Nintendo Switch Gets Steam Support Through Proton Beta Update

The gaming world just got a bit more interesting for Nintendo Switch owners. Valve has released Proton 11.0-Beta 1, and while the update was primarily designed for the upcoming Steam Frame gaming headset, it's opened up new possibilities for ARM-based devices like the original Nintendo Switch.

What's New in Proton 11.0-Beta 1

The latest Proton beta brings ARM64 support to the compatibility layer, which was initially intended to support the Steam Frame - a standalone gaming headset powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. This ARM-based device is set to launch soon and will be able to run games using compatibility layers.

However, the ARM64 support has broader implications. Modder @aagaming.me on BlueSky has successfully demonstrated that the Steam Linux ARM64 beta runs smoothly on the first-generation Nintendo Switch, a handheld console that launched in 2017 with a custom NVIDIA Tegra X1 processor.

Running Steam on the Original Switch

While running Windows games on the original Switch isn't entirely new territory for the modding community, this Proton update should make the process significantly easier. The modder has shown that Steam can operate on the dated gaming handheld, though they haven't yet tested running actual Windows games through the platform.

The original Nintendo Switch currently retails for around $213.49 (renewed) on Amazon, making it an affordable option for those interested in experimenting with this setup.

Technical Limitations and Workarounds

There's an important technical hurdle to consider. The Proton 11.0-Beta 1 includes FEX-2604 for ARM64EC builds, but as @aagaming.me points out, the first-generation Nintendo Switch kernel is too old for FEX. This means modders might need to wait for the mainline kernel to see meaningful improvements in gaming performance.

Despite this limitation, @aagaming.me has generously offered a "working copy of proton ARM + Steamrt ARM" that users can implement through Compatibilitytools.d to run games with this Steam beta client. This could potentially provide a better experience than existing alternatives like GameHub and GameNative.

Broader Impact for ARM Gaming Devices

The implications extend beyond just the Nintendo Switch. Newer ARM-based gaming handhelds, such as the Retroid Pocket 6, can also benefit from this update. As more ARM devices enter the market, Proton's ARM64 support could become increasingly valuable for gamers looking to access their Steam libraries on non-traditional hardware.

Certified Playable Titles

The beta update also certifies several titles as playable, including:

• Resident Evil 2
• Resident Evil
• Warhammer: Vermintide 2

Additionally, the update brings several bug fixes, all detailed in the release notes available on Valve's Proton GitHub repository.

What This Means for Switch Owners

For Nintendo Switch owners, particularly those with the original model, this development represents an exciting expansion of the console's capabilities. While it requires technical know-how and potentially voids warranties, the ability to run Steam on the Switch opens up access to a vast library of PC games that were previously inaccessible on the platform.

The modding community has consistently pushed the boundaries of what Nintendo's hardware can do, from homebrew applications to emulation. This Proton integration represents another significant milestone in that ongoing journey of hardware exploration and software innovation.