It has been a tidal wave of success for the Nintendo Switch 2, because the portable console has been selling like hotcakes in different markets, with a projection stating that the device could ship between 15 million and 16 million units through the end of the company’s fiscal year in March 2026. That kind of traction would only be possible thanks to the momentum generated by the first-generation Switch, which is still being used to carry out some interesting experiments, such as firing up iOS on it. Though it was a successful effort, the person doing the tinkering said that the gaming handheld turned into the world’s slowest iPhone.
Just booting the Nintendo Switch running iOS takes a shocking 20 minutes, with a ton of room left for optimization
The first-generation Switch can be a potent portable gaming handheld if it is running its native operating system. However, on X, PatRyk took a bold step and attempted to install iOS on the device. The entire process took two days to complete, with the tinkerer claiming that the kernel ‘panics’ anytime something is done on the Switch, with apps being unable to open.
As for how all of this was possible, ChefKissInc made a QEMU version created for the iPhone 11 and uploaded it to GitHub for public use, according to Tom’s Hardware. If app crashing was not the worst thing to happen to Nintendo’s latest portable console, wait until you hear that it takes around 20 minutes for the Switch to properly boot when running iOS. Additionally, PatRyk states that the gaming handled is the world’s slowest iPhone.
I’ve lost my mind (and 2 days of my life to install this)
Behold: the world’s slowest “iPhone” 🎉🎉Takes over 20 minutes to boot, kernel panics every 2nd thing you do, can’t open any apps (they all time out and crash) 🚀🚀 pic.twitter.com/r3B3JPDUDV
— PatRyk (@Patrosi73) June 17, 2025
PatRyk has not updated his followers on whether he will invest more time in the Switch, but it is clear that a ton of optimization is required. We cannot confirm if updated QEMU versions will arrive to make the software experience more fluid on the Switch 2, but if you own one of these units, you are more than welcome to try out this hack for yourself, if you are comfortable with the consequences.
News Source: PatRyk
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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