Keeping your Nintendo Switch updated ensures you have the latest system features, security fixes, stability improvements, Nintendo eShop changes, and compatibility with newer games.
If you are wondering how to update a Nintendo Switch, you can normally do it directly from System Settings while connected to the internet. Nintendo Switch consoles can also download system updates automatically when they are online.
Quick Answer: Connect your Nintendo Switch to Wi-Fi, open System Settings → System → System Update, and select the available update. The console will check Nintendo’s servers, download the latest firmware, install it, and restart if required. The same process works on the original Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, and Nintendo Switch OLED Model.
The latest Nintendo Switch system version is 23.0.0, released in September 2026.
Why Should You Update Your Nintendo Switch?
Nintendo periodically releases Nintendo Switch system updates to improve the console’s operating system and add or modify features.
A system update may include:
- System stability improvements
- Security fixes
- Nintendo eShop changes
- New system features
- Virtual Game Card improvements
- Controller or accessory compatibility changes
- Bug fixes
- Improvements to online services
For example, Nintendo Switch firmware 23.0.0 added additional Virtual Game Card controls and general system stability improvements.
Keeping the console updated can also be necessary for accessing certain online functions or running newer software.
How to Check Your Nintendo Switch System Version
Before updating, you can check which firmware version is currently installed.
Follow these steps:
- Open the HOME Menu.
- Select System Settings.
- Scroll down and select System.
- Look below System Update.
Your current Nintendo Switch system version will appear on this screen.
For example:
Current System Version: 23.0.0
If your console already has the latest version, you do not need to install another update.
Nintendo confirms that the current system version can be checked from the same System Settings menu used to start an update.
How to Update a Nintendo Switch Manually
Manually updating your Nintendo Switch takes only a few steps.
Step 1: Connect Your Switch to the Internet
Your Nintendo Switch must have an internet connection to download an official system update.
Open:
System Settings → Internet → Internet Settings
Select your Wi-Fi network and connect using its password.
Make sure the connection is stable before beginning the update.
Step 2: Open System Settings
From the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu, select the System Settings gear icon.
Step 3: Select System
Scroll down the menu on the left side and select:
System
This section contains system-related settings, including your current firmware version.
Step 4: Select System Update
Select:
System Update
Your Nintendo Switch will connect to Nintendo’s servers and check whether a newer firmware version is available.
Nintendo’s official process is:
HOME Menu → System Settings → System → System Update.
Step 5: Download and Install the Update
If Nintendo finds a newer system version, the download will begin.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
During the process:
- Keep the console powered on.
- Maintain a stable internet connection.
- Do not remove the microSD card unnecessarily.
- Avoid forcing the console to shut down.
The Nintendo Switch may restart to finish installing the firmware.
How to Automatically Update a Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch system updates are normally downloaded automatically when the console is connected to the internet.
When an update has downloaded, the console may display an update prompt before launching software.
You can then follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
Nintendo states that in most situations, the console automatically downloads the latest system update while connected online.
If the automatic update does not appear, use:
System Settings → System → System Update
to check manually.
How to Update Nintendo Switch Games
Updating the Nintendo Switch firmware and updating an individual game are two different processes.
A system update changes the Nintendo Switch operating system.
A software update updates a particular game or application.
To manually update a Nintendo Switch game:
- Connect the Switch to the internet.
- Go to the HOME Menu.
- Highlight the game without opening it.
- Press the + or – Button.
- Select Software Update.
- Select Via the Internet.
The Switch will check whether an update is available and download it.
For example:
Game Icon
↓
+ / - Button
↓
Software Update
↓
Via the Internet
How to Turn On Automatic Software Updates
Nintendo Switch can also automatically download updates for installed games.
Open:
System Settings → System
Find:
Auto-Update Software
and set it to:
On
When connected to the internet, the console can then automatically download updates for supported installed software.
This setting applies to games and applications, not just the Nintendo Switch system firmware.
How to Update a Nintendo Switch Game Without Internet
If your Switch does not have internet access, you can sometimes update a game using another nearby Nintendo Switch that already has the correct software version.
Nintendo calls this:
Match Version with Local Users
To use it:
- Highlight the game on the HOME Menu.
- Press the + or – Button.
- Select Software Update.
- Select Match Version with Local Users.
- Create or join a local group.
- Follow the instructions to match software versions.
Nintendo confirms that software update data can be shared locally without an internet connection.
This updates the game, not the Nintendo Switch system firmware.
How to Update Nintendo Switch in Maintenance Mode
If a normal system update fails, Nintendo provides another method through Maintenance Mode.
Nintendo recommends using this method when you cannot complete a normal update through System Settings.
Enter Nintendo Switch Maintenance Mode
First, completely turn off the console.
If it is frozen, hold the Power Button for approximately 12 seconds to force it off.
Then:
- Hold Volume Up (+).
- Hold Volume Down (-).
- Press the Power Button.
- Keep holding both volume buttons.
- Release them when the Maintenance Mode menu appears.
- Select Update System.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
This method is useful when the normal:
System Settings → System Update
process is not working.
Nintendo Switch Won’t Update: Common Fixes
If your Nintendo Switch system update fails, start with the simplest troubleshooting steps.
Check Your Internet Connection
Open:
System Settings → Internet → Test Connection
Confirm that the console can connect successfully.
A weak or unstable Wi-Fi connection can interrupt downloads.
Restart the Nintendo Switch
Hold the Power Button for at least three seconds and select:
Power Options → Restart
Then try:
System Settings → System → System Update
again.
Nintendo recommends restarting the console when a normal system update cannot be completed.
Check Available Storage
System and game updates require sufficient free storage.
Open:
System Settings → Data Management
and check the available space in:
- System Memory
- microSD card
Delete or archive unused software if necessary.
Try Maintenance Mode
If the normal update repeatedly fails, use:
Maintenance Mode → Update System
as described above.
What Happens When You Update a Nintendo Switch?
A normal Nintendo Switch system update replaces or modifies parts of the console’s system software.
Your normal user content should remain available after a standard successful update, including:
- User profiles
- Save data
- Installed games
- Screenshots
- Videos
- Nintendo Account connection
A system update is different from initializing or factory resetting the console.
You therefore do not normally need to delete your games or save data before performing an official Nintendo Switch update.
Should You Update a Modded or Homebrew Nintendo Switch?
If your console runs Atmosphère switch, Hekate, emuMMC, homebrew, custom sysmodules, or other modifications, do not treat an official Nintendo firmware update exactly like an update on a stock console.
Nintendo specifically warns that updating a modified system or a system containing unsupported data can cause operational problems, and unsupported data may potentially be removed.
Before updating a homebrewed Switch, check compatibility for:
- Atmosphère
- Hekate
- Fusee
- emuMMC
- Sysmodules
- Tesla overlays
- Custom themes
- Homebrew applications
A new Nintendo firmware release can arrive before the homebrew ecosystem supports it.
For example, updating the console first while using an older Atmosphère release can prevent CFW from booting.
For modified systems, the safer sequence is generally:
- Check Nintendo firmware compatibility.
- Back up your SD card.
- Update compatible CFW components.
- Update Hekate and payloads.
- Verify important homebrew and sysmodules.
- Only then install the supported Nintendo firmware.
This consideration does not apply to a normal unmodified Switch.
How Long Does a Nintendo Switch Update Take?
Update time depends mainly on:
- Update file size
- Wi-Fi speed
- Nintendo server availability
- Console storage performance
Small firmware updates may finish quickly, while larger downloads can take longer.
For the most reliable update:
- Keep the Switch close to your router.
- Avoid unstable public Wi-Fi.
- Keep the battery sufficiently charged.
- Connect the charger if the battery is low.
Do not force the console off while firmware is actively being installed.
How to Know if Your Nintendo Switch Is Fully Updated
Open:
System Settings → System → System Update
The console will check Nintendo’s servers.
If no newer firmware is available, your installed system version is already current.
As of September 2026, Nintendo lists system version 23.0.0 as the latest Nintendo Switch firmware.
Remember that system firmware and game software have separate versions. Your console can have the latest system firmware while individual games still require updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Update My Nintendo Switch?
Connect the console to the internet and open:
System Settings → System → System Update
The Switch will check for a newer firmware version and download it if available.
What Is the Latest Nintendo Switch Update?
As of September 2026, the latest official Nintendo Switch system version is 23.0.0. Nintendo released it in September 2026.
Does Nintendo Switch Update Automatically?
Yes. Nintendo Switch can automatically download system updates while connected to the internet. You may receive an installation prompt before launching software.
How Do I Update a Nintendo Switch Game?
Highlight the game on the HOME Menu, press + or –, and select:
Software Update → Via the Internet.
Can I Update Nintendo Switch Games Without Wi-Fi?
Yes, you can use Match Version with Local Users to obtain compatible game update data from nearby Nintendo Switch consoles without an internet connection.
Can You Update Nintendo Switch Without an Internet Connection?
An official system firmware update normally requires an internet connection. Local version matching is available for supported game software, but it is not a replacement for downloading Nintendo Switch system firmware from Nintendo’s servers.
Will Updating My Nintendo Switch Delete My Games?
A normal official system update does not function as a factory reset and should not delete your games or normal save data.
Why Won’t My Nintendo Switch Update?
Common causes include:
- Unstable internet connection
- Temporary network errors
- Insufficient storage
- Console software problems
- Interrupted previous update
Restart the console and retry the update. If the normal method still fails, Nintendo recommends using Maintenance Mode.
Can I Update a Homebrewed Nintendo Switch Normally?
You should first confirm that your Atmosphère, Hekate, payloads, and other CFW components support the target Nintendo firmware. Installing a new system version before compatible CFW is available can break your homebrew boot setup.
Conclusion: How to Update a Nintendo Switch Safely
Knowing how to update a Nintendo Switch is straightforward on a standard console. Connect your Switch to the internet and go to System Settings → System → System Update. Nintendo will check for the latest firmware and install it when available.
You can also enable automatic updates for games, manually update individual software from the HOME Menu, or use Maintenance Mode when a normal system update fails.
For an unmodified Nintendo Switch, keeping the system current provides the latest features, fixes, security improvements, and software compatibility. If your Switch uses Atmosphère, Hekate, or other homebrew components, verify CFW compatibility before installing a new Nintendo firmware version.
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