The Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite have dominated the handheld gaming market for years now, with the family of consoles becoming the portables that hardcore and casual gamers alike buy.
But the Nintendo Switch range is far from perfect, and one of the biggest issues that gamers have levelled against the consoles is that they do not allow for Bluetooth headphone connections, with users having to use the physical 3.5mm audio jack instead.
Most people now own Bluetooth headphones, though, and prefer the wireless convenience they deliver. And, in addition, the Switch does technically have a Bluetooth chip. As such, it felt like a missed open goal by the Big N not to allow for Bluetooth audio connections.
- New Nintendo Switch Pro clue breaks cover – and gamers should be excited
- New iPhone 13 clue points to a release date that will excite Apple fans
Luckily, though, based on datamined information from the Switch's latest 12.0.0 firmware update, which was ascertained by dataminer OatmealDome, that now looks like it is about to change, with the update unlocking audio support for the Switch's Bluetooth driver.
[Nintendo Switch System Update]12.0.0 has added audio support to the Bluetooth driver.*However*, I’m not sure if anything is actually using this new support so far. No guarantees it will ever be used, either.(SOURCE: yellows8 via SwitchBrew)https://t.co/Zyn35f3dZd pic.twitter.com/Ag5I0h8nicApril 7, 2021
As can be seen in OatmealDome's post above, "12.0.0 has added audio support to the Bluetooth driver", however, the dataminer is quick to point out that there are "no guarantees it will ever be used".
And, while that is true, here at T3 we would say why would Nintendo go to the trouble of unlocking audio support for the console's Bluetooth driver it is was never going to be used? It seems like a waste of time and resources.
It also raises the question once more of just why the Nintendo Switch did not launch with support for Bluetooth audio devices in the first place? If the hardware was already there, and unlocking it required nothing but a firmware update, surely it should of been delivered at launch or, if not, soon after.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
All that said, though, if the feature is made use of then it is better late than never, and it comes in the same year in which the much-rumored Nintendo Switch Pro is set to launch, too. Hopefully the Switch Pro will launch with Bluetooth headphone support as standard.
- These are the best Nintendo Switch games to play
Rob has been writing about computing, gaming, mobile, home entertainment technology, toys (specifically Lego and board games), smart home and more for over 15 years. As the editor of PC Gamer, and former Deputy Editor for T3.com, you can find Rob's work in magazines, bookazines and online, as well as on podcasts and videos, too. Outside of his work Rob is passionate about motorbikes, skiing/snowboarding and team sports, with football and cricket his two favourites.
-
How to pre-order PS5 Pro – dates, prices and stockists
The PS5 Pro is coming this November, here's how to pre-order one early
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Nanoleaf finally launches its own smart switch – and it’s insanely affordable
Nanoleaf’s Sense+ Smart Switch is here and it’s got Matter early access
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
All Amazon Prime members get one of the best shooters of all time for free
It's a big month for Prime Gaming
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
There's an update on Nintendo Switch 2 that'll please existing Switch owners
Your massive Switch games library will not go to waste
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
There's bad news for fans of The Batman, and it's straight from the horse's mouth
Recent rumours have been squashed
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Major new Harry Potter game coming to PlayStation Plus for free this week
Get your broomsticks ready – Quidditch Champions hopes to echo Hogwarts Legacy's success
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
PS5 Pro all but confirmed by multiple games developers
The PS5 Pro was reportedly an open secret at Gamescom last week
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
PS5 Pro pre-orders could start as soon as next month
The beefier console could be imminent
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Samsung's new Odyssey gaming monitor brings back a blast from the past
3D has somehow made a comeback
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Xbox Game Pass Standard will get day one games, just not on day one
More details emerge on the new Xbox Game Pass tier
By Max Freeman-Mills Published