The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →You can build Dolphin as a Linux application using its Linux instructions, but that is different from building Dolphin for Nintendo Switch software. Dolphin documents both targets separately; its official materials do not verify a working Ubuntu-on-Switch setup or establish how well games run on Switch hardware. Treat this as an experimental Linux build, not a confirmed compatibility guide.
First, identify which build you mean
“Dolphin on Switch” can refer to two different things:
- Dolphin running inside Ubuntu on Switch hardware: This is a Linux application. Follow Dolphin’s Linux installation or build route, subject to the capabilities of your particular Ubuntu image.
- Dolphin built as a Nintendo Switch application: This is a separate target that uses devkitPro, libnx, and Dolphin’s Switch CMake toolchain.
The Switch-target instructions are not automatically needed when building a Linux program inside Ubuntu. Likewise, a Linux ARM64 package does not by itself establish that it works on a Switch Linux image.
Choose an installation route
| Route | Best fit | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Official Linux Flatpak | You want an available packaged build rather than compiling the source. | Confirm your Ubuntu image supports Flatpak and its runtime. Dolphin publishes Linux x86_64 and aarch64 Flatpaks, but that does not verify compatibility with Switch hardware or its graphics stack. |
| Compile from source | You need to customize, inspect, or troubleshoot a Linux build. | Check the current Linux build guide for dependencies and compiler requirements for your Ubuntu release. The generic Linux procedure has not been documented as a tested Switch-hardware recipe. |
| Native Nintendo Switch target | You are building Dolphin for Switch software rather than running a Linux build inside Ubuntu. | Use the separate Switch target setup, including devkitPro, libnx, and the Switch CMake toolchain. |
Check Ubuntu packages before installing
Dolphin’s Linux build guide warns that Debian LTS Bullseye, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, and older use an APT Dolphin build from 2016 and says not to install Dolphin from APT on those versions. Consult the official Linux build guide for current installation alternatives, including its Flatpak and source-build information. Do not assume that Flatpak has been validated for every Ubuntu image used on Switch.
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#1 Best Overall
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
Dolphin’s official download page lists Linux x86_64 and aarch64 Flatpak builds. It identifies version 2609 as the September 2026 release. The page also offers development builds, described as appearing several times daily and as less tested than release builds. Package availability is not evidence that a given Switch kernel, display driver, or game is compatible.
Build the Linux version from source
The commands below summarize Dolphin’s generic Linux build procedure; they are not a Switch-specific tested walkthrough. Start with the current upstream repository instructions and the Linux build guide, because dependency names and compiler availability depend on your Ubuntu release.
Rank #2
- 6.2” LCD screen
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
- Check prerequisites. Dolphin’s README says non-Windows builds require CMake and recommends a recent GCC or Clang compiler. The Linux guide says a compiler that does not support C++23 must be replaced or explicitly selected; it gives Ubuntu 20.04 as an example where a newer compiler may need to be selected manually.
- Fetch and initialize the source. Follow the upstream README to clone the repository and initialize its submodules. From the source directory, the documented submodule step is
git submodule update --init. - Create a build directory and configure. The README’s generic sequence creates a separate build directory, enters it, then runs
cmake ... - Compile. The documented command is
make -j $(nproc). On a Switch running Ubuntu, available CPU and memory resources may affect whether a build completes; the official instructions do not provide Switch-specific build guidance. - Install only if needed. The README lists
sudo make installas an optional system installation step. If you do not want a system-wide install, do not run it; use the project’s current instructions to launch or package the build instead.
What is not established for Ubuntu on Switch
The official Dolphin pages establish Linux build and package routes, plus a distinct native Switch target. They do not identify a supported Ubuntu image for Switch hardware, a verified Switch graphics-driver stack, or game-by-game results. There are no official performance measurements in those materials. Consequently, the ARM64 Flatpak listing and generic Linux source steps should not be read as proof that Dolphin will launch or emulate games successfully on a particular Switch setup.
For a meaningful compatibility claim, the configuration would need to specify at least the Switch model or revision, Ubuntu image, kernel, graphics stack, Dolphin build, game, and settings. Without those details and reproducible tests, performance remains unknown.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
- Two players can each take one
- Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)
- Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- 6.2” LCD screen.
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
Rank #3
- Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
- This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.
- The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
- Model number HAC 001( 01)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
