Without making too much noise, Nintendo has published the version 21.0.0 of the system for Switch 2 and for the original Switch, following previous updates such as version 20.5.0This release incorporates visible changes to the menu, accessibility improvements, and adjustments to communication and sound, with immediate deployment in Spain and Europe from the Settings menu.
The update is not limited to stability: now the HOME menu shows Icons that differentiate physical and digital gamesYou can cancel all ongoing downloads at once, and an access point appears for "Receive software" when the console comes bundled with downloadable content.
Main new features on Nintendo Switch 2
On Switch 2, the HOME menu includes symbols on icons to identify at a glance whether the software is physical or digital, a small change that helps to organize the library already better manage storage, like in the 20.2.0 update.
Another notable improvement is the option to cancel all downloads simultaneously. Until now, you had to do them one by one; with 21.0.0, management is much more convenient when there are several updates or games downloading at the same time.
If your console comes in a bundle with a digital game, you'll see a specific icon for Redeem and download the software directly (Internet connection required). This way, the process is more straightforward both from the HOME menu and from the eShop.
The search for friends is also enhanced: within Add a friend, the option "Find users you've played with" now includes people you've interacted with in GameChat rooms of your friends.
Finally, the option to download data from a virtual game card is added, even if the option to "Use online license" It is disabled, which provides more flexibility for managing content.
GameChat settings, accessibility, audio and display
GameChat receives several practical improvements: the console It no longer goes into automatic sleep mode. During conversations, the chat can continue when changing TV mode to laptop or desktop (even if the connection switches from cable to WiFi) and includes the option to disable audio panning to focus all the voices.
In accessibility settings, when the text to speechThe system reads aloud the description of the predictive conversion character from the Japanese keyboard and raises the speed limit reading of 300% to 400%.
In the sound section, there is a setting for the Pro Controller 2 audio with two modes: Stable and Low latencyThe second reduces audio delay, although it may be more susceptible to interference in some wireless environments.
The display section renames "HDR Output" as "HDR output (console)" and improves the interface of "Adjust screen size" to facilitate calibration. Furthermore, according to dataminer OatmealDome, a way to view the maximum brightness value When adjusting HDR in TV mode, a change that might not be accurately reflected in some English notes.
Other tweaks include the renaming of the platinum points notifications to "Nintendo Switch Online Notifications", the battery setting "Stop the load between 80% and 90%", The incorporation of Thai and Polish such as system languages ​​and the usual stability improvements to polish the experience.
Changes for the first Nintendo Switch
The original Switch also receives some of the new features: the menu displays physical/digital icons and it is possible Download virtual game card data even with the online license deactivated, in addition to an adjustment in the information about the saved in the cloud that appears when starting certain programs.
If you're going to migrate to Switch 2, there are new options in the system transferYou can disable the redownload of programs on the new console or the transfer of the capture album, to fine-tune what you move and what you don't.
Another small extra comes to virtual reality modeNow it's possible adjust volume from the quick settings menu while using VR, along with renaming the Nintendo Switch Online notifications and general stability improvements.
Overall, Nintendo maintains a unified support between generations, with shared functions and specific adjustments depending on the hardware, something especially useful for those who alternate between the original Switch and the new Switch 2.
This version 21.0.0 brings tangible improvements to day-to-day operations: from organize the library and manage downloads, enjoy a more stable GameChat, and experience faster audio options. With the rollout now active in Spain and Europe, it's worth updating as soon as possible to take advantage of all the changes.
