Nintendo Switch Update 20.1.0 Alters NSO Startup Sound

Nintendo has rolled out a new system update for the Switch just days before the Switch 2's official launch.

As outlined in the brief release notes, Nintendo Switch System Update Ver. 20.1.0 introduces only a handful of changes, including the familiar "general system stability" improvements.

More notably, the update refreshes the visual design of the parental control settings and alters the sound that plays when launching Nintendo Switch Online from the Home Menu.

To many listeners, the new audio has a more upbeat tone, likely the same sound future Nintendo Switch 2 owners will hear when they open NSO from that system’s Home Menu. X/Twitter user @Nexusvoyager compared the original and updated sounds in this post:

Before and after the update pic.twitter.com/HC71TFztS9

— The Ashen Nexus. (@Nexusvoyager) May 28, 2025

As noted by @Nexusvoyager, the update also introduces some new navigation sounds, and the NSO app has received another user interface refresh—likely to align it with the experience coming to the Switch 2. In fact, this firmware update appears to bring the Switch's Nintendo Switch Online app in line with the version that will ship on the Switch 2.

After a relaunch the app completely changed its ui pic.twitter.com/h07hoSOOOt

— The Ashen Nexus. (@Nexusvoyager) May 28, 2025

Prominent Switch system observer @OatmealDome discovered that version 20.1.0 includes theme-related adjustments, renaming "Basic White" and "Basic Black" to "Basic Light" and "Basic Dark," and adding support for the Basic Dark theme within the NSO app.

[Nintendo Switch Firmware Update]

Some theme-related changes were made in 20.1.0.

• The "Basic White" and "Basic Black" themes were renamed to "Basic Light" and "Basic Dark".
• The Nintendo Switch Online applet now supports the Basic Dark theme. pic.twitter.com/BoeR4YbBD4

— OatmealDome (@OatmealDome) May 28, 2025

Nintendo Online: Switch Updated
byu/Justcoldk inNintendoSwitch2

It's important to note that performing a system transfer from a Nintendo Switch to a Nintendo Switch 2 via local communication requires the original console to be updated to this latest version.

All of this arrives ahead of the Switch 2's June 5 launch, which is quickly approaching. Earlier, IGN reported on an individual who appeared to acquire a Switch 2 ahead of schedule, despite Nintendo's precautions. Unfortunately for those eager for leaks, the console was unusable without a day-one patch, and the related video was promptly removed due to a copyright claim.

So far, we've played Mario Kart World on Nintendo Switch 2, and more recently learned new details such as free performance upgrades for Switch 1 games, variable refresh rate support requirements, and more about GameChat, which will require phone number verification to function. Although pre-orders quickly sold out when they opened last month, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser assures that the company will have enough systems available to meet holiday demand.

Nintendo Switch System Update Ver. 20.1.0 (Released May 27, 2025)

Parental Controls settings have received visual improvements. The sound played when launching Nintendo Switch Online from the HOME Menu has been updated. General system stability enhancements have been implemented to improve the user experience.