Nintendo has rolled out another system update for the Switch, just days before the highly anticipated launch of the Switch 2. According to the concise patch notes, Nintendo Switch System Update Ver. 20.1.0 introduces several minor adjustments, with one of the highlights being "general system stability improvements."
This firmware update also brings noticeable visual changes to the parental controls section. Additionally, the sound effect played when launching Nintendo Switch Online from the Home Menu has been refreshed. To my ears, the new sound feels slightly more energetic, and it's likely what Switch 2 owners will hear when they boot NSO on their device. X/Twitter user @Nexusvoyager shared a side-by-side comparison of the before-and-after audio in a recent post.
@Nexusvoyager noted that the update introduces new navigation sounds and alters the user interface of the NSO app, aligning it with the experience expected on the Switch 2. In fact, this firmware update seems to bring the entire Nintendo Switch Online app on the original Switch in line with the version that will ship with the Switch 2.
High-profile Switch observer @OatmealDome discovered that 20.1.0 also includes theme-related changes, renaming "Basic White" and "Basic Black" to "Basic Light" and "Basic Dark," respectively. It also adds support for the Basic Dark theme within the NSO app.
It's worth mentioning that if you plan to perform a system transfer from a Nintendo Switch to a Nintendo Switch 2 using local communication, your current Switch will need to be updated to this latest firmware version to complete the process.
All of these updates precede the Switch 2 launch on June 5, which is quickly approaching. Recently, IGN reported on someone who seemingly obtained a Switch 2 early, despite Nintendo's efforts to prevent leaks. However, the console is currently unusable without a day-one patch, and the video was swiftly copyright-stripped.
So far, users have tested Mario Kart World on the Switch 2, and additional details have emerged, such as free performance upgrades for existing Switch games, variable refresh rate support requirements, and more information about GameChat, which will require a verified phone number to function. Although pre-orders sold out rapidly last month, Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser assured that the company will have sufficient stock to meet demand through the holidays.
Nintendo Switch System Update Ver. 20.1.0 (Released May 27, 2025)
- Visual updates have been implemented in the Parental Control settings.
- The sound effect for launching Nintendo Switch Online from the HOME Menu has been updated.
- General system stability improvements have been made to enhance the user experience.
