For many, one of the key appeals of gaming is to get involved and play alongside others, whether that’s new people they’ve met online or with their friends. If you ask any gamer, chances are that they’ll see headphones as an essential piece of equipment.
If you’re considering purchasing a Nintendo Switch, or just a new controller, it’s vital that you know everything that you need to.
Despite the fact that the Nintendo Switch itself has a headphone jack, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, as well as other accessories, doesn’t.
The Nintendo Switch can be used either as a handheld device or plugged into the television. Therefore, headphone jacks are not seen as essential, but if you really do want a controller that is compatible with the Nintendo Switch AND has a headphone jack, then stay tuned.
Does a Nintendo Switch have Wireless Options?
One of the most concerning factors of the Nintendo Switch is its lack of wireless options. The Nintendo Switch does not directly support Bluetooth headphones, although there’s still a way around it.
How do you connect Bluetooth headphones to a Nintendo Switch?
It can be a little frustrating when the controllers don’t have headphone jacks and connecting Bluetooth is a longer process than it should be, but don’t worry, you can still connect them in no time. Here’s what to do:
To connect Bluetooth headphones to a Nintendo Switch, you’ll have to purchase a USB-C Bluetooth adapter, for example, like this, or a headset with this type of adapter.
Once you’ve received that, you need to plug the Bluetooth transmitter into the Nintendo Switch’s USB-C charging port and press the pair button on your Bluetooth headphones. With a bit of luck, hopefully, your Bluetooth headphones should be paired to your Nintendo Switch and ready for use.
How do I use Wireless Headphones in Docked Mode?
Docked Mode is when you use the docking station to connect your Nintendo Switch to the TV or monitor rather than using it as a handheld console.
If you want to connect your wireless headphones to your Nintendo Switch when you’re in docked mode, you’ll need a USB dongle. In some cases, some wireless headsets may already come with a USB dongle, but if it doesn’t, you can purchase them on their own.
Note: If you use a Bluetooth headset with a USB dongle for other gaming stations, i.e. Playstation, you can also use this for your Nintendo Switch in docked mode.
What should I do to fix my sound?
If you’re having trouble with the sound on your Nintendo Switch, then you’re probably looking for a quick solution. Here’s what you should do:
- Firstly, make sure that your device is updated. Typically, your Nintendo Switch will update automatically, although in some cases you may have to do it manually through ‘System Settings’.
- Switch your device to handheld mode and unplug any headphones from the device. You’ll need to look for the following:
- Go to System Settings > System
- Under Console Sound, if ‘Mute when Headphones are Disconnected’ is turned on, the speakers will be turned off until you plug the headset back in. This will only be undone if the volume buttons are adjusted or you manually turn this setting to ‘OFF’.
- Restart your device by holding the Power Button for 3 seconds.
- Once it has restarted, test the sound by opening up a game or an app and adjusting the volume via the control buttons.
- If it doesn’t work, try a different game or app.
Note: If the issue is not resolved through this method, chances are that your system is busted. In this case, you’ll need to contact your supplier or refer to Nintendo’s online repair process to get it looked at.
Are there any other compatible controllers with a headphone jack?
As you’re aware, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller doesn’t have a headphone jack and this can be an extremely off-putting feature. While there are also other controllers, these also fail to have a headphone jack. The previous methods are a way to get around it, but if you really don’t want to do that, then there’s another controller option.
Nintendo’s third-party controller, the FaceOff Deluxe + Audio Wired Controller, although licensed by Nintendo, was developed by PDP.
The FaceOff Deluxe + is equipped with a 3.5mm jack. However, it is not as premium as the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and lacks some of those features that it offers.
Whichever one you choose will really depend on what you want most from your controller. If you’re determined that you want your controller to have a headphone jack, then the FaceOff Deluxe + may be for you. If you decide that you can cope with the cheat method and want the premium features like the HD rumble, then the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller may be for you.
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