Roblox is one of the most popular online gaming platforms, offering users a vast catalog of user-generated games across a variety of genres. As of 2022, Roblox boasts over 200 million monthly active users. So for Nintendo Switch owners seeking to join in on the fun, not having access to Roblox in the Switch‘s eShop seems like a major oversight.
While Roblox is currently not natively available on the Nintendo Switch, some creative workarounds do exist to get Roblox up and running on your Switch. In this guide, I‘ll outline the main methods for installing Roblox on the Switch, the steps involved for each, and the pros and cons you need to consider.
Why Isn‘t Roblox on the Nintendo Switch?
First, let‘s quickly cover why Roblox hasn‘t officially launched on the Switch.
The main reason is that Roblox has not partnered with Nintendo to develop a Switch version of the platform. Porting games over to new systems requires development resources, testing, and negotiating distribution agreements.
Roblox likely sees the juvenile nature of some of its games as at odds with the family-friendly image of Nintendo‘s consoles. And with over 200 million users already, Roblox may not view the Switch‘s install base as a big enough incentive yet to warrant the costs of porting.
However, Roblox executives have expressed interest in eventually supporting the Switch, so official support could still happen down the road. For now though, Switch users will have to rely on unofficial methods.
Method #1: Installing An Android OS
One of the most functional options is to install an Android operating system on your Switch, allowing you to then download and run Roblox right from the Google Play Store.
Here are the steps involved:
Step 1: Check Your Switch‘s Compatibility
First things first, you‘ll want to see if your Switch model even supports installing a custom OS. Visit this site and enter your Switch‘s serial number, located on the bottom side of the console.
If the site says your console is "unpatched," you can proceed. If it is patched, this method will not work.
Step 2: Back Up Your Switch‘s Data and Remove the microSD Card
Since we‘ll be wiping and repartitioning the storage, you‘ll want to back up any game data or other personal content first. Power off the Switch, remove your microSD card, insert into your computer, and copy the data over to preserve it.
Step 3: Download and Prepare the Custom OS Files on Your Computer
On your Windows, Mac, or Linux computer, download the following files:
- Lineage OS 17.1 – The Android 10 OS we‘ll install. Get it here.
- Hekate Bootloader – Needed for booting into recovery mode to flash Android. Download here.
Once both .zip files have downloaded, extract them with an archive program like 7-Zip (Windows) or The Unarchiver (Mac).
With the files extracted, re-insert your Switch‘s microSD card into your computer. Copy the Lineage OS and Hekate bootloader folders into the card‘s root directory.
Step 4: Enter Recovery Mode
First, you‘ll need to boot your Switch into recovery mode:
- Obtain an RCM jig, which boots the console into recovery mode when inserted.
- With the RCM jig inserted carefully into the right Joy-Con rail, hold Volume Up + Power to turn the console on. Don‘t force the jig in too much or use excessive force.
- If done correctly, you should now see the Hekate bootloader menu.
Step 5: Repartition the microSD Card
In Hekate, tap on the Tools tab at bottom and select Partition SD Card. Adjust the sliders to allocate desired space for your Android OS and internal storage for the Switch itself.
Allocate at least 16 GB for Android, ideally 32 GB for more storage space. The rest can go to the Switch partition. Tap Start when ready.
Step 6: Flash Lineage OS to the Android Partition
After partitioning completes, return to the main Hekate menu. Tap "Flash Image" button → "Flash Android Slot A".
This will install LineageOS to the Android partition you created. The console will display errors during installation – ignore these.
Once finished, tap "reboot (normal)" to reboot into Android!
Step 7: Set Up Android and Install Roblox
The Switch will now boot into the Android setup process like any other Android device. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up WiFi, Google account etc. Finally, install Roblox through the Play Store just as you would on any Android device.
And that‘s it! With Roblox installed via Android, you now have Roblox on your Switch.
Pros:
- Runs actual Android, so Roblox and all games work flawlessly
- Customizable; change Android settings, install other apps too
Cons:
- Complicated install process, risks bricking if done improperly
- Android OS will drain battery life quicker than normal Switch UI
- Erases and replaces internal Switch storage, losing game data if unbacked up
Method #2: DNS Profile Switch
If you‘d prefer to keep your Switch operating system intact, another option is to simply change your DNS settings to route Roblox‘s website traffic to display on the Switch.
Follow these steps to get started:
Step 1: Link Switch to WiFi
Go to System Settings → Internet → Select your WiFi Network → Test the Connection. Note your Switch‘s IP Address for reference.
You simply need an active WiFi connection. Your exact settings beyond that don‘t matter for DNS spoofing.
Step 2: Change DNS Settings to Enable DNS Manipulation
Next, still in your Switch‘s Internet configuration, scroll down and tap on "DNS Settings." Switch from Automatic to Manual.
Enter 045.055.142.122 as the Primary DNS.
Save the changes, return back to Internet Settings, and Reconnect to your same WiFi.
Step 3: Initiate DNS Manipulation on the Updated Network
You will now see a "Success!" message saying you have successfully initiated DNS manipulation via DNSMITM framework. Tap "Useful Links" on the left side and select the roblox.com option.
The Roblox website should then begin loading on your Switch‘s browser. Log into your account to play Roblox games!
Pros
- Leaves Switch system and storage unchanged
- Simple steps without data loss risks
Cons
- Doesn‘t run as well as native app; lags, graphics issues
- Online connectivity can be spotty
Method #3: Screen Mirroring
Another way to beam Roblox on to your Switch is wirelessly mirroring your Android smartphone‘s display.
Step 1: Download a Screen Mirroring App on Android Device
On your Android phone or tablet, download an app like ScrCpy or Miracast. I prefer ScrCpy for better performance and customization.
These will mirror your Android display over to another device.
Step 2: Connect Switch to TV Mode for Screen Mirroring
On your Nintendo Switch, from the main menu go to System Settings → Internet → Enter TV Mode URL → Enter tvee.app
This will initiate TV mode on the Switch to allow receiving another device‘s screen cast signal.
Step 3: Mirror Android Device to Nintendo Switch
Finally, open your mirroring app on the Android device. Ensure phone and Switch WiFi are both on the same network.
A pairing code should display on your Switch screen – scan this code within the Android app and your phone screen will now broadcast to the Switch! Log into Roblox app and play.
Pros
- No console modification required
- Streams phone screen so full app experience
Cons
- Can drain phone battery quicker
- Latency and video compression degrade gameplay
Jailbreaking Your Switch (Advanced Users Only)
The final method is modifying your Switch‘s firmware via jailbreaking. This gives full access to install any homebrew software.
However I must emphasize jailbreaking poses a serious risk of bricking your console if done improperly – only attempt if you‘re an advanced Switch hacker!
Things to Know Before Jailbreaking Switch
While attractive for gaining more control, keep these downsides in mind:
- Complex process requiring Linux OS and multiple software tools
- Risk of PERMANENT damage if mistakes made
- Voids warranty and blocks all future firmware updates
- Requires RCM jig purchase and shorting pins on right Joy-Con
If willing to accept the risks, follow guides on NH Discord at your own discretion. With Switch jailbroken, you can install homebrew Roblox packages.
Pros
- No limits once jailbroken; install anything
- Can backup and restore Switch‘s original firmware
Cons
- EXTREMELY easy to brick permanently if issues arise
- Loss of all online services and warranty coverage
- Challenging to reverse jailbreak to regain normal function
Wrapping Up: Safest Method for Most Users
Hopefully by giving a comprehensive overview of options to get Roblox on your Switch, you now feel empowered to choose the best method for your needs and comfort level!
For most users, I‘d suggest either the Android OS install or DNS profile swap as easier processes with less drastic system-level changes required. Screen mirroring also gets the job done wirelessly without firmware mods.
Whichever option you pick, take it slow and follow instructions closely. I know the excitement to jump into those Roblox worlds can feel irresistible – but resisting any urges to cut corners will pay off with a smooth installation free of bricked Switches!
Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions. And as always, game on!
