Nintendo Co., Ltd (OTCMKTS: NTDOF) has announced a new software update to Switch, which adds Bluetooth audio support. Since Nintendo launched the console in 2017, players have been unable to listen to audio using Bluetooth headphones.
Limitations with the Bluetooth update
According to an article from Nintendo, you will only be able to use two wireless controllers while using Bluetooth headphones. Adding another controller will immediately disconnect the Bluetooth audio. This could be one of the reasons that Nintendo never enabled the audio feature.
The system won’t support Bluetooth microphones. This limitation is probably because Nintendo’s voice chat depends on a separate app on your phone or Vivox in games that support it.
Before this change, players had to find other ways to use wireless audio on Switch. There have been headsets such as the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless that has a dongle that could take advantage of support for USB wireless headphones by the Switch.
Adding Bluetooth audio comes as a huge advantage for players, especially because Pro Controller by Nintendo does not have a headphone jack. Despite the limitations that will be placed on Bluetooth, the feature is well-supported.
From now on, Switch users can pair a wireless blue tooth device to their switch if they update to the latest software. To do this, Switch owners should download the latest firmware patch. Once this is done, they can go to the settings page, where they will find the Bluetooth audio option, which you can use to connect to an available Bluetooth audio device. Although the Switch can only be connected to one device at a time, it can save up to 10 in its system.
Other changes made with the update
Along with adding Bluetooth, the firmware update allows Switch owners to update the software on the Switch dock. However, this only applies to docks with a LAN port included with the Switch OLED model. Moreover, a new setting allows you to maintain a wired internet connection during sleep mode to enable a smoother downloading experience. You will also have the ability to see if your wireless Internet connection uses 5GHz or 2GHz frequency. The method used to initiate ‘calibrate control sticks’ is also different.