted in the appropriate port of the console.
© XDA Developers
Netflix in 1080p on TV
Who says Android, obviously says thousands of apps potentially able to work now on the Switch, although we must do without all those requiring the use of a GPS, a microphone or a camera, fault such components in the console. Among other experiments, we retain that of the Netflix app which has the good taste to work with the console dock in the same way as the native Switch applications. The display is thus carried out in 1080p on a television and continues on the Switch screen in 720p when it is removed from its dock. The Joy-Con can also be used wirelessly, in Bluetooth, or once inserted on the strips of the console in portable mode.
A first perfectible version, but promising
As this is a first version of the system, bugs (too sensitive touchscreen, no automatic rotation, Wi-Fi cuts, etc.), incompatibilities (analog sticks not recognized with certain apps) and other energy management concerns (not of deep wakefulness) are to be noted, but this remains promising for the future. It should be remembered, however, that such use is strictly prohibited by the terms of use and that Nintendo would not cover any malfunctions that could arise in the context of such manipulations. The console is not modified for this use of Android, the risks are measured, but not zero.
Switch revision HAC-001-01 to end hacks
Still, the first hardware of the Switch is now known to be vulnerable and the various diversions of the primary use of the console are undoubtedly only the first of a list that will grow. In addition to significantly improving autonomy, the new revision of the Switch expected for the month of September undoubtedly also represents a solution for Nintendo to put an end to these experiences.
