It may have taken 4 years, but the latest Nintendo Switch update is finally adding one of its most requested features – Bluetooth Audio.
The latest 13.0.0 update will now allow players to pair their Bluetooth-capable audio devices with the Switch even without the use of a dedicated dongle. Nintendo has released a short FAQ on the matter and it comes with a few caveats:
- 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.
You can view the full patch notes below:
Nintendo Switch Update Ver. 13.0.0
Bluetooth audio support was added.
– Headphones, earbuds, speakers, and other audio devices that connect with Bluetooth can now be paired with Nintendo Switch family systems for audio output.
– Bluetooth microphones are not supported.
– Up to two compatible wireless controllers can be connected to the system while using Bluetooth audio.
– Bluetooth audio cannot be used while local wireless communication is active.
– For more information, see How to Pair and Manage Bluetooth Audio Devices.
“Update Dock” was added under System in System Settings for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch – OLED Model systems, allowing for software updates to Nintendo Switch docks with a LAN port.
– Dock software updates are not available for Nintendo Switch docks without a LAN port.
– This feature was not added to Nintendo Switch Lite.
– For more information, see How to Update the Dock Firmware.
“Maintain Internet Connection in Sleep Mode” was added under Sleep Mode in System Settings.
– When this setting is enabled, systems with wired internet connections will maintain internet connection even while in sleep mode. This allows for software and add-on content to download to the system while the system is in sleep mode.
– The setting is enabled by default.
– When this setting is disabled, the system will connect to the internet only periodically, which decreases power consumption.
– Note: Systems that are not updated to version 13.0.0 or later behave as if this setting is enabled.
The method to initiate “Calibrate Control Sticks” in System Settings was changed.
– From System Settings, go to Controllers and Sensors, select Calibrate Control Sticks, then fully tilt the control stick in any one direction and keep it tilted for a few seconds to begin calibration.
Users can now view whether their wireless internet connection is using the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency band under “Connection Status” after selecting Internet in System Settings.
The Switch OLED model will be releasing next month and will have this update as well.
