To update your Nintendo Switch, connect it to the Internet, open System Settings from the HOME Menu, then select System > System Update and follow the onscreen instructions. This path works on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch OLED Model, and Nintendo Switch 2. Games and accessories have separate update controls, so update the console first, then check the software and accessories you use.
The short version
- Console update: Open System Settings > System > System Update while connected to the Internet.
- Game updates: Highlight a game, press + or -, and select Software Update > Via the Internet.
- Accessory updates: Use the separate controller, supported dock, or Nintendo Switch 2 Camera update controls.
- Failed system update: Select Update System in Maintenance Mode on Switch or Recovery Mode on Switch 2.
| Update option | Where to start | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Manual console update on all models | System Settings > System > System Update | Check for system software now |
| Automatic system download on all models | Keep the console connected to the Internet | Download system data before installation |
| Switch Maintenance Mode update | Update System in Maintenance Mode | Retry after the settings route fails |
| Switch 2 Recovery Mode update | Update System in Recovery Mode | Retry after the settings route fails |
| Switch 2 setup update | The system update screen during setup | Update a new console |
| Switch 2 required feature update | The prompt when opening a feature | Complete a skipped initial update |
| Manual game update on all models | Software Update > Via the Internet | Check a particular game or application |
| Automatic Switch game updates | Auto-Update Software | Download installed software updates automatically |
| Automatic Switch 2 game updates | Software Auto-Updates | Download installed software updates automatically |
| Game update at launch on all models | The download prompt when opening software | Accept an available patch |
| Local game update | Match Version with Local Users | Get the newest version held by nearby participants |
| Switch controller update | Controllers and Sensors > Update Controllers | Update supported paired controllers |
| Switch 2 controller update | Controllers & Accessories > Update Controllers | Update supported paired controllers |
| Switch LAN dock update | System > Update Dock | Update an HEG-007 dock |
| Switch 2 dock update | System > Dock Update | Update the Switch 2 dock |
| Switch 2 Camera update | Update Nintendo Switch 2 Camera | Update Nintendo's official camera |
| Switch downloads during sleep | Maintain Internet Connection in Sleep Mode for wired connections | Keep background downloads connected |
| Switch 2 downloads during sleep | Keep Wired Connection Active in Sleep Mode for wired connections | Keep background downloads connected |
| Game card update repair | Manage Software > Delete Software | Redownload update data for error 2164-0020 |
| Digital software repair | Delete Software, then Virtual Game Cards | Redownload software with download or corruption problems |
Install the console system update
Connect your console to the Internet before starting. From the HOME Menu, open System Settings, select System, and choose System Update. The console checks for an update and downloads it if one is available. Complete the onscreen instructions to finish.
On Switch, Switch Lite, and OLED Model, system update data also downloads automatically while connected to the Internet. After the download, an update notification appears before software starts; follow its instructions to install. Nintendo says Switch 2 downloads the latest system update automatically in most situations. You can initiate the update yourself through System Update.
For a new Switch 2, begin setup in handheld mode with the Joy-Con 2 attached and complete the initial setup screens. Select Internet Settings, configure a wireless or docked wired connection, and select OK after a successful connection test. Select Next on the system update screen to download, then continue setup. On the screen for finishing the update, select Update, then select OK after the console restarts.
If you skipped the initial required Switch 2 update, opening a HOME Menu feature that requires it will bring up an update prompt. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete that update.
Retry a failed system update
If updating through System Settings fails on Switch, Switch Lite, or OLED Model, use Maintenance Mode. Fully power off the console; if it is unresponsive, hold POWER for 12 seconds. Hold Volume Up and Volume Down, then press POWER while continuing to hold Volume Up and Volume Down until Maintenance Mode appears.
Select Update System and follow the prompts. Enter your Parental Controls PIN if requested.
On Switch 2, use Recovery Mode when the settings route fails. Hold POWER for at least three seconds, then select Power Options > Power Off; if the console is unresponsive, hold POWER for 12 seconds. Once it is off, hold Volume Up and Volume Down, press POWER once, and keep holding Volume Up and Volume Down until Recovery Mode appears.
Choose Update System and complete the displayed instructions. Enter your Parental Controls PIN if prompted.
Update a game or application
Connect to the Internet and highlight the game's or application's icon on the HOME Menu without launching it. Press + or -, then select Software Update > Via the Internet. Repeat this check for each title you want to update.
These steps work for installed digital games and game card software on Switch, Switch Lite, and OLED Model. On Switch 2, use the same path for Switch 2 software and compatible Nintendo Switch software.
You can also launch the game or application while connected to the Internet. If an update is available, accept the displayed download prompt.
Keep game updates downloading automatically
On Switch, Switch Lite, or OLED Model, open System Settings > System > Auto-Update Software and set it to On. Installed software updates then download automatically while the console is connected to the Internet. This setting controls games and applications, not console system firmware.
On Switch 2, open System Settings > System > Software Auto-Updates and turn it on. You can still check an individual game manually through its Software Update menu.
To keep software downloads running while your console sleeps, leave it connected to the Internet with sufficient storage. For Wi-Fi, keep the sleeping console within your router's range. These conditions allow background downloading; they do not initiate an update.
For a supported wired connection on Switch, open System Settings > Sleep Mode > Maintain Internet Connection in Sleep Mode and set it to On. On Switch 2, open System Settings > Sleep Mode > Keep Wired Connection Active in Sleep Mode and set it to On.
Get a game update from a nearby console
Use local version matching when someone nearby has a newer version of the same game. Update each participating console's system software first, then highlight the same installed software on every console's HOME Menu. Press + or - on each console and select Software Update > Match Version with Local Users > Next.
One person selects Create Group, while everyone else selects Join Group and chooses that group. The creator then selects Start Communication on Nintendo Switch or Start Session on Switch 2 to begin the exchange.
You receive the newest game version present in the group, which may be older than Nintendo's newest available release. Internet access is unnecessary for the local exchange. This process updates game software only, so you cannot use it to update console firmware.
Update your paired controllers
Install the latest console system update, then make sure each controller is paired with the console and powered on. On Switch, Switch Lite, or OLED Model, open System Settings > Controllers and Sensors > Update Controllers.
On Switch 2, open System Settings > Controllers & Accessories > Update Controllers. Supported paired controllers update one at a time. Retry the controller update if it is interrupted.
Update your dock and Switch 2 Camera
For Switch or OLED Model, check that your dock is model HEG-007, the dock with a LAN port supplied with OLED Model. Install the latest console system update, then open System Settings > System > Update Dock > Begin Update. Retry if the update is interrupted.
You cannot update the original HAC-007 dock through this method. Switch Lite is also excluded from this dock update procedure.
For Switch 2, connect to the Internet, install the latest console system update, and place the console in its Switch 2 dock. Open System Settings > System > Dock Update > Begin Update. If the dock is already current, select OK to dismiss the message. Retry if the update is interrupted.
To update the official Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, connect it to the console or dock. Open System Settings > Controllers & Accessories > Update Nintendo Switch 2 Camera and complete any displayed instructions. Use this procedure for Nintendo's camera; it is not a general firmware updater for third-party USB cameras.
Repair problematic game software
Use deletion and redownloading for the specific software problems below, rather than as a routine update step. For game card software affected by error 2164-0020, open System Settings > Data Management > Manage Software, choose the affected title, and select Delete Software. Close the software before removing and reinserting its game card, then launch it. Accept the prompt to redownload software updates.
For digital software with download or corruption issues, open System Settings > Data Management > Manage Software, choose the affected title, and select Delete Software. Open Virtual Game Cards, select the purchasing user and the game, then choose Load on This System to redownload it. To download a game without loading it as a virtual game card, for example on a console that is not one of your two consoles that can load virtual game cards, select it and choose Options > Download Data. Some digital content is not in the virtual game card menu: redownload most demos from Nintendo eShop, Nintendo Switch Online classic game libraries from the Nintendo Switch Online menu in Nintendo eShop, and Game Trials from either. Afterward, use Software Update > Via the Internet to check for an update if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Switch and Switch 2 share a game update locally?
Yes, you can share updates between generations for compatible Nintendo Switch software. Software with Switch 2-exclusive enhancements or content can only match with other Switch 2 consoles.
Which controllers can receive updates through Switch 2?
You can update supported controllers including Joy-Con 2, Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, Joy-Con, and Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. Support includes these original Switch controllers as well as the newer Switch 2 models.
Is a paid Switch 2 Edition upgrade pack included in a system update?
No, a paid Switch 2 Edition upgrade pack is separate game content. Updating your console's system firmware does not replace that upgrade pack.
Can you use Switch 2 Text to Speech to install updates by voice?
No, Text to Speech reads menus to help you navigate. It does not accept voice commands to start an update.