Nintendo Rolls Out Version 21.0.0 Update for Switch and Switch 2

Nintendo Switch and the Switch 2 have both received the new 21.0.0 update. This update features some amazing upgrades that make the gaming consoles feel slightly smarter and improved.

The changes in this update aren’t next level. Nintendo focused on little details that make the gaming experience, with their consoles, smoother.

A cleaner and more useful HOME menu is first noticed with this new update. Each game now clearly shows if it’s a digital download or a physical cartridge, so you’ll always know what’s what.

The virtual game card feature also got a handy upgrade. You can now download game data separately through the options menu. It’s one of those small quality-of-life touches that make managing your library easier.

Nintendo has also cleaned up the wording in a few places. What used to be called “Platinum Points Notifications” is now “Nintendo Switch Online Notifications”, a small change that makes more sense.

Some system settings have been renamed, too, like the charging limit, which now says “Stop charging at around 80–90%,” and the display option now reads “HDR Output for Console Screen.” These are subtle but thoughtful updates that make things clearer for everyone.

If you play on the Switch 2, you’ll probably love the improved voice chat system. There’s now a voice positioning toggle that helps make in-game conversations sound more natural. The console won’t fall asleep during a call anymore, and chats stay connected even if your network changes.

You’ll also find a new section in your profile that shows who you’ve recently played or talked with. This is a small but nice way to keep in touch with your gaming friends.

Nintendo hasn’t forgotten about accessibility either. The Japanese keyboard now reads out predictive words, and the text-to-speech speed can go up to 400% instead of 300%. Plus, the system now supports Thai and Polish, making it more welcoming to players around the world.

On the hardware side, the Switch 2 Pro Controller gets two new voice modes. These modes are the Stable and Low Latency modes, depending on what you need. There’s also a new way to check when your console was first set up, and when transferring to a new device, you can finally skip re-downloading your games and photos.

As always, Nintendo rounded things out with the usual stability improvements, the quiet kind of polish that keeps everything running smoothly. It’s not a huge overhaul, but this update feels like a love letter to everyday players.