New Nintendo Switch system update allows for Bluetooth audio and more

A brand new Nintendo Switch system update 13.0.0 has just been released and now allows you to pair Bluetooth audio devices! Additionally, “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.

Other new features in system update 13.00 include “Maintain Internet Connection in Sleep Mode” under Sleep Mode in System Settings and the method to initiate “Calibrate Control Sticks” in System Settings was changed.

How to Pair and Manage Bluetooth Audio Devices

Important

• 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.

Note

• 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.

Full system patch notes:

Ver. 13.0.0 (Released September 14, 2021)

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.

“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.