This New Device Lets You Use Airpods And Other Bluetooth Headphones With Your Switch

I like the sound of that

I wonder what the audio lag is for this device? I didn't watch the video so I don't know about that model.

That should have been a part of the Switch itself. The PS Vita has BT support out of the box. I don't feel right paying $40 for a device to let my headset connect to the Switch when my BT headset itself was cheaper than that...

But it's not the device maker's fault and they are solving a problem Nintendo neglected.

I want it but I don’t want to spend money lol

I'm kind of giving up on Bluetooth ever becoming a non-trash technology by now. But this price ain't all that bad.

Cool. I can put my AirPods to good use. I wonder why Nintendo didn’t just make Bluetooth compatibility built in, because dongles are so annoying.

Why does this even exist smh

Does it fit with skull n co grip case?

Does it have audio delay if you don't use APT-X LL? Because using bluetooth headphones with stuff that has a 1-1 reaction I want is never want. Even the bluetooth audio adapter I have for my Switch has it with my headsets.

What we actually need is a device which wirelessly transmits a a blended bluetooth audio from the console and a phone app. Then we could have ingame chat working properly from our console and discord.

@Dualmask it’s not a problem if you don’t make it one. The Vita didn’t have rumble, hd output, gyro, detachable controllers... extra features cost money?

This isn't "new" at all. There's cheaper ones too.

Too expensive for something Nintendo should already have included.

I mainly play in the morning when the household sleeps and exclusively play in docked mode. The lack of Bluetooth support really hindered my playtime on the Switch, until I found out that the Ps4 gold wireless headphones can easily be used on the Switch. Would have bought this otherwise.

Unlike Apple, Nintendo refuses to support BT headphones and wants us to use wired headsets. You will still see that headphone jack on Nintendo consoles in 2050.

Why is this better than other BT dongles that plug into the 3.5mm audio port? Those can be used with other devices whereas this is limited to the Switch or USB C devices? I guess this is powered by the Switch itself it makes it better so you don’t have to worry about charging the dongle?

Or just use Genki. I've been using it for almost a year now, it uses BT 5.0, so the lag is almost not there, you can connect 2 headphones, so it's also perfect for 2 players. And you could customize the look with joy-cons colours

Why is this even a thing on a device that came out in 2017 it’s the only thing that bugs me about the switch my PSP go allows me to use Bluetooth headphones what’s the excuse

@Friendly "extra features"? You mean fully functional implementation of not-extra features because there's nothing "extra" about the communication standard used for the controllers that come with it? That's a funny definition of "extra" you've got there.

Bluetooth controllers. Bluetooth headphones. It's a failing. Period. Nobody made it a problem except for Nintendo and your personal use case is paltry against the overwhelming voice of the mobile electronics consumer base. Take your self-important putdowns against rightful consumer expectations for proper implementation of industry standards and go back to your granpappy's hovel in the woods.

@ELRinley rightful expectations of industry standards.... the switch is anything but, and that makes it such a great device. Completely standing alone within a blue ocean. Not perfect, but it also can’t play dvd’s or blu-rays, can it, which you probably would note as one of your entitled expectations. But nvm, since you got so personal, guess there’s no point in argueing with you.

I bought the GuliKit adapter last year and use it all of the time: no lag as LONG AS you use decent headphones. If you expect it to work with cheap headphones you will get lag and it’s not worth it. Just need Nintendo to sort out the useless online and voice chat and all is good with the world.

i'll bet, bluetooth will be included in the new model. same for headset suport.

in the meantime i'm gonna pick this one up. ideal for my marley's on my way to work

When is it coming to Sweden and EU? I need one like it, im very close to ordering a Homespot that is just like this one but without USB passthrough.

@Friendly the vita has an oled screen and the resolution is perfectly fine for the size it's at, and it DOES have gyro... and 2 touchscreens

@Dualmask It should certainly have been included with the Lite. No Bluetooth Joy Cons shenanigans to mess with plus an extra persuasion point for those like me, looking to maybe double dip.

So basically the same thing I've been using for at least a year now?

There's lag inherent in BT headphones isn't there? I know I can't watch videos with my BOSE earphones because the sound is so terribly out of sync.

@Friendly USB-C and Bluetooth. USB 3.0. capacitive touch. 3.5mm TRRS headset connector. Micro SD. Need I find more standards it uses? I got personal because you decided your personal use case was a nice way to invalidate consumer demands.

And yeah. I feel we're all a bit entitled to proper and well-implemented functions on a $300 device. Don't so when it's getting the company sued over an epidemic of hardware failure.

Wow at that price was expecting under 10.... such a simple thing that should be standard. I can cope without

@ELRinley i’m a consumer too, yet I don’t buy stuff and then decide to demand more than what I received. If it’s such a big issue to you, maybe don’t buy it in the first place, fill in a ‘missing features’ ticket and wait for a revision.

@Friendly Way to change your argument mid stride. I like the part where you apparently can't critique a device if you buy it. Apparently everything I have ever purchased is beyond reproach, because... well, I bought it, right? Pretty sure no one is "Demanding more" from Nintendo - I don't expect Nintendo to ship me a new Switch with Bluetooth audio simply because I ask nicely. That doesn't excuse them from criticism.

Acting as if Bluetooth audio is some costly extra feature is nonsense. Not only can you find it in the cheapest electronic devices, the Switch already has a functioning Bluetooth chipset used for the controllers, so its really bizarre they wouldn't have implemented Bluetooth audio. I love my switch, probably my favorite system of all time at this point, but that doesn't mean everything is perfect.

Does it pick up the microphone as well? As in, does it enable you to say stuff to teammates in fortnite?

@roadrunner343 agreeing with your comment . Of course you can critique something you’ve bought. As I said, the switch isn’t perfect. But I wasn’t trying to change my argument, I just don’t like the demanding tone ppl put up nowadays. As in, to me it’s not a problem bluetooth isn’t there. It’s a shame, since I also have a bluetooth headset which I use on my computer, but it’s not a ‘problem’, since I knew that what I bought didn’t have that functionality. That’s what the argument began with.

I personally don’t know the ins and out of bluetooth, can the signal become distorted if you use too many signals at once? Since each joycon uses one. Or maybe there’s a different reason Nintendo might know but isn’t telling us? I can’t tell, but maybe somebody can enlighten me? Or I could ask Spawn wave, he probably knows.

Ive been using this BT-dongle with Switch for over a year, works good with good battery life and none noticable lag.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07G388C5Z/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

@Friendly Yes, there are practical limits to the number of bluetooth devices that may be connected at once. It used to be 7 - I don't know if that's the case anymore, or if Nintendo just breaks specification. Regardless, it is a very real possibility that Nintendo can't support 8 controllers + bluetooth audio. I'd much have the option though, even if they only allows 2 controllers to be connector or some other limitation. Besides - when would most people realistically need more than a controller or two + bluetooth audio? Odds are, if you're using a bluetooth headset, you aren't sharing the Switch with a group.

@Kheoth

Hmm, I’ll have to give that a try. I rarely use my Gold headset as the time I use headsets I require a microphone, but everyone tells me they can’t hear me with the headphones.

very nice
now l don't have to sit close to a TV wearing my headphones while plugged in the switch.

There shouldn't be a need for this to exist; this should be built into the console.

@nintendolie and that's a good thing. Refuse to buy any phone that has ditched the 3.5mm Jack.

Luckily Samsung are still supporting people who prefer to use wired headphones.

Yes Nintendo should have included BT support but never ditch the 3.5mm jack.

The fact that switch doesn’t have Bluetooth is ridiculous

I have the Genki, it's pretty good! Would be interested to see how this compares. When docked, nothing beats the Sony 7.1 headphones. They work on switch and they are amaze-balls!

As others have said this is just a copy of the Genki Kickstarter from a year or two ago. And that device works great, I'd highly recommend it.

Finally, I can play my switch on our 65” at night without having a homemade cord hooked to my tv and headphones. Now if only we could get a upgraded pro controller...

@Mr_Persona Me playing the Switch docked all the time! Very much this. I ordered this right away so I can lay down on the bed and play comfortably without disturbing others lol.

Umm, this looks larger and not even as good as the Genki that I Kickstarted and LOVE, which does apt-x low latency and allows you to pair a second set of bluetooth headphones for multiplayer sharing of audio too.
http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07JZKXSQT

@Arehexes The Genki adapter uses apt-x LL and I've found the audio to be perfectly in sync, it's one of my favorite accessories for the Switch these days.

No worldwide shipment, that’s sad... I need one of these

Amazing, I really need this!

I wonder if it works in the PS4 with the usb? I have AirPods which aren’t compatible with ps4

@Porky
good for you and its also nice n relaxing.

I am very glad this has a pass-through for charging while playing too. At first glance it seemed like it didn't. And the form factor is much nicer than the one in the video, which looked like it was begging to snap off and break you USB-C port.

This is still something the Switch should do by itself, and one of my only gripes about the Switch from the hardware perspective.

If I can get one on Amazon Japan, I will probably pick one up. Not gonna pay extra to import though.

Meh...personally I think this is a better option. It’s smaller, offers same functionality & comes in 3 colors to match your joy-cons (grey, red/blue, & green/pink).

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L9V1FCF/?coliid=I15T7RT4Y2M12N&colid=FWXOXEYIZGEE&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it#immersive-view_1565051733041

I agree with the other Genki users. I've been using mine since I could get my hands on one and have never had any issues with syncing or latency. Plus you can't go wrong with the full kit that includes, in my opinion, the best portable stand for Switch. If only the Genki fit the Skull & Co. Grip case without the use of an adapter.

Been using my Genki without issue.

@nintendolife @ryancraddock

Are you guys being serious right now?
That kind of device has been around for a long time... this is nothing new.
And I'm not even talking about Genki (which is heavily overpriced and totally unnecessary too).

I'm talking about this device: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07H2RH5CJ/

I got it about a year ago and it's perfect. No noticeable latency, works in handheld, tabletop (on my Hori Playstand), docked or even on my PC/laptop.
I'm sure there are lots of other devices just like it.

The device shown in this article is waaaaay too huge in comparison.

Maybe I have a time machine cuz I been using Bluetooth headphones on my switch for a year. What am I missing????

@Pigeon bluetooth is on the switch, The controllers and joycons use it.

@Shadowkiller97 Audio quality is vastly superior with usb c, as the dongle itself doesn't have to do any audio transcoding and can leave it up to the headset. I have both an usb c and a 3,5 mm one, so I can testify.

Pretty tired of all of these tabloid articles advertising plastic tumours I can let protrude from my system to help it connect to wireless headphones. These dongles are impractical for a handheld console and generally I find it would be more work bringing the dongle along with the switch in its case (which won't have space for it) than just tossing an extra pair of earbuds in my bag and calling it a day.

The lack of bluetooth support is a really weird shortcoming for the Switch, but no cheap third party accessory is really gonna fix it for me.

I've got a Homespot BT adaptor for switch (which has APTX LL support (qualcomm's low latency BT codec for gaming etc) and LEDs that show what codec the dongle is currently using) and a selection of headphones / devices with and without APTX LL support. The lag I experience is very device dependent. The two cheap APTX-LL earbuds / headphones are effectively lag free to me, comparable to a wired pair of buds even in high frame rate games like Cuphead where the sound is tightly connected to the on screen action / button presses - they quote a sub-40ms delay for APTX LL but in reality most people won't notice any lag sub-100ms. Typical BT audio devices using the SBC codec sit around 170-200ms but vary a lot - my airpods connect in standard BT mode and whilst there is a slight delay, its bearable. I also connected a Sony BT speaker and it was terrible with the sound on videos completely out of sync.

@BoFiS Oh I know, I was surprised my expensive headphones doesn't support it. So I get a delay with it. It's great in general, but I like rythem games. I need to see which ones support time adjustments.

@Friendly If Bluetooth is ON the Switch and you KNOW it's on the Switch then why on EARTH are you calling headphone pairing "extra features" and acting like we WEREN'T shortchanged and DON'T have grounds for outrage?!

We ARE outraged because we DID get screwed over. We DID get shortchanged. They DID cut out one of the most overwhelmingly common use cases for Bluetooth on the face of the planet and for what?! So they could make us use our smartphones and a tangle of cords to play Splatoon? Something everyone HATES and another development studio EASILY circumvented by jamming a TRRS plug into the TRRS jack and installing a comms package in their game because there isn't a SINGLE hardware limitation involved in this???

Your "roll over and take it" mentality is SICKENING. "Fill in a ‘missing features’ ticket and wait for a revision"? Is that a joke? You think anyone here's gonna just sit and wait and wait and wait for Nintendo to probably NEVER fix this? And in the mean time, what? They don't get to play Mario Maker 2, or Star Fox Link, Cadence of Hyrule, Super Mario Odyssey, or any of the other Switch exclusives, they don't get to play them with FRIENDS, they don't get to experience them solo, nothing, nadda, the end.

"If you don't like what's for dinner, don't eat it" is a genre of argument I'm sick to death of hearing. No, I'm gonna shovel it down because going hungry SUCKS and HURTS in a thousand different ways and then I'm going to let the person cooking know that it was a sub-par experience, I'm going to tell them what was wrong, and THEN I might actually have a chance at having a good meal there next time. And if they sit on their hands and keep serving the same crap without any revision for a year, I'm gonna be MAD because in this idiot capitalist world I have every last consumer RIGHT to be!

Since Nintendo won't do it, I may just invest...

Odd thing to report on when other options are available or are they advertising for apple products or something?

Anyway I own a Genki and it's excellent and sleek.

Do people actually understand what a battery suck Bluetooth is? I actually have an extremely decent and expensive pair of over ear Bluetooth headphones and actually choose to wear wired (granted my wired pair is excellent too).

Does everyone remember when the Switch launched? The moronic haters were all like, “der the Switch only lasts 2 hrs undocked it sucks!1!” ...Could you imagine the PR nightmare if Bluetooth was included and the Switch only lasted an hour and a half undocked while you wore a pair of Bluetooth beats by Dre?

I’d actually love to see a battery test on a Bluetooth dongle that pulls power from the Switch... on a battery intensive game like BotW or Doom 2016, I think battery time would be well under 2 hours.

In a perfect world, the Switch would’ve launched as powerful as a PS4, have Bluetooth headphone support and have a battery that lasts at least half a day...