Android 2.0 Eclair Booting on Nintendo 3DS

Developer Octoblimp has released Android3DS, bringing Android 2.0 Eclair to run bare-metal on both Old and New Nintendo 3DS models. Built on top of prior work from linux-3ds, this alpha build lets hobbyists run Google’s vintage mobile OS directly on handheld hardware.

Running Android on a system designed for Horizon OS is a fascinating technical feat, even if it remains a heavy work-in-progress. Creator Octoblimp notes that while New Nintendo 3DS XL models offer better performance, the OS is usable on older hardware too. The system comes pre-rooted with wireless ADB backported from Android 11, allowing connection over Wi-Fi since the handheld lacks a standard USB port for desktop debugging. Calling and texting features also work through custom infrastructure set up by the developer, though communication is currently restricted to other 3DS units and computers via 3dstelco.

Limitations in this initial alpha include missing support for hardware components like the gyroscope, and Wi-Fi can occasionally require a manual toggle. For those wanting to test it out, files and instructions are available through the GitHub Repo and its releases page.