nOS is a New Switch App That Turns the Console Into a Mini Tablet

The Nintendo Switch has notably less customization features and apps than its Nintendo handheld predecessors — themes aren’t customizable beyond two simple colors, users can’t rearrange their home screens, and it lacks a note-taking feature like the 3DS’ Game Notes app.

But today, indie developer and publisher RedDeerGames released nOS: New Operating System, an app for the Switch that seems to bring back some of these little widgets that the console is missing, all in one tiny OS.

The app contains all of the bits and bobs that come with modern operating systems: a calculator, a gallery, a notebook, a to-do list, an MS Paint-like drawing app, a puzzle game, and customizeable settings. Like any modern OS, users are able to open multiple windows at once, giving them the ability to multitask, though it doesn’t currently have a browser or any other features.

According to the game’s press kit, it’s currently on sale for $1.99 until February 16, though it’s normally priced at a steep $39.99.

Of course, nOS isn’t the only new title headed to the switch this year. There’s plenty to expect from Nintendo in 2023, like the long-awaited The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and the recently revealed Pikmin 4.

Amelia Zollner is a freelance writer at IGN who loves all things indie and Nintendo. Outside of IGN, they’ve contributed to sites like Polygon and Rock Paper Shotgun. Find them on Twitter: @ameliazollner.