Hacker group fail0verflow has gotten Linux to run on the Nintendo Switch. According to a report on TechCruch, fail0verflow says there is a flaw in the boot ROM of Nvidia's Tegra X1 SoC. When the console boots, it excecutes code in the ROM with instructions about the boot process. The boot ROM is stored on the Tegra X1 SoC, so without Nvidia manufacturing chips that change this, a standard software update will not patch this.
Despite what the article implies, I think the financial impact for Nintendo would be positive if you could run Linux on a Switch. Opening the portable up to be more than just a gaming machine would be quite tempting for myself and many others. fail0verflow says a mod chip is not needed, there is definitely some hardware plugged into where the right joycon goes in the picture.
If fail0verflow decides to share the exploit, it could open up many possibilities when it comes to homebrew software and, yes, pirated games. It could have some financial implications for Nintendo.
Despite what the article implies, I think the financial impact for Nintendo would be positive if you could run Linux on a Switch. Opening the portable up to be more than just a gaming machine would be quite tempting for myself and many others. fail0verflow says a mod chip is not needed, there is definitely some hardware plugged into where the right joycon goes in the picture.
If fail0verflow decides to share the exploit, it could open up many possibilities when it comes to homebrew software and, yes, pirated games. It could have some financial implications for Nintendo.