Guy installs Windows 11 on a Nintendo Switch, because why not?
In an endeavor that screams “just because you can, it doesn’t mean you should,” an adventurous individual has managed to run Windows 11 on a Nintendo Switch console. This intriguing feat was highlighted by a posted photo showcasing the Nintendo Switch operating smoothly, albeit incongruously, with Windows 11. Not stopping at mere photographic evidence, a video demonstration followed, showcasing the operating system’s functionality on the gaming console.
The software wizardry involved installing the ARM version of Windows 11 with KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) support on the Nintendo Switch. This is a noteworthy accomplishment considering the Switch’s CPU: a custom NVIDIA Tegra processor. This particular chipset, based on the Tegra X1 architecture, has been powering Switch consoles since their release in March 2017. While the Tegra line is known for its efficient integration of CPU and GPU on the same chip, it’s important to note that this technology is not exactly cutting-edge, with its roots stretching back to 2015.
However, Windows 11 is not the first alternative operating system to be run on the Switch. Enthusiasts have previously booted variations of Linux and even Valve’s Steam OS through virtual machine installations. Yet, while these operating systems have been successfully installed and run, performance benchmarks, such as gaming tests with titles like Peggle, indicate significant performance bottlenecks. These experiments reveal the aging hardware’s limitations, with noticeable slowdowns and diminished playability.
The ability to run Windows 11, albeit slowly, on such distinctive and arguably outdated hardware underscores the advancements and optimizations in ARM-based operating systems. This highlights a fascinating aspect of technology evolution, showcasing the potential for older hardware to support modern software environments through ingenuity and adaptation.
Looking to the future, Nintendo has confirmed plans for a next-generation console to be announced within the current fiscal year, which ends in April 2025. This upcoming system is touted to bridge the performance gap between the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox Series S. Although details about the launch timeline remain under wraps, this development promises a significant leap forward in gaming performance for Nintendo enthusiasts.
The instance of Windows 11 running on a Nintendo Switch not only serves as a testament to the console’s versatility and the operating system’s adaptability but also stirs imagination about the potential and elasticity of modern technology. As we stand on the cusp of new hardware releases that promise enhanced performance and capabilities, this experiment serves as a whimsical reminder of the endless possibilities within the realm of gaming and technology.
