One of the most wanted features on the Nintendo Switch for a long time was Bluetooth audio. It was eventually made accessible via a software upgrade in late 2021. All Switch versions, including the OLED-screened Switch, now support Bluetooth audio. The Switch’s lack of Bluetooth audio functionality was always a little alarming. Now that it’s arrived, it’s excellent, but there are some things to consider.
Installing the most recent Nintendo Switch OS version in the Switch settings is the first step if you haven’t updated the console since late 2021. When you do, System Settings has a setting called—you guessed it—Bluetooth Audio.
The Bluetooth Audio settings menu on the Nintendo Switch
Take note of the tiny print about the Switch’s Bluetooth audio limitations.
CNET/Scott Stein
When I used my AirPods Pro, pairing a Bluetooth headset was simple. After you put your headphones in pairing mode and instruct the Switch to search for the device, you may connect them. Any other Bluetooth headphones you try should also work with it.
The Nintendo Switch looks for Bluetooth headphones.
CNET/Scott Stein
Audio plays as expected once matched. It’s fantastic in portable mode as it eliminates the need for corded headphones. In docked mode, it’s much better since you can finally play it on a TV and listen to it in privacy without disturbing anybody.
A Nintendo switch attached to a pair of AirPods
They’re there.
CNET/Scott Stein
Naturally, third-party Bluetooth audio adapters that used a dongle to do the same thing existed before Nintendo included this capability. Since they don’t interfere with any of the Nintendo Switch’s regular operations, they could still be useful. Because there are certain disadvantages to utilizing Bluetooth audio on the Switch.
First of all, mics are not compatible with in-game chat. There is no input; the audio is simply output. Additionally, Bluetooth audio can only couple two wireless controllers. Typically, up to eight separate Joy-Con controllers might be connected. That’s okay since I never use in-game chat and I only ever use a maximum of two Joy-Cons at once when I’m playing alone. However, others may find the limits annoying.
The Switch’s Bluetooth audio limitations are explained in an on-screen list.
I’ve only just begun experimenting, but so far there haven’t been any problems.
CNET/Scott Stein
When I attached the headphones, I noticed a little latency that put the Switch to sleep. Perhaps it’s preferable to unpair before shutting down the Switch since Nintendo advises that latency may occur. Although Nintendo claims that audio latency may occur, I thought everything sounded perfect. I played the twitchy, quick-response games Super Monkey Ball, WarioWare: Get It Together, and Spelunky 2, and the audio didn’t feel jerky or out of sync.