Switch’s latest system update finally adds Bluetooth audio support

The latest system update for the Nintendo Switch, version 13.0.0, adds support for Bluetooth audio devices.

Until now, Switch hasn’t offered native support for Bluetooth headsets, meaning players who wanted to use a wireless headset needed to use a third-party adapter.

With the launch of the new update, players can now directly connect Bluetooth headphones, earbuds, speakers and other audio devices to get wireless audio output from the console.

Because the Switch only has a limited number of Bluetooth connections, players can only connect two wireless controllers while using Bluetooth audio. The Joy-Cons count as two separate controllers.

Players will also not be able to use Bluetooth audio while the Switch has local wireless communication active for local multiplayer games.

Version 13.0.0 also adds a new ‘Update Dock’ option, which will let players update the firmware on the newer Switch docks which have a LAN port (such as the one included with the upcoming Switch OLED).

Players who decide to use the LAN port for a wired connection will also have the option to maintain a wired connection while the console is in Sleep Mode, so software and DLC can continue to download.

The full list of changes in the new Switch system update are as follows:

Nintendo Switch version 13.0.0 patch notes

Bluetooth® audio support was added.

• Headphones, earbuds, speakers and other Bluetooth audio devices can now be connected to with Nintendo Switch consoles for audio output.
  • Bluetooth microphones are not supported.
  • Up to two compatible wireless controllers can be connected to the console while using Bluetooth audio.
  • Bluetooth audio cannot be used while local wireless communication is active.
  • Depending on the Bluetooth audio device, there may be some audio delay.
  • For more information, see How to Add and Manage Bluetooth Audio Devices.

“Update Dock” was added under System in System Settings for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch OLED model consoles, 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 for Nintendo Switch Lite systems.
• For more information, see How to Update the Dock Firmware.

“Maintain Wired Connection in Sleep Mode” was added under Sleep Mode in System Settings.

• When this setting is enabled, consoles with wired internet connections will maintain internet connection even while in sleep mode. This allows for software and DLC to download to the console while it is in sleep mode.
  • The setting is enabled by default.
• When this setting is disabled, the console will connect to the internet only periodically, which decreases power consumption.

Note: Consoles that are not updated to version 13.0.0 or later will 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 2.4GHz or 5GHz frequency band under “Connection status” after selecting Internet in System Settings.