Can the Nintendo Switch Run Windows 11? We Tried It (The Results Are Shocking)
YouTuber PatRyk successfully installed Windows 11 on a Nintendo Switch, but it was a rough experience. The OS ran sluggishly, taking 10 seconds to perform even basic tasks. While Windows 11 on handhelds holds promise, the current performance limitations make it impractical.
CONTENTS: Can the Nintendo Switch Run Windows 11?
- Windows 11 on Switch: Slow But Promising
- Switch + Win11: Slow Start, Big Dreams
- Switch + Win11: Laggy But Done
- Windows 11: Handheld Dream, Performance Nightmare
- Handheld Win11: Dream Far, Fix Now
Nintendo Switch Run Windows 11 on Switch: Slow But Promising
Windows 11 has been installed on a Nintendo Switch, though it’s operating sluggishly. This isn’t entirely surprising given that other gaming handhelds, such as certain alternatives to the Steam Deck, also run on the Windows OS. While there’s potential for Windows 11 to become a standard in handheld gaming, its current performance limitations present hurdles.
Switch + Win11: Slow Start, Big Dreams
Given the prevalence of Windows 11 on gaming handhelds, someone pondered the idea of installing Microsoft’s latest OS on a Nintendo Switch. This prompted questions about how the Switch would cope with Windows 11’s demanding system requirements. However, the outcome served more as a cautionary tale against attempting such an installation, rather than an encouragement.
Switch + Win11: Laggy But Done
An individual named PatRyk on X managed to achieve the feat of running Windows 11 on a Nintendo Switch, as highlighted by Neowin. Despite the accomplishment, the process was labor-intensive, taking three hours to complete. However, the payoff was disappointing, with the operating system exhibiting significant lag, requiring 10 seconds to execute any task. The struggles and frustrations encountered during this endeavor are captured in a video for viewers to witness firsthand.
Windows 11: Handheld Dream, Performance Nightmare
Running Windows 11 on a gaming handheld might seem absurd at first glance, but it’s not as outlandish as it sounds. In reality, several major alternatives to the Steam Deck employ Microsoft’s latest OS to power their devices. However, this approach often leads to more challenges than solutions. For instance, our assessment of the Asus ROG Ally deemed it “difficult to recommend” primarily because of its reliance on Windows 11.
Scientists have discovered the world's slowest PC and it looks like this
This genuinely took like 3 hours in total to get to install. Every operation takes like 10 seconds pic.twitter.com/94UowMGCNP
— PatRyk (@Patrosi73) May 12, 2024
Handheld Win11: Dream Far, Fix Now
Despite the challenges Windows 11 currently faces in the handheld gaming market, rumors of Microsoft developing an Xbox portable handheld console suggest that the OS could indeed become a standard in this niche. However, significant improvements are necessary before this vision can be realized. In the meantime, attempting to transform a Nintendo Switch into a PC gaming powerhouse akin to the Steam Deck is likely ill-advised.
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