Put your stability jokes on hold, because it's time for a new Nintendo Switch firmware update, and it's one that offers some actual functionality, for once. Official firmware version 13.0.0 is here, and it brings with it support for Bluetooth audio devices, meaning you can now pair headphones, speakers, or earbuds with the Nintendo Switch system without the use of a third-party dongle. Of note, Nintendo specifies that Bluetooth microphones will not pair with the system, as they are not supported.

• 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.
  • For more information, see How to Pair and Manage Bluetooth Audio Devices.

There's more, as well. A new option allows users to update their Switch's dock, though it's a feature exclusive to the Nintendo Switch OLED dock, with its LAN port. Consoles connected to LAN can now also stay connected to the internet, even when in sleep mode. You can grab the update if you're interested in the new features, or stay on your current firmware and await the all-clear from your favorite CFW dev sources.

The new System Update (13.0.0) is (like 12.0.0 before it) particularly major under the hood, and Atmosphere will need more time than usual to add support for it.

I'll do my best as always, and thank you for your patience. https://t.co/A4d9fLEEQH

— Michael (@SciresM) September 15, 2021

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[MochaMilk]

AT LONG LAST, THE DAY HAS FINALLY COME!

 

[YugamiSekai]

Would have been perfect if it allowed mics.

 

[DuoForce]

Why wasn't this a thing at launch? Also, why no mic support?

 

[Kioku]

I mean... At least there's new features? So, they're now in... What... 2007?

 

[gamecaptor]

Nintendo, you are so close to finally getting it right! Always one step away from what everyone really wants!

Nonetheless, glad to see this upgrade. I’ll take what I can get!

 

[RichardTheKing]

How long until local backups are supported, via the supposedly-USB-C slot, huh, Nintendo?
What's that? Never, because you want us to pay for online backup through your garbage paywall, when both the Wii U and Wii had local backup capabilities? That's a shame.

 

[Freyjadour]

Finally bluetooth audio, now we just need themes support

 

[Rahkeesh]

Two-way bluetooth communication (for mics) cuts your audio quality in half so, I can understand why they weren't rushing out to support that. And then you have to somehow manage swapping between the two modes. The fact that you're limited to just two controllers (i.e. one pair of joycons) and zero ad-hoc also means its hogging most of the Switch's bluetooth bandwith.

 

[Asia81]

How long until local backups are supported, via the supposedly-USB-C slot, huh, Nintendo?
What's that? Never, because you want us to pay for online backup through your garbage paywall, when both the Wii U and Wii had local backup capabilities? That's a shame.

cringe

 

[PeeJay Bonobo]

You can grab the update if you're interested in the new features, or stay on your current firmware and await the all-clear from your favorite CFW dev sources.

I guess I'll be doing the latter.... and right as I was trying in vain to get Ninjala's offline stuff to work on Ryujinx. Man, that game is hell to get working properly, but at least, it boots!

Also, Bluetooth support? I was trying the homebrew version and it was actual garbage as the audio was low pitched. Maybe Nintendo's implementation will be better?

 

[DiscostewSM]

Two-way bluetooth communication (for mics) cuts your audio quality in half so, I can understand why they weren't rushing out to support that. And then you have to somehow manage swapping between the two modes. The fact that you're limited to just two controllers (i.e. one pair of joycons) and zero ad-hoc also means its hogging most of the Switch's bluetooth bandwith.

Exactly. Do note that Switch uses BT 4.1, not the more recent 5.0 (which provides more bandwidth?).

 

[CompSciOrBust]

If they implemented this after 4 years maybe there is hope for themes.

 

[Deleted member 546149]

Wait an update that actually matters

 

[fst312]

Too bad this might not do anything for the switch lite, not sure if that has bluetooth Because one of my third party controllers can’t connect to it and the box actually said it wouldn’t work on that.

 

[Valwinz]

The switch almost have all the features of a release day Vita

 

[PacDan16]

Ok, this instantly baffled me.
I'm so confused. Why did it take this long (over FOUR years) to implement such a feature? Although knowing about Nintendo's cloak of secrecy very well, I doubt we'll ever get the answer and the full truth of what's been doing on behind-the-scenes.

I've been using the Genki Bluetooth USB-C dongle for quite some time, but I'm liking this update already.. obviously it's a lot better as it's substantially more advanced and integrated into the OS now.

 

[ertaboy356b]

The next switch should have two bluetooth modules, one for controllers and one for other devices.

 

[MikaDubbz]

Took long enough, but I am grateful it's finally here all the same.

 

[PacDan16]

If they implemented this after 4 years maybe there is hope for themes.

..and folders. SIMPLE FOLDERS!!