How to use Bluetooth headphones with your Nintendo Switch
- jul
- 19
Don't get tangled with your Switch.
One great thing about gaming on the Nintendo Switch is that you can game anywhere you'd like. However, if you're on the subway or a bus, you don't want your game audio to disturb those around you. You could use the headphone jack, but then the wire gets tangled between you and the Switch.
Fortunately, there's a way to game on the go and use your favorite Bluetooth headphones. Here's how to use your Bluetooth headphones with the Nintendo Switch!
The Switch doesn't let users pair Bluetooth headphones directly to it, so we'll need a workaround. You'll need to get a Bluetooth transmitter with an audio-in jack. The one we used for this guide is the TROND 2-in-1 receiver, which was $30 at the time of writing and features Micro-USB for charging. I was actually able to charge it from the Switch, but you may not want to do that since it'll cut into your gaming time. It included a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable in the box, so after grabbing some mounting tape from my toolbox I had everything I needed.
See TROND 2-in-1 Bluetooth transmitter/receiver at Amazon
As far as the Switch is concerned, it's delivering your audio over a wired connection. The wireless connection is between your headphones and the Bluetooth transmitter. The instructions to pair your headphones to the transmitter are going to vary, so consult the manual that came with both products. Also, it may take a few attempts since neither the headphones or transmitter have a screen. For best results, we recommend turning off the Bluetooth in your computer and phone while you're trying to pair the transmitter and headphones.
That's really it. Most transmitters are thin enough to just stick on the back of your Switch — even when using a case. Our transmitter also acts as a receiver, so make sure you're in the right mode if your audio isn't coming through.
The crowdfunded solution
While picking up a Bluetooth transmitter from a place like Amazon is a very effective way of using wireless headphones on your Switch, it's not really the prettiest solution. Thankfully, there is something awesome coming our way from the shores of Kickstarter.
The Genki wireless transmitter, which just recently wrapped up its campaign, purports to do everything you would want and it also looks great. It plugs directly into the USB-C port on your Switch, so it keeps a low profile. The design is conscious of the existing style of the Switch so it doesn't call attention to itself. On top of all that, it has a simple pairing for two players wanting to use wireless headsets.
The Genki has more than achieved its crowdfunding goal so hopefully, it'll be available soon.
To find out more about this awesome-looking device, check out the Kickstarter page.
What say you?
Do you use Bluetooth headphones with your Nintendo Switch? Let us know down below!
Updated July 2018: Added the Genki wireless adapter!.