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Nintendo has released system update version 22.0.0 for both the original Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. The update introduces several interface adjustments and new functionality, including the ability to add private notes to friends on the Friend List, along with improved notifications through the Nintendo Switch mobile applications.
While both systems receive similar foundational updates, Nintendo Switch 2 users gain a number of additional features. These include expanded GameChat functionality, improvements to screen sharing quality, accessibility enhancements, and new system options such as Handheld Mode Boost and expanded Airplane Mode settings.
Patch Notes
Nintendo Switch Ver. 22.0.0
New Features and Changes
- Updated the on screen text and animations when loading a virtual game card from the HOME Menu
- Added the ability to save private notes about friends on the Friend List
- Notes are only visible to the user and are not displayed to friends
- Added the ability to view and edit friend notes from the Nintendo Switch App
- Requires Nintendo Switch App version 3.3.0 or higher
Parental Controls
- Added notifications in the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smart device application when the Parental Controls PIN is successfully entered on the console
- Can be configured as a push notification to a smart device
- Requires Parental Controls app version 2.4.0 or higher
System Improvements
- General system stability improvements to enhance the user experience
Nintendo Switch 2 Ver. 22.0.0
Interface Changes
- Updated the on screen text and animations when loading a virtual game card from the HOME Menu
Friend List Features
- Added the ability to save private notes about friends on the Friend List
- Notes remain hidden from other users
- Added support for viewing and editing friend notes from the Nintendo Switch App
- Requires app version 3.3.0 or higher
GameChat Features
- Added the ability to invite friends to GameChat rooms currently being used
- Some accounts such as supervised accounts may not be eligible for invitations
- Friends who have not completed GameChat initial setup can now be invited to GameChat
- Some users may still be restricted, including supervised accounts or users who have not used a Nintendo Switch 2
- Changes related to GameChat invitations may take some time to appear after updating the console
- Improved visual quality of game screens shared in GameChat when expanded
Video Playback
- Added the ability to rewind or advance videos by 10 seconds using the ZL and ZR buttons when watching full screen videos in News or the Nintendo eShop
Album and Upload Options
- Added additional data options for Automatic Uploads from Album
- Clip Video
- Video saved as a screenshot
- Screenshot with added text
Accessibility
- Added Portuguese (Portugal) and Russian as supported languages for GameChat Voice to Speech to Text
- Text to Speech can now read text displayed in Album and during the first time system setup
- Instructions for enabling Text to Speech during setup are available in the Nintendo Switch 2 First Time Setup and Connection guide
Storage and System Settings
- Added the ability to view a detailed breakdown of storage capacity by data type for system memory and microSD Express cards
- Added the ability to perform an audio test when Linear PCM 5.1 Surround is selected for TV Sound
- Updated the region label from Hong Kong Taiwan South Korea to Hong Kong Taiwan South Korea South East Asia
Software Handling
- Added Handheld Mode Boost to Nintendo Switch Software Handling in System settings
- Compatible Nintendo Switch software can run as if the system is in TV Mode while in handheld mode
- Certain functionality may be affected depending on the software
Airplane Mode Improvements
- Airplane Mode now saves previously configured preferences for Bluetooth Wi Fi and NFC
- Added the ability to individually enable or disable Bluetooth Wi Fi or NFC while Airplane Mode is active through Quick Settings
Parental Controls
- Added notifications in the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smart device application when the Parental Controls PIN is successfully entered on the console
- Can be configured as a push notification to a smart device
- Requires Parental Controls app version 2.4.0 or higher
System Improvements
- General system stability improvements to enhance the user experience
Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 system update version 22.0.0 was released on March 16, 2026.
Have you noticed these changes? Share your thoughts in the comments!
