How to Connect a Bluetooth Headset on Nintendo Switch
Here’s a tutorial on how to connect Bluetooth earphones to the Nintendo Switch. Good news for gamers, because in the latest version of the software update, Nintendo announced that players can finally enjoy audio via Bluetooth.
Later users can connect a Bluetooth headset to the Nintendo Switch. It’s been late, it took more than 4 years of waiting since their first edition of the device was launched, but it’s better than nothing.
Bluetooth Headset Sync to Nintendo Switch
Nintendo, via their Nintendo of America twitter account (@NintendofAmerica), has just announced a major update to their hit handheld gaming device, the Nintendo Switch.
Obviously this update will introduce Bluetooth audio to devices, eventually allowing players to connect enabled devices like their Bluetooth earphones to the Switch.
The announcement comes with a link to a support page specifically dedicated to the newly added feature that will guide users on how to take advantage of it.
While the update may seem particularly influential for closed systems like Nintendo, it’s still important to note that this latest feature addition still has its limitations.
First, only two wireless controllers can be connected to the Switch when a Bluetooth audio device is connected. This limitation may affect players who activate frequently “Dock Mode“.
This continues on to the next important point: Bluetooth audio will be cut off during local communication, such as when starting a game in local wireless multiplayer mode.
How to Connect Bluetooth Earphones to Nintendo Switch
Up to two Wireless Controllers (Switch Sticks) can be connected to the 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 cut off during local communication, such as when starting a multiplayer game.
1. Make sure no more than two wireless controllers are currently connected to your Nintendo Switch system. For pairing to run normally.
2. If the Switch stick needs to be disconnected, hold down the SYNC Button on the controller for at least one second. A pair of Joy-Cons counts as two wireless controllers.
3. Turn on your Bluetooth audio device either Headset/Earphone/In-Ear Monitor and set it to searchable state or pairing mode.
4. Follow the instructions for the specific Bluetooth audio device on how to enable it for connection.
5. From the Nintendo Switch HOME menu, go to System Settings.
5. Scroll down to Bluetooth Audio and select Pair (Pair) to search for available Bluetooth audio devices within range.
6. Searching for a pairable device can take a few seconds.
7. If 10 devices have been connected or connected to a Switch and saved to the system, you must delete at least one saved device before you can connect a new one.
8. Select the name of your Bluetooth audio device when found.
9. Once connected, any audio that is playing will be output through your Bluetooth Headset device, the sound will no longer appear on the Nintendo Switch itself.
10. Be sure to adjust the system volume to a comfortable level. If you wish, you can also lower the maximum headphone volume.
How to Disconnect Bluetooth Headset on Nintendo Switch
When a Bluetooth audio device is connected and connected, you can immediately disconnect by turning off the device.
Apart from that you can also disconnect it manually via Nintendo Switch System Settings using the steps below.
1. From the Nintendo Switch HOME menu, go to System Settings (System Settings).
2. Scroll down to Bluetooth Audio and select your device name from the list of saved devices.
3. Select Disconnect Device.
4. Once disconnected, any audio playing will be output through the system speaker or TV audio, if played in TV mode.
A few more things to note is that audio latency is expected for Bluetooth audio devices.
Depending on how well this update is applied or the quality of your Bluetooth device, each user’s experience may be different.
Furthermore, the Nintendo Switch can store a maximum of 10 Bluetooth devices that have ever been connected, but only one can be paired for use at a time.
Lastly, the microphone, either built into your headphones or just a separate microphone (External) will not work on the Nintendo Switch. Using a Bluetooth headset on the Nintendo Switch also has its drawbacks, apparently.
Despite the somewhat limited functionality of this newly added Nintendo Switch component, the Bluetooth Earphone update is still a very welcome addition if one is considering the alternatives: using the mediocre built-in speakers or requiring them to use a USB dongle.
Another major update in this version 13.0.0 patch includes the option “Update Dock” under System Settings for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch – OLED Model system, “allows software updates to Nintendo Switch docked with LAN port.”
Bug fixes and slight Live Streaming quality changes to its connectivity have also been introduced such as the ability to check if your internet connection is using the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency band.
Then there’s also the addition of an option to “Maintain Internet Connection in Sleep Mode” which will allow users to leave their devices on without worrying about dropped game content downloads or software updates.
This change is very much aimed at making the Nintendo Switch even more interesting as the release date of its OLED model draws near and is eagerly awaited by gamers around the world.
That’s a guide on how to use a Bluetooth headset on the Nintendo Switch, just pair your best audio device with a friend, either earphones, headphones or an in-ear wireless headset to the Switch.
