diff --git a/artiq/test/coredevice/test_i2c.py b/artiq/test/coredevice/test_i2c.py
index b3d03c107..e5424efc6 100644
--- a/artiq/test/coredevice/test_i2c.py
+++ b/artiq/test/coredevice/test_i2c.py
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ class I2CSwitch(EnvExperiment):
 class NonexistentI2CBus(EnvExperiment):
     def build(self):
         self.setattr_device("core")
+        self.setattr_device("i2c_switch")  # HACK: only run this test on boards with I2C
         self.broken_switch = PCA9548(self._HasEnvironment__device_mgr, 255)
 
     @kernel