Even when the Nintendo Switch launched in March 2017 it was missing some basic features we’d come to expect from devices such as a web browser, streaming services support and Bluetooth audio. Now in September 2021 at least one of those features has finally arrived.

A new software update for the console now allows for Bluetooth audio devices to be connected to the Nintendo Switch.

When we say “Bluetooth devices” we should temper expectations as microphones are not supported according to the official customer support page about it. It seems then this is intended only for audio output then.

Other limitations here include the fact that the number of wireless controllers that the Switch can support when connected to Bluetooth audio is now cut down to two. Oh, and Bluetooth audio will be disconnected if a local wireless multiplayer game is started.

It wouldn’t be Nintendo if there wasn’t some contrivances to the way it operates. That being said we wouldn’t be surprised if these limitations are due to the console’s relatively weak (and now very aged) hardware, though we heard this same argument when Bluetooth audio wasn’t available at all.

More details to take note of here includes the fact that only one Bluetooth audio devices can be used at any one time. Thankfully up to 10 devices can be saved on the system, so you won’t need to go through the setup process again and again if you plan on switching between hardware regularly.

Finally the same customer support page makes a mention of expecting some latency when using Bluetooth. We’re not sure if this is a general warning about the inherent fact that wireless devices will always have some degree of latency, or if the Switch introduces some delay into the setup.

Regardless of the limitations and the fact that this functionality is so late, those who want to use Bluetooth audio on the Nintendo Switch will need to update to the latest system software. Once that’s done a dedicated “Bluetooth audio” option will appear in the System Settings.