On December 8, Nintendo released new system updates for the Switch 2 and the original Switch, updating the firmware of both consoles to version 21.1.0. The new Switch and Switch 2 firmware update will automatically download to Nintendo consoles that are connected to the Internet.
The latest firmware updates for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 came two weeks after the release of firmware version 21.0.1 for both consoles. The previous version 21.0.1 fixed some issues where error codes 2011-0301 and 2168-0002 would repeatedly occur when the Switch console performs a system transfer to the Switch 2. Also, a Bluetooth issue exclusive to the Switch 2 consoles that prevented wireless controllers and audio devices from connecting properly after waking the console from sleep mode or turning off Airplane mode was fixed. Additional stability fixes and improvements were made in version 21.0.1, but Nintendo did not specify what these improvements were.
One gaming award nominee is heading to the Nintendo Switch this week
The very special 2025 game is heading to the Nintendo Switch this week, arriving on the same day as The Game Awards 2025, where it has been nominated twice.
However, Nintendo gamers looking for some potential new features for their Switch 2 or Switch consoles may be disappointed with the latest firmware update. According to Nintendo, the release notes for version 21.1.0 for both the Switch and Switch 2 consoles were vague and brief, as the company stated that the new firmware patch improved general system stability on both consoles. The company hasn't mentioned any new features for any Nintendo system, and it's unclear which bugs or issues have been fixed by the 21.1.0 firmware patch at the time of writing.
Like the previous version of system firmware 20.0.1, the new system updates for the Switch and Switch 2 consoles will be automatically downloaded when connected to the Internet. Alternatively, updates can be done manually from the System Settings menu, which is accessible from the Home menu on the Switch and Switch 2 by selecting the gear-shaped icon in the bottom right of the screen.
The end of a busy year for Nintendo
The new system update comes at the end of a busy year for Nintendo, which began with the reveal and subsequent release of the Switch 2 console. As the successor to the original Switch, the Switch 2 includes features such as a larger display, larger Joy-Con controllers, and a custom Nvidia Tegra T239 processor that supports technologies such as Nvidia DLSS upscaling. The Switch 2 has set sales records worldwide so far, with more than 10 million units sold by the end of September. Along with exclusive games like Donkey Kong Banana and Mario Kart WorldSwitch 2 can play original Switch games thanks to backwards compatibility. However, some Switch titles like Pokemon Scarlet and Violet and Super Mario Odyssey received free updates that take advantage of the Switch 2's improved hardware specs. We'll see if other original Switch 2 titles receive patches or upgrades in 2026.
Along with the launch of the Switch 2, Nintendo came out Metroid Prime 4: Beyond on both the Switch 2 and the original Switch systems. As one of the biggest game releases of 2025 is the launch Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was the conclusion of an eight-year journey that began during E3 2017 when it was first teased by Nintendo. After the troubled development that Retro Studios rebooted, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond returned to the spotlight in June 2024 during a Nintendo Direct episode. Switch 2 Edition Metroid Prime 4: Beyond it came with some additional features, including support for 120Hz gaming on supported displays and handheld mode, along with support for mouse control via Joy-Con 2 controllers.
With 2026 right around the corner, Nintendo's support for the Switch and Switch 2 shows no signs of slowing down. Since Nintendo has titles like Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave Scheduled to arrive in 2026, time will tell how the gaming giant keeps up its momentum in the coming year.
Switch 2 Ver. 21.1.0 – Patch Notes (Released December 8, 2025)
-
General system stability improvements to improve user experience.
Switch Ver. 21.1.0 – Patch Notes (Released December 8, 2025)
-
General system stability improvements to improve user experience.
