Install OpenSCAD on Nintendo Switch

OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD is software for creating solid 3D CAD models.

OpenSCAD is not an interactive modeller. Instead OpenSCAD is something like a 3D-compiler that reads in a script file that describes the object and renders the 3D model from this script file. This gives designers full control over the modelling process and enables them to easily change any step in the modelling process or make designs that are defined by configurable parameters.

OpenSCAD is likely most useful when paired with custom object generators downloaded from the Internet. For example, there are various bolt, nut, washer, chain sprocket, and gear generators which can be fully customized to your needs using OpenSCAD. Once you are finished inputting the dimensions for the part you need, simply export the shape to a STL file for 3D printing, or further editing in another program.

To run: Menu -> Graphics -> OpenSCAD
To run in a terminal (on 32-bit OS): OpenSCAD.AppImage
To run in a terminal (on 64-bit OS): openscad-nightly

Fortunately, OpenSCAD is very easy to install on your Nintendo Switch in just two steps.

  1. Install Pi-Apps - the best app installer for Nintendo Switch.
  2. Use Pi-Apps to install OpenSCAD.

Compatibility

For the best chance of this working, we recommend using the latest version of Switchroot L4T Ubuntu Noble, which is currently version 5.1.2 Ubuntu Noble.
OpenSCAD will run on L4T Ubuntu ARM64.

Install Pi-Apps

Pi-Apps is a free tool that makes it incredibly easy to install the most useful programs on your Nintendo Switch with just a few clicks.

Open a terminal and run this command to install Pi-Apps:

wget -qO- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Botspot/pi-apps/master/install | bash

Feel free to check out the Pi-Apps source code here: https://github.com/Botspot/pi-apps

Install OpenSCAD

Now that you have Pi-Apps installed, it is time to install OpenSCAD.
First launch Pi-Apps from your start menu:

Then click on the Engineering category.

Now scroll down to find OpenSCAD in the list.

Just click Install and Pi-Apps will install OpenSCAD for you!

Pi-Apps is a free and open source tool made by Botspot, theofficialgman, and other contributors. Find out more at https://pi-apps.io