Nintendo releases massive system firmware update ahead of Switch 2 launch

While Nintendo has typically updated and refreshed its console’s software and UI each generation, the jump from the OG Switch to Switch 2 offers a much more subtle change in this regard. Thanks to this however, the console maker is able to bring the software experience of the upcoming Switch 2 to the previous-gen system – with the OG console having now gotten a massive update.

Releasing the update with little fanfare ahead of time, the Nintendo Switch has now gotten firmware update 20.0.0. Unlike pretty much all previous updates however, this latest one brings with it a surprising number of changes.

In alignment with the enhancements coming to Switch 2, the OG system is seeing many of the visual changes made for the sequel console – including new icons for Virtual Game Cards, GameShare and a refresh of the others.

Beyond this, the system has also gotten new user-verification settings; improvements to the console’s data transfer; online licence settings; profile changes and more.

Though far from the largest overhaul to a console’s firmware and UI, this still represents one of the biggest updates to come to the Switch since its launch all the way back in 2017.

It will be interesting to see exactly how similar the two systems will feel in the wake of this update – and whether performance will be impacted.

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KitGuru says: What do you think of the update? Does the Switch look more colourful now? Which Nintendo console had the best system UI in your opinion? Let us know down below.

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