It was over four years into its lifecycle that Switch enabled support for Bluetooth headphones, a welcome addition especially for those that like playing the system as a handheld on the go. It's not necessarily an elegant solution, but the most important thing is that it works.
While the chatter around this week's system update to version 14.0.0 has been around 'Groups', the Switch alternative to the folders we all came to love on 3DS and Wii U, the latest update does improve Bluetooth as well.
As a reminder, this is what Nintendo posted in its changelog:
Bluetooth® Audio volume behavior was changed.
- You can now adjust the volume of Bluetooth audio devices using either the Nintendo Switch™ console or through volume control buttons on the Bluetooth audio device.
- The Bluetooth audio device must support AVRCP profiles for these changes to work.
- The volume displayed on the console will reflect the Bluetooth audio volume when using the device’s control buttons.
- The maximum volume output for some Bluetooth audio devices has been increased.
- When first connecting a device, volume will be reduced to avoid sudden loudness.
In terms of the maximum volume output it's definitely increased, with our inexpensive headphones now having an improved range from rather quiet up to very loud indeed. Nintendo wants to help you avoid damaging your ears, of course, so the default when you first pair am audio device is still a reasonably low volume. If you want more oomph though, you can now get it.
The other improvement, being able to adjust the volume both on the Switch or your Bluetooth audio device of choice, also worked in our case. As mentioned, we have a budget pair of headphones, so it seems highly likely that the vast majority of Bluetooth devices will have the AVRCP profiles to make this work.
Overall, with better volume and control options through bluetooth, Nintendo has certainly brought us some improvements in the latest update.
Comments 24
That is great to hear (Pun definitely intended). I always felt that the max volume for my AirPods was a bit low when connected to the switch.
My only question is why do you have budget headphones, Thomas? Unless your good ones are wired?
The audio quality didn’t sound great through Bluetooth to be honest. Connected my headphones through the wire and it sounded better.
I use Bluetooth speakers and have always been able to control the volume using either the Switch or the speakers.
Good addition but not going to affect me. I honestly would rather play without volume than wear headphones.
Does anyone know if the audio lag has been improved at all? It's not the worst thing but it can be pretty noticeable at times.
I never had a problem with the volume in the first place, but being able to control the volume by using the headphones themselves is cool.
Aww man I was hoping for mic support
I found AirPods 2 very quiet, but even before this update I found the AirPods 3 to be satisfyingly loud. I might have to be careful I don’t blow my ear drums out if they’ve boosted the volume! 😅
@Bon_Kurei
It’s unavoidable using the current Bluetooth standards, you hear about AptX Low Latency but even that is 40ms in the best case scenario this is why gaming headsets use wireless dongles that don’t use Bluetooth, the Arctis 7 has 16ms latency which is the same time spent per frame in rendering a game at 60fps.
@SalvorHardin
16 ms would still be noticeable in a film (I think)
This is the first time that I've used BT headphones for gaming (and that game is Disco Elysium, swearword fans), and it seems fine, but yes, there is a noticeable lag in action and sound.
The volume seems fine on my jabra thingammies - hope they haven't increased the volume too much.
My newly-bought JBL Tune 510 Bluetooth Headphones are great for this update! I had bought them when they were on sale on Amazon, and are my go-to Headphones for anything Bluetooth, since then. Now, if only we could find an appropriately priced Bluetooth Sound System for Surround Sound from the Switch and other game systems supporting Bluetooth Audio.
@Bon_Kurei It's always noticeable. Especially when you play fighting games.
Audio lag is still very big and noticeable. In my case, audio lag is almost two seconds. It's more than one and half second! It's horrible!
I have Logitech 935 (wireless). Is it compatible with Switch docked? Because i just used it once with p2 cable (handheld mode).
A "welcome boost" indeed. Very welcome! The sound in a game like BotW is very subtle most of the time. I've tried it out. My Samsung Buds+ sound way louder/better now. Loving it!
I’ve been loving playing DOOM Eternal in handheld mode recently, looking forward to seeing if I can notice any difference with my AirPods later.
Improvements? Rather they fixed stuff that shouldn't have been broken.
@Gwynbleidd The problem is, I only get this problem on my Switch. On my Laptop and phone the lag is very hard to notice, whereas on my Switch it's always noticable
@Vyacheslav333 i really don’t notice lag, we might be talking milliseconds but certainly nothing more than 1/3 second for me (probably way less even) also I don’t have special high quality Bluetooth headphones or anything, just AirPods 3. So do you have a lot of interference where you are? Edit: also, do you have your switch nearby? I had noticed lag when my switch is at distance, but I only use headphones when on the train in handheld tbh. Maybe you have issues because of Bluetooth controllers?
I hope they make turning on Bluetooth more convenient. Being able to pair existing devices through the quick menu would be great
@ferryb001 Hm... I don't think so(about interferences). Smartphones around me was inactive. The TV is a one meter behind me. I've played on console while charging. I don't have a console nearby me right now. Also, I'm playing only in handheld mode. I'm using TWS JVC HA-A7T-AN with Bluetooth 5.0. I was thinking that they are 5.1, but I was tricked by my memory.
@Banjo- I have some pricey wired ones from years ago, I just got cheap Bluetooth ones to be functional / useful
@ThomasBW84 My beloved ones are also wired. I got the Surface Earbuds "for free" with my Surface laptop, though. They're much better than I expected.
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