The Nintendo Switch is a very popular gaming console that offers a unique gaming experience thanks to its portable capabilities and dock functionality. Gamers often prefer to use a gaming headset when gaming because it allows for better sound quality and avoids disturbing others with loud sounds. Here is the installation guide.
With a USB dongle or wireless adapter
Some versions of the Nintendo Switch (including the Lite version) do not have no jack port, making it difficult to connect headphones directly. One solution is to use a USB dongle or wireless adapter. These devices simply plug into the console’s USB port and allow you to connect headphones or a Bluetooth headset. To proceed, follow the following steps:
- Connect the USB dongle or wireless adapter to the USB port on your Nintendo Switch.
- Turn on your console and navigate to the main menu.
- Select “ Settings ” Then ” Audio“
- Enable the option to use Bluetooth headphones or headphones.
- Check that your headset is in Bluetooth pairing mode and wait for it to connect to the console.
On a 3.5mm jack port
If your Nintendo Switch has a 3.5mm jack input, you can just plug in your headphones or wired gaming headset. This option offers a simplified and latency-free connection thanks to the use of the audio cable.
First, locate the 3.5mm jack port located on the top of the console. Then, plug your wired gaming headset cable into it, until it clicks into the port correctly. All you have to do is turn on your console to enjoy stereo sound directly on your headset.
Some Nintendo Switch controllers also offer a 3.5mm jack input which allows you to connect a wired gaming headset. These are usually third-party controllers. To take advantage of this option, check that your controller has a dedicated 3.5mm jack port for audio connection. Next, plug your gaming headset cable into the controller’s jack input. Select, if necessary, the appropriate audio device in the console settings.
Don’t miss our comparison of the best gaming headsets November 2023 either!
By a wired connection dock via USB
If you play with your Nintendo Switch in docked mode (connected to a screen), you can also use a wired gaming headset with a USB port by plugging it into the console’s dock. Proceed as follows:
- Locate the USB port(s) located on the side of the Nintendo Switch dock.
- Plug it in USB cable for your gaming headset to one of the available ports.
- Optionally go through the audio settings to check that the sound output is correctly configured on the headset.
Plug in AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones
AirPods and other Bluetooth headphones can also be used with Nintendo Switch using a compatible USB adapter or dongle to establish a wireless connection with these headphones. The steps are similar to those for the classic connection of a Bluetooth gaming headset.
First, connect the AirPods-compatible USB adapter or dongle to the USB port on your console. Afterwards, enable Bluetooth pairing mode on your AirPods or other wireless headphones. Then, turn on your Nintendo Switch and go to the audio settings to select the Bluetooth option. Wait for the console to detect and establish a connection with the headphones.
Note, however, that it is not not always possible to use the microphone AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones when connected to Nintendo Switch. You may need to switch to another means of voice communication, such as using the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app.
Optimizing settings for a better audio experience
To get the most out of your gaming headset on your Nintendo Switch, you need to optimize the console’s audio settings. So, go to the “Settings” of your console and select the “Audio” option. Then modify the settings according to your personal preferences: volume, balance, stereo surround mode, etc.