It’s big news for the Nintendo Switch lovers out there. Now you can easily connect wireless headphones as the latest update has Bluetooth audio support. Sounds amazing.

If you are also a big fan of the Nintendo Switch console, you might want to know that it’s the best in the handheld gaming category. The company confirmed that it had sold around 103 million Switch consoles as of December 2021.

Now, what about the Bluetooth audio feature?

Well, the latest update allows you to integrate a wireless sound output device with your Nintendo Switch. That’s why today we are going to explore how to connect AirPods with Nintendo Switch.

Can You Connect AirPods to Nintendo Switch?

So first of all, yes. You can connect the Apple AirPods with your Switch gaming gadget. It’s also surprising for so many users because the Apple headphones usually give compatibility issues while connecting to non-Apple devices.

Moreover, some recent cases stated that the AirPods are showing errors while connecting with iPhone. That happened because of the recent iOS update. Fortunately, Apple solved the issue and won the trust of iPhone users.

Now, you want to experience how the AirPods will perform on your Nintendo console. You have first to make sure that you successfully pair both devices via Bluetooth.

How Do I Connect My AirPods to My Nintendo Switch Without the Adapter?

First, you have to set up your console following these steps:

  1. In your Nintendo Switch, go to Settings.
  2. Next, scroll down and go to System.
  3. Now, select System update.

There’s a high chance that an update is waiting for your Switch. Besides, you can’t connect any Bluetooth audio device without updating the gaming gadget. Therefore, make sure to update the Nintendo Switch before trying to pair AirPods for a seamless sound experience.

Moreover, you have to make sure that your gaming console is connected to Wi-Fi. Why?

Just like any other device, Switch also needs a stable Wi-Fi connection to download and install system updates.

It will take a while. However, once done, Switch will automatically go on a restart. Besides, you can follow this method to enjoy the AirPods with Nintendo Switch Lite as well.

What Happens After the Nintendo Switch System Update?

You will see the changes Switch has brought for you.

  1. Again, go to Settings.
  2. Now, you will find a new section, “Bluetooth Audio.” It has further options like Pair Device.

After that, it’s time to configure the AirPods.

Pair Bluetooth Headphones (Apple AirPods) with Nintendo Switch

Why AirPods?

Good question. It’s because of the popularity AirPods have gained recently. No doubt, you can try another Bluetooth device as well. But there’s a reason why we picked AirPods for Switch.

The Apple earbuds perform quite well with all the gadgets they are connected to. Moreover, the easy pairing and smart features like touch make them highly usable around the globe.

Even you can use them to make the best out of your personal or professional time.

Now, let’s move on to how to connect AirPods with Switch.

Connect AirPods or AirPods Pro with Nintendo Switch

  1. Open the lid of the AirPods case.
  2. Press and hold the pairing button on the back of the AirPods case for a couple of seconds. That will send the AirPods into the pairing mode.
  3. Now, on the Switch, press the Pair Device button.
  4. Wait till the console detects AirPods. You have to be patient here because Nintendo Switch usually takes more time than other gaming and computing gadgets.
  5. Once the AirPods pop on the Switch screen, pair them by pressing the A button.

After that, you will see the soundbar on the console’s screen.

Now, calmly pick them out from the AirPods case and put them in your ears. Enjoy gaming on Switch with the sound coming from the AirPods.

Concerns Regarding Apple AirPods & AirPods Pro with Nintendo Switch

If you are aware of all the latest news regarding gaming tech updates, you must have heard about the audio lag and latency issues. For instance, if you are playing a shooting game, you might experience a sound delay while firing and getting sound a bit late.

Therefore, let’s discuss the issue.

Wireless Headphones Sound Issue on Nintendo Switch

Most of the time, the delay comes from the non-Apple products. It might be hard to accept, but that’s the way it is. However, AirPods uses the aptX low latency feature that gives you a seamless sound experience while watching movies on Apple TV, playing games, and listening to Apple music.

Therefore, if you are looking to get a new pair of wireless earphones for Switch, go for AirPods or AirPods Pro.

More About Switch Bluetooth Audio Feature

If you are worried about the limit of Bluetooth connections with your Switch, there’s something positive you should know.

You can save up to 10 different headphones on your Switch. Moreover, you can choose anyone from them while playing games on Switch. However, the Bluetooth microphones don’t work with it.

Therefore, you have to use the Nintendo app to use the voice chat feature.

Now, there’s another way to connect Bluetooth gears with your Switch.

Alternate Method to Connect Bluetooth Devices

Bluetooth Dongle

This method uses Bluetooth dongles. That’s right. If you are facing issues connecting other devices, try the Bluetooth dongles.

Besides, a Bluetooth dongle receives the signals and lets your Switch establish a connection with other Bluetooth devices. Plus, you can use a third-party dongle if you don’t find any suitable Bluetooth adapter.

Moreover, the USB C adapter gives better sound as compared to other wireless sound connections.

Bluetooth Transmitter

You can also go for a Bluetooth transmitter to integrate other sound gadgets with your Switch. However, you have to buy a Bluetooth transmitter separately.

The Bluetooth transmitters are the best alternates if you want to avoid using the headphone jack. Of course, the wired headphones do give you sound. But again, the wire going into the headphone jack gets troublesome most of the time.

Nintendo Switch Update

Nintendo Switch has not supported Bluetooth headphones until the recent Nintendo update. By the way, version 13.0 is the latest firmware update in Switch.

Audio Output Device

First of all, the latest update has Bluetooth support. So now, you can easily connect Bluetooth earbuds, headphones, and speakers with your Switch family systems for an amazing wireless sound experience.

However, you still can’t use any audio input device. But let’s wait and see when Nintendo the next update will enable voice chat.

Wireless Controllers

Now you can connect up to two wireless controllers that are compatible with the Nintendo Switch. Besides, sound via Bluetooth is included with the controllers.

Wireless Communication

The sound via Bluetooth will not work if you are using local wireless communication. That could be anything, including calls, FaceTime, Whatsapp, or Skype.

Sound Delay

Several Switch console gamers complained about the sound delay. Moreover, this lag might be due to the connected device or the Switch itself.

However, you can try connecting a third-party dongle and check whether the issues are resolved or not.

Update Dock

Now you can update your Switch in dock mode too. Before that, you had only one option to update the Switch in handheld mode. But after the update, you connect internet using the LAN port and put it on the system update.

Internet Connection

Gamers can now check whether they are using a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency band. The frequency is displayed under “Connection Status” when you go to Settings > Internet.

Control Sticks Calibration

  1. Go to System Settings.
  2. Select Controllers and Sensors.
  3. Select Calibrate Control Sticks.
  4. Now, fully tilt the control stick in any one direction. Keep the device tilted for a few seconds. After that, the calibration will begin.

These are the changes in the latest firmware update.

Conclusion

It’s a big thing that Nintendo Switch is now supporting wireless audio devices via Bluetooth. Moreover, the above guide covers all aspects of connecting AirPods to Switch. On top of that, AirPods Pro are the best gadgets to try on with your Nintendo Switch and experience an impeccable sound experience without any lag.