In order to be able to use all online features of the Nintendo Switch, you always need the latest system version. We’ll show you here on GIGA how you can initiate a software update manually.

By default, the Nintendo Switch will automatically download the latest update and then notify you of the installation the next time you start the console. If it does not, you have deactivated the automatic updates or your console has not been connected to the WiFi for a long time, you can also initiate the update process manually.

The update process is the same for the regular Nintendo Switch, the “Switch Lite” and the “Switch OLED model”. An offline update via USB stick is not possible on any switch system. If you only have limited internet access, you can of course download the system update with the mobile console in another network and install it later.

Start the system update manually & find out the version number

  1. Starts the Switch and checked, if she Console connected to the internet is (WLAN symbol top right).
  2. Choose that Gear symbol “System settings” out.
  3. In the Settings you navigate to the last menu item console.
  4. The first option System update, lets you check for system software updates.
    Under the button you will also find the currently installed system version or the information whether an update is available.

    Nintendo Switch system update
  5. Press on System update. If the system software is up to date, you should get the hint “The console is up to date” get displayed.
  6. If a new version is available, you have to go to the Update button Tap to download and install the update.
  7. The switch console tells you that the console restarted after the update must be and the The currently paused application is terminated becomes.
    If you still have to save your current game, you should press Back / Cancel and do this beforehand.
  8. If you ready for the update you can at this point OK to press.

Update Switch Games & Software

You can also initiate game updates manually. Proceed as follows:

  1. Navigates to the respective titlefor which you want to search / install an update.
  2. Press the Plus or minus buttonto open the advanced options.
  3. Select the menu item Software update out.
    Nintendo Switch software update
  4. Now optionally tap on one of the two options:
    • Via the Internet: To download and install the latest patch.
    • Synchronize version with local users: If you want to play locally with several Switch consoles, but no internet is available, you can coordinate the game version with each other. To do this, follow the instructions on the screen.

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