Do Bluetooth Headsets Work On The Nintendo Switch App

The Nintendo Switch does have Bluetooth, and you can use it to connect headphones or controllers.
If you buy a Bluetooth adapter, you can even connect non-Nintendo controllers to the Switch.
These Bluetooth adapters can be used when the Switch is docked or in handheld mode.
Visit Insider's Tech Reference library for more stories .

Between wireless controllers and wireless headphones, Bluetooth is one of the most popular technologies around today. Nearly every major device uses Bluetooth in some way, and that includes the Nintendo Switch.

When it first launched, the Switch's Bluetooth features were pretty limited. And while it's still not the best device for Bluetooth fanatics, it now supports both Bluetooth headphones and controllers.

Here's how Bluetooth works on the Switch, and how to connect your headphones or controllers.

Yes, the Nintendo Switch has Bluetooth

The Nintendo Switch uses Bluetooth to connect with both wireless controllers and audio devices.

Pairing headphones

To pair Bluetooth headphones or speakers with your Switch, make sure the console is updated and then open the Settings menu. Scroll down to Bluetooth Audio and select Pair Device, then connect your headphones.

You can pair your headphones with the Switch through this menu.

Just note that once you've connected a pair of Bluetooth headphones to the Switch, you can only connect two wireless controllers (or one pair of Joy-Cons). And your headphones will disconnect while playing local multiplayer.

For more information on how the Switch's Bluetooth audio feature works, check out our article "How to connect Bluetooth headphones to a Nintendo Switch in 2 ways."

Pairing controllers

Most official Nintendo Switch controllers are wireless, and they all connect in the same way.

On the Switch's home screen, select the Controllers icon and thenChange Grip/Order. At that point, you'll likely just need to press your controller's shoulder buttons at the same time. If you're trying to pair a totally new controller, you might also need to press the controller's SYNC button.

For more details on syncing new wireless controllers, see our article "How to sync Nintendo Switch controllers with your system, so that up to eight people can play at once."

By default, you can connect up to eight wireless controllers at once.

But what if you want to play your Switch with a controller from another system — say, the PlayStation DualShock? There's no built-in way to do it, but that doesn't mean it's impossible.

If you're willing to spend a few extra dollars, you can go on Amazon and buy a Nintendo Switch Bluetooth adapter. These adapters plug right into your console or dock and let you connect extra Bluetooth devices.

The best Nintendo Switch Bluetooth adapters to buy

If you want to connect wireless headphones to your Nintendo Switch without the controller and local multiplayer restrictions mentioned above, try the Thunderobot Bluetooth 5.0 Audio Transmitter.

You'll plug it into your Switch's charging port when in handheld mode, or into the Switch's charging stand when it's docked. Just note that you might experience some audio delay compared to the built-in wireless headphone feature.

If you're instead looking to connect a non-Nintendo controller to the Switch, check out 8BitDo's Wireless USB Adapter. Not only will it let you use controllers like the DualShock, it'll let you remap the buttons too.

The 8BitDo wireless adapter (seen here plugged into the Switch's dock on the right side) lets you connect nearly any modern game controller.

The Switch's native Bluetooth features will absolutely be enough for most users. But if you're a big Bluetooth aficionado, you might want to invest in a Bluetooth adapter or two.

William Antonelli

Editor & Staff Writer for Tech Reference

William Antonelli is a writer and editor based in New York City. As Editor of Insider's Tech Reference vertical and a founding member of the Reference team, he's helped grow Tech Reference from humble beginnings into a juggernaut that attracts over 20 million visits a month. You can find him on Twitter @DubsRewatcher, or reach him by email at wantonelli@insider.com.