Move aside stability memes. Nintendo's latest firmware update for the Switch gives you a ton of actual new features.
As expected, majority of the update deals with the new Nintendo Switch Online System. Switch owners are now required to subscribe to this service if they want to utilize online multiplayer features in premium games such as Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate, Splatoon 2, and many more. A 7-day trial will be available for free but it will ask for credit card details (you might also want to try PayMaya) for it to push through. The annual fee is $19.99 (around P1,080) for individual membership and $34.99 (around P1,890) for a Family Account Group of up to 8 members. If you do not have a subscription, you can only go online with free-to-play games like Fortnite, Arena of Valor, Paladins, etc. You can use Nintendo eShop Prepaid Cards, local credit/debit cards, or even PayMaya to buy a subscription. My Nintendo Gold points can also be used to purchase one but these will no longer apply for renewals.
Speaking of renewals, the Auto-Renewal option must be disabled if you wish to have the ability to change the country/region settings for your Nintendo Account.
A form of Game sharing feature has also been added. The primary system status will be assigned to the first Switch console you logged your Nintendo Account with. You can then link your Nintendo Account to other Nintendo Switch consoles assigning them the non-primary status. This will let non-primary consoles to play the games that were originally purchased digitally on the primary system provided they have a constant connection to the internet. In addition, the aforementioned games will only be accessible if no one is playing with that account on the original system. You can read more about this feature here.
Plugging your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller via a USB-C cable into your Switch will initiate its own firmware update as well. No additional information about the controller update have been posted yet at the time of writing. Speaking of controllers, HORI clarified that the battery-draining issues previously seen in their D-Pad Joy Con have been fixed with the update.
Here's the official changelog from Nintendo:
Nintendo Switch Online* features and functionality have been added, including:• Save Data Cloud Backup
Added the following system functionality:
- User your internet connection to back up game save data for compatible games
- Some games are not compatible with Save Data Cloud
- To back up save data or download a previous backup, head to System Settings > Data Management > Save Data Cloud Backup
*Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online play. Not available in all countries. Internet access required for online features. Save Data Cloud backup available in compatible games. Terms apply. To learn more, click here• Upload up to four Album screenshots at once on supported social network services
Removed the following system functionality:
- Only one captured video can be uploaded at once
• Select from six new Captain Toad icons for your user
- To edit your user icon, head to your My Page on the top left of the Home Menu > Profile
• Play your digital software and content on non-primary consoles by linking your Nintendo Account
- The term "active console" has been renamed "primary console" in Nintendo eShops
- Playing software in multiple consoles has certain restrictions
• Display of Nintendo Switch News articles will be limited to match the restricted software parental controls setting selections
- Please note that the restriction will only apply to News articles distributed after the release of version 6.0.0.
• Change the layout of the USB keyboard to the desired language
- To change the language, head to the System Settings > System > USB Keyboard• After installing the system update, it will no longer be possible to unlink your Nintendo Account from your Nintendo Switch user
General system stability improvements to enhance the user's experience, including:• Compatibility improvements have been made for a controller licensed by Nintendo
How to perform a System Update:
- If your Nintendo Switch is connected to the internet, your console will download the update automatically.
- Once the download is complete, you’ll be asked if you’d like to install the update. Be sure to save any game progress before you continue.
- When you’re ready to install the update, choose "update" to install. Your console will restart to complete the update.
Source: Nintendo Switch System Updates and Change History
