Nintendo has rolled out an update for its Switch family that many gamers have been eagerly waiting for. The gaming console now supports Bluetooth audio, allowing it to pair wireless headphones as well.
Until now, if gamers wanted to gamble with their Switch via headphones, they only had two options. They could either connect their headset to the Nintendo Switch via cable or buy a Bluetooth adapter to pair headphones wirelessly as well. The adapter is plugged into the lower USB-C port of the console. This works quite well, but it also means buying an additional device that users also have to plug in and unplug every time they want to charge the console or plug it into the dock.
Nintendo Switch now supports Bluetooth headphones
In principle, the Switch is Bluetooth-enabled, but Nintendo has not yet unlocked the function. But the manufacturer is now making up for that with the update to version 13.0.0. The Bluetooth support only applies to audio. Up to 10 devices can be stored, according to Nintendo. However, there are also restrictions in Bluetooth operation, which Nintendo describes in more detail on its website. For example, the Switch does not support Bluetooth microphones. In addition, only two wireless controllers can be operated when a pair of headphones is paired with the Nintendo Switch via Bluetooth. Additional controllers can only be connected when the audio device is disconnected. By the way, the Nintendo Switch automatically disconnects the Bluetooth connection to the headphones as soon as players have activated the local multiplayer mode.
The latest #NintendoSwitch update is now available, including the ability to pair Bluetooth devices for audio output.
For more information, including restrictions on some features while using Bluetooth Audio, please visit the support page: https://t.co/vzAB6lZTDu pic.twitter.com/6J5xcDl5kU
– Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica). September 15, 2021
The Switch update to version 13.0.0 also adds “Maintain internet connection in sleep mode” in the settings. If it is enabled, systems with wired Internet connections maintain the Internet connection even in energy-saving mode. This way, software and add-on content can be downloaded to the Nintendo Switch while it is in power-saving mode.
Those who own a current dock with LAN connection, which Nintendo introduced with the Switch OLED, will now find the item “Update Dock” in the menu. The new feature now allows software updates to be downloaded via LAN connection.
Sources
- Update page from Nintendo
- Nintendo Help Page
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