Nintendo Switch System Update 13.0.0 adds Bluetooth audio support

Nintendo surprised fans tonight with the latest Nintendo Switch update which adds Bluetooth audio support to the console.

The latest feature has been one that many fans have asked for since the launch of the Switch.

A Nintendo support page, seen on Nintendo’s tweet, explains how to pair Bluetooth audio devices (Archive).

The latest #NintendoSwitch update is now available, including the ability to pair Bluetooth devices for audio output.

For more information, including restrictions on some features while using Bluetooth Audio, please visit the support page: https://t.co/vzAB6lZTDu pic.twitter.com/6J5xcDl5kU

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) September 15, 2021

The page also states the limitations of this connection:

• 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.
• 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.

The connection is a bit tricky. For the Switch to identify a Bluetooth device, I tried the Audeze Mobius headset (review coming soon). I pressed twice on the Power button for the Switch to recognize Mobius. Once the console recognized the headset, I selected Pair. Immediately, I pressed the Power button twice on Mobius. It worked.

The Bluetooth audio support is part of the Nintendo Switch System Update 13.0.0.

Along with Bluetooth support, this update includes the following features:

• “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.
• “Maintain Internet Connection in Sleep Mode” was added under Sleep Mode in System Settings (for systems with wired internet connections).
• The method to initiate “Calibrate Control Sticks” in System Settings was changed.
• 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.

[Source]: @NintendoAmerica (Twitter): The latest #NintendoSwitch update is now available, including the ability to pair Bluetooth devices for audio output – [Archive]; Nintendo Switch System Updates and Change History – [Archive].