The New Nintendo Switch update enables Bluetooth audio. The Nintendo Switch can finally connect to Bluetooth headphones. On Tuesday, Nintendo released a new update for the console that allows it to pair with Bluetooth audio devices, but even after the update, the system still won’t let you use a Bluetooth microphone.
According to Nintendo’s new post-update support page, there’s a new menu in the Switch’s System Settings called Bluetooth Audio, where you can pair new devices with the system. Unfortunately, you can only pair the Switch with one audio device at a time, and it can only use Bluetooth when two or fewer wireless controllers are connected to the system — which means one pair of Joy-Cons only.
Nintendo Switch updates are out now.
The highly requested feature is finally here. Yesterday, Nintendo released a firmware update that enabled Bluetooth connectivity for the four-year-old Switch. There are restrictions, of course, but now the portable experience has been made even better. Sure, the Switch has a headphone jack but, if you’re like me, you’re probably tired of those pesky wires getting tangled up while on the go. Those issues are now a thing of the past.
According to the Nintendo Support webpage, pairing restrictions and miscellaneous notes read as follows:
- Up to two wireless controllers can connect to a Nintendo Switch system while using Bluetooth audio. You will not be able to pair additional wireless controllers until you disconnect the Bluetooth audio device.
- Bluetooth audio will be disconnected during local communication, such as when starting a local wireless multiplayer game.
- Only one Bluetooth audio device can be paired at a time, but up to 10 devices can be saved on a Nintendo Switch system.
- Bluetooth microphones cannot be used.
- You may experience audio latency depending on your Bluetooth device.
Apple Airpods is also compatible with the Switch – a welcome addition. Finally, the firmware update also enables software updates with the dock. However, this only works with Switch OLED equipment which will be available starting on October 8.
This dock feature might be super helpful, but Alex Van Aken compiled a list of 5 Features That We Still Need with solid arguments for each that you should read if you’re waiting for the launch date.
How to connect Bluetooth headphones to Nintendo switch?
But you still can’t use a Bluetooth microphone.
According to Nintendo’s new post-update support page, there’s a new menu in the Switch’s System Settings called Bluetooth Audio, where you can pair new devices with the system. Unfortunately, you can only pair the Switch with one audio device at a time, and it can only use Bluetooth when two or fewer wireless controllers are connected to the system — which means one pair of Joy-Cons only.
Read Grab the best gaming headset on amazon exclusive offer.
The Nintendo Switch has long supported wireless USB headphones, but this is the first time Nintendo has allowed Bluetooth audio to connect — without using a third-party transmitter. However, this new update doesn’t simplify the Switch’s eternally complicated voice chat system as Bluetooth microphones will not work on the console. Instead, players still have to use a separate app or Vivox in the games that support it.
What are the limitations of the new Nintendo Switch feature?
The Nintendo support article lists several limitations of the new feature.
- Only two wireless controllers can be connected to a Nintendo Switch System, while using Bluetooth Audio. Additional wireless controllers cannot be paired until the Bluetooth Audio device is disconnected.
- Also, Bluetooth microphones are not supported by the system.
- During a local wireless multiplayer game, Bluetooth audio will be disconnected.
- Audio latency may also be experienced by the user.
Nintendo made a surprise announcement on Tuesday — that the latest Nintendo Switch Update Version 13.0.0 is available, which will enable the user to add Bluetooth Audio Support to the video game console.
Ever since Nintendo launched its gaming consoles in 2017, the ability to pair the Switch with Bluetooth devices for audio output has been missing. However, with this software update, the wait for Bluetooth Audio Support is finally over.
