Nintendo Switch OLED
Image: Nintendo

The new Switch OLED model arrives next month and ahead of its release Nintendo has rolled out a sizable update - bumping the system firmware all the way up to version 13.0.0.

We heard how Bluetooth audio support was spotted in an update earlier this year and now it's been officially released. Headphones, earbuds, speakers, and other Bluetooth-enabled audio devices can now be paired with the Switch family systems. Bluetooth microphones are not supported and a maximum of two wireless controllers can be paired with the system when using Bluetooth audio. You also can't use Bluetooth audio when local wireless communication is active.

In addition to this, 13.0.0 includes a dock update. This is for docks with a LAN port (specifically the one releasing alongside the new OLED model). There's now also an option to "maintain" the internet connection when your system is in Sleep Mode, and the setting is enabled by default. Control stick calibration has also been adjusted and there's now a way to check if your net connection is using 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency.

Here are the full patch notes, courtesy of Nintendo's official website:

Ver. 13.0.0 (Released September 14, 2021)

Bluetooth audio support was added.

  • 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.

“Update Dock” was added under System in System Settings for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch – OLED Model systems, allowing for software updates to Nintendo Switch docks with a LAN port.

  • Dock software updates are not available for Nintendo Switch docks without a LAN port.
  • This feature was not added to Nintendo Switch Lite.
  • For more information, see How to Update the Dock Firmware.

“Maintain Internet Connection in Sleep Mode” was added under Sleep Mode in System Settings.

  • When this setting is enabled, systems with wired internet connections will maintain internet connection even while in sleep mode. This allows for software and add-on content to download to the system while the system is in sleep mode.
    • The setting is enabled by default.
  • When this setting is disabled, the system will connect to the internet only periodically, which decreases power consumption.

Note: Systems that are not updated to version 13.0.0 or later behave as if this setting is enabled.

The method to initiate “Calibrate Control Sticks” in System Settings was changed.

  • From System Settings, go to Controllers and Sensors, select Calibrate Control Sticks, then fully tilt the control stick in any one direction and keep it tilted for a few seconds to begin calibration.

Users can now view whether their wireless internet connection is using the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency band under “Connection Status” after selecting Internet in System Settings.

Have you downloaded the latest Switch firmware update yet? Notice anything else? Leave a comment down below.

[source en-americas-support.nintendo.com]