Video: Fixing The Bluetooth Headphone Blues on Switch

So essentially it’s a Genki clone?

@NewAdvent This webstite has them in https://www.zapals.com/gulikit-route-type-c-bluetooth-audio-transmitter-for-nintendo-switch.html?currency=gbp&gclid=CjwKCAiA_ZTfBRBjEiwAN6YG4eC_prxjEZI_tWpentHUTjpcByS5StHt-FAMXjP2KTqomj94YpMvKBoCOLwQAvD_BwE

Knowing a little about hardware design it is still unclear why Nintendo are not using the audio codec for the current radio chip. It must run wifi and LP-BT for the joycons but it is able to support a BT audio stream at the same time. It seems to me that this has been defined design chose and not a hardware limitation

I have a little thing I picked up at the airport that has its own battery and doesn't hob the USB3 port. I've had it for nearly a year.

@BarFooToo knowing nothing about hardware, but with user experience, I use my Switch docked with a PS3 bluetooth headset and every 10 or so minutes the headset goes mute for a couple of seconds and reconnect. When I use it with my PS4 I do not have the same problem. So I think Nintendo has yet something to fix before that really works.

I guess I'm old-fashioned for preferring wired headphones...

Had mine for about a month now works like a dream

@setezerocinco you are using a completely different radio chip in the BT adaptor than the internal switch radio chip. so no relation between the issues. One thing that was just pointed out to me is the low latency BT audio stack is not licence free. With Nintendo having no chance to fly under the radar as far as avoiding technology licencing fees and the cost of the switch stacking up at launch it may have been a simple cost issue. As the hardware supports it and with the switch sales doing well the unit cost must be dropping. This means we could get a software update in the future that adds support

@chardir Yeah, me too. Besides, audio quality is better on wired headphones (at least when compared to those bluetooth headphones that I've used).

@BarFooToo I see... that makes sense. Such update would be very welcome =]

these very small transceivers have existed for years, and very inexpensive (I've seen the receivers as low as $15, and transmitters as low as $25)

at $50 I'm not sure, all others plug directly into the 3.5mm jack on top, so you can actually use it with other devices as well, not JUST the Switch, BUT....the adapter that sticks it up the backside may be the saving grace for me

it doesn't require charging, which is sort of a two edged sword, that's great, runs as long as the Switch does, BUT because it blocks off the USB-C, you can't charge while playing bummer, which makes me look more at the other 3.5mm headphone jack models, they have batteries that can last for several hours AND they sit on the top, not blocking the bottom, not hindering tabletop mode or holding it

I'm liking that it comes with all the other nifties too, like the dock adapter, but as for the microphone, hey guess what, the 3.5mm jack transmitters I mentioned earlier have them too

but what I would REALLY love is that little bottom adapter, I play handheld and ALL the time (but on rare occasion tabletop) and often have the Switch plugged in most of that time, so that little thing would REALLY be a great help and be a great convenience, but also I would not have to worry about accidentally pressing or twisting or wiggling or worse my power cord and damaging the USB-C connector, so where can I buy THAT separately ???

all in all I like the thing, is it worth $50 ???
if it was universal like the 3.5mm jack ones....definitely (my opinion), but I think $40 would be more reasonable, still that's up to the individual, but overall I give it Two Thumbs Up despite some of my problems with it

get it !!!
the Amazon page has more details about it also
https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Transmitter-Connector-Compatible-Headphones/dp/B07HRM9RVC

@Nemodius I've heard that the older ones and cheaper ones have a distinct lag issue.

Anyway while wireless headphone support is something I REALLY want for the Switch, the lack of a pass through to charge while playing is a notable drawback.

@Heavyarms55
not so much the older ones, but the cheaper ones can, the more expensive $40+ ones don't really, but honestly, the latency is so minor is a delay of 1-1.5 seconds on like 90% of games that don't have voiceover synched to a face a big deal ???
I can deal with an almost unnoticeable delay in change of music and some sound effects in most games, but that's just me

but when that minor latency is weighed against the fact that the Gilulikit does block the USB-C like I mentioned before........that latency seems like a pretty insignificant inconvenience

How’s input lag?

@Denoloco according to the advertisement on their website AND the video above, the lag is almost non-existent, can't even notice according to what is said on the Video

So can't be used docked?.....

@PlayedNSlayed
did you watch the video and/or read my original post ???

YES IT CAN BE USED WHILE DOCKED

Guess this is good for folks that want it. I use wired headphones in handheld mode, and I've got wireless headphones on my Audio Out for the TV itself if I want to be quiet in docked mode.

@HobbitGamer
I have the same stuff as you as well, but with all my other cords I have everywhere, (for me) wireless headbuds are just a preferred route (for me)

@Nemodius may just purchase it then. thanks

Again making a dumb face on the thumbnail... if you want to be taken seriously, act like it and don't make faces just for clicks.

@PlayedNSlayed
like I said in my review, despite the negative things I mentioned, I still believe it is a good investment for most who don't have a problem with it blocking the USB-C port in handheld mode

I would pay $10 just for the little rerouter adapter alone just because I could use it to get my charging cord out from the bottom which I constantly worry about damaging it or the Switch inport

@CasNicks And why do they need to be taken seriously? I'm quite fine with a bit of lighthearted goofiness. Alex has always been goofy. Who cares?

I am starting to look for some Bluetooth adaptors for the Switch cause I do want to use that music feature on the go.

@Ttimer5
Best Buy, Wal-Mart and Targets sell them in store, (Wal-Mart is usually better priced for same model and brand than Best Buy)

Remember to look at the packaging, most of the 3.5mm jack Bluetooth transmitters and dual function transceivers look exactly like the receivers, (which you do NOT want), DOUBLE CHECK THE PACKAGING !!!

I use it first as a gaming platform as it was intended for first.

@riChchestM name or link for the product?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Car-FM-Transmitters/KitSound-Bluetooth-Wireless-Transmitter-Receiver/B01M1HTUGE

The simple fact you need a Bluetooth dongle in 2018 for audio is insane. Just let people connect their Bluetooth headphones directly.

This like yesteryears we all had Bluetooth USB on crappy PCs 🙄

@Nemodius Yes - that delay is a huge deal to some. Even a quarter of a second is unbearable when we're talking video/audio sync issues.

Also, your post touches on why this device is so expensive, but then proceeds to act as if it's a downside... the reason one might want this device is because it uses the USB port, not AUX. When you use AUX, the adapter has to convert from analogue to digital prior to transmission. You're typically going to see greatly reduced audio quality, in addition to increased latency.

That's not to say this dongle solves those issues, but that is the promise they make, along with other USB-C based dongles like the Genki. Personally, I don't buy it - I have a set of high quality, extremely low latency bluetooth headphones (Audeze Mobius) and I still find myself either plugging them in or reaching for my Sennheiser HD650's due to latency issues. If a higher end, well known audio brand such as Audeze can't get bluetooth latency down to acceptable levels (For me) I highly doubt it's possible with current bluetooth tech/codecs.

EDIT: And to be clear, I'm not saying aux adapters are bad, or that this type of adapter is great, or anything like that. Just pointing out that they are very different. Personally, I used wired headphones for my Switch, but I am admittedly very sensitive to audio/video sync.

While native support for BT Headphone on switch it will be cool for single player.
BT is terrible for gaming for the simple fact that do not support stereo out + mic.
You can have stereo out with no mic or mono out at 8KHz (which is awfull) + mic.
For the time being the best solution is to use PC wireless Headset with usb dongle.
For more info see https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/duplex-high-quality-audio-for-bluetooth

@Nemodius 1-1.5 seconds audio lag is a huge deal in any action game. It doesn't need to have voiceover to be a problem. It feels very disconcerting when you're shooting or hitting something, or basically anything where audio is supposed to sync with your control inputs, and the audio is out of sync. Even 0.5 seconds lag feels really bad. The reviewer of this device claims the lag was barely noticeable. Obviously what's noticeable differs by person, but I'm going to guess that for most people, "barely noticeable audio lag" equates to at most 10s of milliseconds.

@roadrunner343 @bilboa

not sure why people getting so personally insulted, I said the lag is no big deal for most games but also worded it in such a way that it was clearly "personal opinion"
I also said that it was a give and take, 0.5-1 second lag vs. not being able to use the charger
I ALSO reiterated a few times that.....
"The Product Is A Good Investment" and to *"Get It"
("This Product" being the GuliKit product, not my preferred 3.5mm jack adapter)

if you take people's personal opinion/s so personally, life gets pretty tedious

@FredBiletnikoff https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciG-Xs7mBwU

Yeah I got one of these about a month ago and it works like a charm!

@G0dlike Nope, Genki is the clone. This one has been around for a while now (earliest reviews on Amazon are from July) while Genki isn't even released yet. And Genki is way more expensive.

Also, Genki charges extra for a USB adapter for the Dock.
And Genki doesn't work with the Hori stand.

@Nemodius The only one taking anything personally here seems to be you. There were a couple of replies, mine included, that were all polite and simply addressed some of the points you brought up. There was nothing offensive and the posts weren't even being argumentative. Simply addressing some of the pros and cons of each solution.

@roadrunner343 I don't mind silly, the issue is that it's not genuine. It's clickbait and I like to think this site is better than that. It's the same as all game apps having a yelling guy icon or those over the top faces for reaction videos just to get clicks.

@CasNicks It seems clickbait is a term thrown around far too loosely now days. The thumbnail from the homepage doesn't even show him making a crazy face, just the youtube video itself after they've already got your clicks. Second, have you ever seen Alex's videos? The guy's a goofball. I'd say it's fairly genuine, and it makes for some entertaining videos. I'd rather see that than him being overly serious and afraid to laugh or have a bit of fun. To me, that would be disingenuous.

@roadrunner343
I'm not getting insulted, but I say delay no big deal (for me) and all of a sudden at least two people got very defensive and wrote long posts that seemed a tad aggressive.

just saying that did seem it was taken personally

I agree about the fad phrase "Clickbait", but again, that's just "Personal Opinion"

@Nemodius In neither of the responses were we being defensive, or aggressive in any way. That's my point - there wasn't an issue until you decided to make one. You asked if latency was a big deal to people in your first post, and I replied. Nothing to get upset are argue about there. If it doesn't bother you, that's awesome. I wish it didn't bother me, that's for sure.

If you read my first response, I specifically call out how I am extremely sensitive to audio/video delay, which may not be the case for everyone. I elaborated a bit on some technical details on the differences between a USB based solution and an auxiliary adapter, before concluding that I personally don't like either for Switch, and I stick to wired headphones for now. Of course that is all opinion based, and I never indicated otherwise. If you're happy with the solution you have, that's great - just trying to give other readers more information and a different perspective.

EDIT: Also, the length of the post has nothing to do with tone, aggressiveness, defensiveness, etc... I simply provided technical details on the differences, and never made a recommendation one way or the other.

@Nemodius Sorry if I came off as sounding personally bothered, but I certainly wasn't insulted by you posting your opinion. I do disagree with the factual part of your statement, but I have no issue whatsoever with you posting it, and just saw this as a back and forth factual discussion. I simply disagree that most games wouldn't be negatively affected by a 1 second audio lag. I agree some games wouldn't, specifically games where there is no expectation of audio being in sync with user inputs or on screen action, but I don't think that applies to most Switch games.

@roadrunner343
I did try to word the part about slight delay being no big in most cases of just music or sound fx (excluding verbal audio) as personal and thought I successfully implied, perhaps my attempts were not as 100% as I intended, but again I did also say I'd rather take a slight delay and still have the ability to charge, I figured that also reiterated it was personal preference, but if I didn't quite express myself clearly enough, I apologize and hope this fixes any confusion

but taking a whole 1-2 paragraphs to say that no delay works better for your style of gaming and game selection does seem defensive

so I hope you understand why it seemed like you were defending your preferences against mine rather than just saying it doesn't work for you,

life can be confusing at times.

@Nemodius There's no defensiveness here whatsoever. I made it very clear that I personally do not use either of the solutions I was comparing, as I think they both have issues that make them unusable for me, and I specifically said at the end that I used wired headphones. Again, the length of the post has nothing to do with anything, I simply provided more technical details for other to consider when comparing USB vs AUX options, because they do vary greatly in how they implement wireless audio. I think you did a fine job of explaining your preference, I have no issues with anything, apart from post 36 where you implied people were insulted/defensive, which was definitely not the case. That was my point in post 39/43. I'm not upset with what you posted, I don't think you were in the wrong, and I think you explained preference just fine... You did however specifically ask if it was a big deal to some people, so I let you know that yes, it is a big deal to me. We're both just sharing different perspectives and experiences with the technology. For you, latency doesn't seem to be an issue. For me, it's a huge issue. That doesn't make either stance invalid, and some people will definitely choose the convenience of wireless for a bit of added latency. Differing preferences should not immediately be considered hostile.

@Nemodius
I think you just read some tone into those posts that was never intended. It's not a big deal.

I wonder if some of it is just an unfortunate estimate? Is it really 1 to 1.5 second delay because that is just insane to me.

Considering many games allow the player to punch or fire using a button with a responsive sound probably 5-10 times a second that would mean you stop pressing the button and maybe 7 to 15 more sound FX trail out after you've stopped pressing buttons. I can't think of anyone I know that wouldn't be bothered by that, myself. :/

@NintendoNomad
you may find this one more to your liking, it actually sits on top of the Switch, nothing hanging

https://www.lightinthebox.com/en/p/bluetooth-transmitter-music-audio-stereo-with-3-5mm-audio-output-for-bluetooth-speakers-or-headphones_p5168793.html?currency=USD&litb_from=paid_adwords_shopping&country_code=us&utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=cpc&adword_mt=&adword_ct=199966585666&adword_kw=&adword_pos=1o9&adword_pl=&adword_net=g&adword_tar=&adw_src_id=2907233386_854456850_47119498241_pla-324580230211&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqpTD__LH3gIV1o2zCh1a4wkbEAQYCSABEgJ11fD_BwE

@aaronsullivan
I said 1-1.5 second delay only because I knew others would try to use those numbers as defense, in all my years and several different 3.5mm jack Bluetooth transmitters I have never experienced more than a .75 second delay to be realistic

@aaronsullivan @Nemodius I'm not sure it's horribly important the specific number, to be honest. At even 100-250ms, it would be very apparent to many users. If I recall correctly, the broadcast industry says about ~50ms is "acceptable" for audio/video sync issue. I don't honestly know at what point it bothers me - just that I've yet to find a bluetooth solution that worked for me for anything but music/podcasts, so I've stuck to wired for now w/Switch.

From what I've read, aptx is ~32ms of latency. The Audeze Mobius supports aptx (Which I own) but I've noticed pretty terrible delay on my PC. I've not yet tested enough to know if they're connected via aptx or how to force aptx codec, so there is a chance it is my bluetooth receiver/connection mode that is the culprit in that case. All that to say, I know they're supposed to be low latency, but it's still bothersome enough for me to primarily use the wired on my PC.

@Nemodius Thanks! Haven't seen that solution. Definitely looking into to that as an option for voice chat. Don't like the idea of messing with the USB C port with much other than ac or ext battery.

@NintendoNomad
that was just one example, all other companies versions also look almost identical, little sideways dongle and a male to male adapter

WARNING !!! WARNING NOMAD ROBINSON !!!
most companies make at least TWO versions, a transmitter version and a receiver version, the item and packaging all look almost identical so make sure you double check the description and/or the package for the one that says "Transmitter" or "Transceiver", NOT "Receiver"
places like Wal-Mart, Target and Best Buy sell these in store, and even though Best Buy will usually have the type you are looking for in stock, they also usually charge more for the same brand than Wal-Mart does

happy hunting friend

I have a creative bt-w2 which is also a usb bluetooth adapter that supports aptx ll and I use a usb a to usb c right angle adapter when undocked. I like it because it has a rectangular design when sticking out the bottom of the switch rather than a round one. It also works on a ps4 and doesn't need an adapter when in docked mode. But the big draw of the guli kit here for me is the usb c adapter that puts the bluetooth transmitter on the back of the switch. For me it's the first one I've seen of its kind and I had been looking for one like it practically since the Switch released, that little adapter makes this a definite purchase for me now.

Would be smart if the pro controller had a port to use your 3.5mm headset of choice.

REALLY WANT the U-Shapes adaptor. Anyone know how to get this ?

Alex, I really enjoy your videos. You are very personable and your videos are fun and entertaining.

I just use my Turtle beach wireless headphone set that I bought to do this and if your close to your Switch I can use the mobile cable to plug into the Switch the cable is long enough. And in Dock mode the USB transmitter works for headphone and mic for fortnite. So there are other options. BT until they improve lags and connections I be skeptical on using it with a dongle as that adds more stuff to break or get lost if attached to the Switch itself.

@AdamTendo
pro controller with audio output, hmmm....
could use three Bluetooth frequencies, the two it normally uses simultaneously +1 for audio relay to the controller, if the Nintendopes at development would fix that little bit

@Abes3
I said that very same thing about the adapter, several times, I mean I would shell out $10 for that alone

@Nemodius yeah easily! Even for USB power it would be better than having the cord dangling down from the bottom

@shani

https://twitter.com/nintendad/status/1066322003039260672?s=21