Connecting Bluetooth headphones to your phone, tablet, laptop, or consoles is pretty much the standard these days. However, when Nintendo launched the Switch, there was no support for Bluetooth headphones. Instead, Nintendo tried to be clever about it by using an app and some convoluted method to facilitate in-game voice chat.
The company defended its decision back then by claiming that this is because we already have our phones on us all the time, so it makes sense to use it as the medium for communication. It looks like the company could be partially walking back on that because in the latest firmware update, Nintendo has finally allowed Switch owners to pair Bluetooth headphones with the console.
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
However, before you get too happy, Nintendo’s support page notes that this only allows users to pair Bluetooth headphones with the console. They make a point of mentioning that Bluetooth microphones will not be supported, meaning that even if your Bluetooth headset has a built-in mic, you won’t be able to use it and you’ll still need to go through the app.
We don’t get why the company doesn’t just allow for full Bluetooth microphone and headphone support, but we suppose it’s better than nothing. The firmware update will bump the console’s version to 13.0.0, so make sure you have this version before trying out the Bluetooth feature.
Filed in . Read more about Headphones, Nintendo and Nintendo Switch.