Switch 2 Console Gets First Major System Upgrade Loaded with Useful Features

This Switch 2 has received its initial big firmware update, version 21.0.0, and while there isn't anything completely game-changing, there are numerous user experience upgrades to be excited about.

Fresh Software Symbols Bring Clear Identification

One of the standout features features new icons that show on top of a software cartridge, differentiating whether that game is an first-gen Switch release, Switch 2, or online copy.

This addition is well received by users, with many applauding it as a "welcome detail" that helps give the interface appear more dynamic.

Upgraded User Discovery and In-Game Communication Functions

While locating users to send a friend request, the Locate Gamers You've Met setting under Friend Requests now covers users you've chatted with in your friends’ GameChat rooms.

Concerning in-game chat, various improvements were implemented:

• The title won't automatically go to sleep while chatting.
• An option to disable “Chat Audio Panning” was added.
• Communication will persist if the device transitions from connected mode to on-the-go or Table mode, including when this change leads to the connection changing from a ethernet connection to a Wi-Fi one.

Simplified Installs and Input Device Sound Settings

While acquiring several games concurrently, you are now able to halt every install with a single tap.

For premium controller users, a new reduced-delay audio option was introduced, allowing you to select between “Stable” or “Low Latency” modes.

Low Latency lowers audio latency relative to “Stable” but might be more susceptible to issues in various Wi-Fi settings.

Digital Title Information Download Improvement

A further significant change lets you to acquire content for a downloadable software even if the “Use Online License” option is turned off.

This feature is accessible in the Settings of a virtual game card when accessed via Downloadable Content from the main screen.

Further System Upgrades

In addition to these major additions, the upgrade offers multiple further refinements:

• User support improvements: Voice reading can vocalize auto-complete letters on the JP input, and the voice tempo top speed got raised from 300% to 400%.
• Display features: High Dynamic Range has been retitled to “System Screen’s HDR Output,” and screen size adjustment is simpler to configure.
• Notifications updates: The setting "Platinum Point Notification” has been retitled to "Nintendo Switch Online Notification."
• Device features: Charging control now includes “Stop Charging Around 80-90%” in place of the old “Stop Charging Around 90%” feature.
• Regional availability: Thailand's language and Polish were added to the list of supported options, though they will only be available in titles that support the respective locale.
• Overall reliability enhancements to boost the user's experience.

This firmware update signifies a notable step forward for the updated system, offering a range of handy enhancements that improve the overall user experience.