How to connect Bluetooth headphones to your Nintendo Switch
We absolutely adore the Nintendo Switch, there are no two ways about it. It’s a superb little innovation in the console world, its portability and Joy-Cons offering up loads of new ways to play.
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Plus, it helps that there are an absolute host of classic games for the console already. One of its very few drawbacks, though, is that it wasn’t built with wireless audio in mind. Despite that, years after launch, Nintendo has finally added the ability to connect Bluetooth headphones to its console. Read on to find out how.
How to connect Bluetooth headphones to your Switch
It’s now really easy to connect a headset or headphones over Bluetooth – just follow the steps below.
Go into System Settings on your SwitchScroll down to the Bluetooth Audio sectionTap on Add DeviceWith your headphones in pairing mode, find them on the list and tap to connect
With that, you should connect and be able to enjoy wireless audio.
However, there are some caveats. You can only connect a certain number of Bluetooth devices to your Switch at one time, including wireless controllers and, more pressingly, there are some issues with audio lag. This can make for an annoying experience and seems to be down to a bit of chance. For other ways to connect headsets, keep reading.
Buy a Bluetooth adapter
Before Nintendo’s update, this was the only real solution to the Bluetooth problem, and you could tell that it was in demand because of how many options there are on the market. Various companies cottoned on to the fact that people want wireless audio for their Switch and filled that gap in the market.
These adapters are all fairly similar but come in two versions. One will plug into the Switch’s USB-C charging port to let you listen to audio while using it in handheld mode. The other will plug into the Switch Dock’s USB port to let you listen while playing it on the TV. For our money, the portable adapter is what most people are likely to want.
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This option from Gulikit is a great choice – it’s reliable and easy to use, and by avoiding a bargain-bucket price it makes sure that the build quality is solid enough to last. Best of all, it sidesteps the issue of docking by including a little adapter that lets it work while the Switch is on your TV.
With this little bit of kit, any Bluetooth headphones you have will work on the Switch, meaning that it’s up to you what you pair it with. Enjoy that crystal clear audio, either way!
Get a dedicated headset
If you don’t have a pair of headphones waiting to fulfil the purpose, though, you might want to look into getting a headset to play your Switch with. Some of these, indeed, come with wireless adapters that you can use with the Switch.
Our favourite by a good distance is the latest version of the Arctis 1 Wireless from SteelSeries. This is a superb headset that doesn’t cost too much but sounds great and is really comfortable to wear. Best of all, it has a little wireless adapter that you can plug into the Switch for audio freedom.
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In fact, it’s a sensible investment because it also has compatibility with Sony’s PlayStation consoles and, in the newest version, Microsoft’s Xbox line, too. That means you can really have one headset for all your needs, which is a rarity nowadays.
