Nintendo Switch Update 20.1.0: New NSO Launch Sound and More

Nintendo has rolled out a new system update for the Switch just days before the highly anticipated release of the Switch 2. According to the concise patch notes, Version 20.1.0 primarily focuses on enhancing general system stability, a common improvement in firmware updates.

One notable change includes modifications to the appearance of parental control settings. Additionally, the sound effect played when launching Nintendo Switch Online from the Home Menu has been updated. To my ear, the new sound seems more upbeat, potentially offering a preview of what Switch 2 users can expect upon booting the app. X/Twitter user @Nexusvoyager shared a comparison of the pre-and post-update sounds in a recent post.

@Nexusvoyager also noted new navigation sounds and a refreshed user interface for the NSO app, aligning it closer to the experience expected on the Switch 2. This update seems to harmonize the current Switch Online app with the upcoming version for the Switch 2.

High-profile Switch observer @OatmealDome discovered further changes, such as renaming "Basic White" and "Basic Black" themes to "Basic Light" and "Basic Dark," along with adding support for the Basic Dark theme within the NSO app.

It’s important to note that if you plan to transfer data locally from a Switch to a Switch 2, both devices must be running the latest system version.

These updates arrive ahead of the Switch 2 launch on June 5. Recently, IGN reported on a premature leak of the console, though the footage was quickly removed due to copyright claims. Despite this, early players have already experienced features like improved performance for Switch 1 games, variable refresh rate support, and additional details about GameChat, which requires phone number verification.

Nintendo Switch System Update Ver. 20.1.0 (Released May 27, 2025)

• Visual updates have been applied to the Parental Control settings.
• The sound effect when launching Nintendo Switch Online from the Home Menu has been altered.
• General system stability enhancements have been implemented to improve the user experience.