The Nintendo Switch may finally support Bluetooth headphones, after having to rely on wires or third-party dongles in the past.
DataMiner has been lurking in the Switch's recent 12.0.0 firmware update. However, data enthusiast OatmealDome discovered that the update also adds audio support to the Switch's Bluetooth driver.
OatmealDome notes that the update doesn't appear to do anything right now, nor does he know if it will. However, this does mean that the Switch may finally, finally officially support Bluetooth headphones.
Frankly, the console should have supported Bluetooth audio from day one. Especially considering that the rest of the tech industry has been moving to wireless audio for several years now. But as cliché as it may sound, having this feature released a few years late is better than not getting it at all.
I just hope Nintendo drops Bluetooth audio support soon. At least before we can travel again; the portability of the Switch makes it a great companion for long trips, but the lack of official support for Bluetooth audio is bittersweet. [until we realized that noise-canceling headphones are not compatible with 3.5mm cables. The roar of the engine and the incessant screaming of the kids three rows back ruin the immersive experience.
One option is to buy Switch-specific headphones, but this is not ideal. Nor can you use a Bluetooth dongle, which requires its own power; it is powered directly from the Switch and may shorten the already limited battery life or require recharging.
Lack of wireless audio support may not be the Switch's most pressing issue, but it's not that big of a deal. And if Nintendo can actually throw us a win, expect Sony and Microsoft to follow suit. Because we don't want to have to rely on dedicated wireless headsets and dongles for other game consoles.
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