Just days before the highly anticipated launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo has rolled out a new system update for the original Switch—version 20.1.0. While the patch notes are brief, they highlight several meaningful tweaks that appear to align the current Switch experience more closely with what users can expect from its successor.
What's New in System Update Ver. 20.1.0?
- General System Stability Improvements: As always, Nintendo continues to refine the system’s performance, offering minor but appreciated enhancements to overall stability and user experience.
- Visual Changes to Parental Control Settings: The Parental Controls section has received a visual refresh, likely aimed at improving clarity and usability.
- New Sound for Nintendo Switch Online Launch: Perhaps most notably, the sound played when launching the Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) app from the Home Menu has been updated. According to early reports, it now features a more upbeat tone—possibly a preview of what Switch 2 users will hear upon booting NSO on the new console.
X / Twitter user @Nexusvoyager shared a side-by-side audio comparison of the old and new sounds, giving fans their first real audio glimpse into the upcoming hardware transition. Additionally, this update brings revised navigation sounds and a redesigned UI for the NSO app, changes that many believe mirror the interface of the upcoming Switch 2.
After a relaunch the app completely changed its UI
— The Ashen Nexus (@Nexusvoyager), May 28, 2025
Theme-Related Changes
System watcher @OatmealDome noted some subtle but telling design adjustments within the firmware:
- "Basic White" and "Basic Black" themes have been renamed to "Basic Light" and "Basic Dark".
- The Nintendo Switch Online applet now supports the Basic Dark theme, further signaling a shift toward a more unified visual language across both systems.
[Nintendo Switch Firmware Update] Some theme-related changes were made in 20.1.0.
— OatmealDome (@OatmealDome), May 28, 2025
System Transfer Readiness
For those planning to migrate data from their current Switch to the Switch 2 via local communication, having the latest firmware is essential. Only devices running system version 20.1.0 or later will be able to complete the transfer process smoothly.
Switch 2 Launch Around the Corner
With the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 set for June 5, 2025, all signs point to this being one of the final major updates for the original Switch. Despite a recent leak involving an early unit obtained by an unauthorized source, the device remains non-functional without a mandatory day-one patch—and the video was quickly taken down due to copyright claims.
Meanwhile, details about the Switch 2 continue to surface, including confirmed features such as free performance upgrades for existing Switch titles, support for variable refresh rate displays, and new social features like GameChat—which will require phone number verification to function.
Although pre-orders sold out almost instantly last month, Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser has assured fans that sufficient stock will be available to meet demand through the holiday season.
Official Patch Notes – Nintendo Switch System Update Ver. 20.1.0 (Released May 27, 2025)
- Visual updates have been made to the Parental Control settings.
- The sound that plays when Nintendo Switch Online is launched from the HOME Menu has been changed.
- General system stability improvements to enhance the user's experience.
