Switch Gets Bluetooth Update; We'll Finally Connect Wireless Headphones

Nintendo has released update 13.0.0 for Switch, allowing for pairing of wireless headphones and speakers. This is a long-awaited feature, the lack of which has been quite annoying for the users. We can store up to ten wireless devices in the console's memory. Not to put too fine a point on it, there are also some limitations due to the protocol specs. When using wireless headphones, only two Bluetooth controllers can be connected to the console. Additional ones can be paired after disconnecting the headphones. The update does not introduce support for Bluetooth microphones.

New option for pairing wireless headphones. Source: @NintendoAmerica

Previously, gamers had to use special USB adapters for wireless audio connection, such as the Kickstarter-funded Genki or the Arctis 1 wireless headset from SteelSeries. This was an additional cost, however, and the Switch does have a built-in bluetooth module, after all. Reddit users already discovered a few months ago that Nintendo might add the long-awaited feature. What wasn't known was when it would happen.

Update 13.0.0 also introduces the option to update the dock with a LAN port and maintaining a wired internet connection while the console is in sleep mode. The latter option is enabled by default to make it easier to download additional content. There are also two minor changes in the update: the way in which control stick calibration is initiated and the addition of information regarding the frequency of the wireless connection being used (2.4GHz or 5GHz).