How to connect wired headphones to the Nintendo Switch
If you are wondering if it is possible connect the headphones to the Nintendo Switch to play without disturbing other people in the same room as you, you will be happy to know that the answer is positive. In fact, both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite have an audio input that allows you to connect any type of headset equipped with cable with 3.5 mm jack connector.
All you have to do, then, is take your wired headphones, insert the connector in question inaudio input place on top of Nintendo Switch and enjoy the fun. It will be useful to know that if your intention is also to use voice chat in games that allow it (eg Fortnite), you will need to make sure that your headphones are equipped with a microphone, since the console does not integrate one.
If, on the other hand, you have decided to connect the Nintendo Switch to the TV but the headphone cable is not long enough to allow you to play in TV mode comfortably seated on the sofa, you can opt for one of the controllers that integrate an audio input.
In particular, I suggest you purchase a PDP Controller Camo by Nintendo, a 3-meter wired controller with configurable rear buttons and interchangeable front panel. It has an audio input that allows the connection of headphones equipped with a 3.5 mm jack, both for listening and for using voice chat in compatible titles. In addition, it allows you to adjust the sound of the headphones and microphone via a special button located directly on the controller. It is available in various colors.
Once you've got one of the controllers in question, connect it to the Nintendo Switch by inserting the end of the cable into a USB input placed at the base of the console. Next, insert the headphone connector into the headphone jack on the bottom of the controller and you're done.
How to connect Bluetooth headphones to the Nintendo Switch
As you probably already know, this is not possible connect the Bluetooth headphones to the Nintendo Switch. In fact, although the Nintendo home console is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, used among other things for connecting the Joy-Con, it does not allow the pairing of other devices, such as wireless headphones.
This, however, does not mean that there is no way out. Through special devices to be purchased separately - and which cost a few tens of euros -, it is possible to "circumvent" this limitation and connect wireless headphones to Nintendo Switch quite simply.
All you need is a Bluetooth receiver with USB-C port to be connected to the appropriate USB-C input on the console or a external transmitter to connect to the Nintendo Switch audio input.
Both devices have pros and cons that you need to carefully evaluate based on what your needs are. For example, a Bluetooth receiver for the Nintendo Switch is small size, fits perfectly to the console and is not bulky: the ideal solution for those who use Nintendo Switch on the go. In addition, many such devices are sold together with a USB adapter to allow connection to the USB-A port of the Nintendo Switch base, ensuring operation even when the console is in TV mode, also allow you to transmit to 2 headphones at the same time.
Note, however, that these devices are plugged into the console's USB-C input and, if in use, prevent it from being recharged. Also, they may not fit the best if you use the Nintendo Switch with a cover. Finally, if you want to use the built-in microphone in the headphones as well, you need to make sure that the Bluetooth receiver you intend to purchase also has this functionality (a small additional connector to be inserted into the audio input of the console).
Although with less reduced dimensions, there are also Bluetooth receivers compatible with different devices (including Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite) which appear as real USB-C hubs and which allow even charging the console.
As I mentioned earlier, among the devices that you can consider there are also the Bluetooth transmitters to be connected to the audio input of the Switch that allow you to leave the USB-C port of the console free.
Also in this case, there are different types and different sizes: in addition to choosing the one that you think is most suitable for the use you will have to do with it, make sure that the model of your interest supports the most recent wireless protocols (eg. Bluetooth 5) and is equipped with the protocol Low Energy which prevents the Nintendo Switch battery from draining faster when using wireless headphones.
Finally, if you have wireless headphones that already come with a USB receiver, all you need is a USB-C to USB-A adapter which allows you to connect the receiver of the wireless headphones to the Nintendo Switch.
Once you have chosen the device that you think best suits your needs, all you have to do is insert it into the appropriate Nintendo Switch input and activate the pairing mode that allows you to connect the Bluetooth headphones.
For example, if you bought a Bluetooth receiver, take this one, insert it into theUSB-C input located at the bottom of the Nintendo Switch (or, using the appropriate adapter, in the USB-A port of the Switch TV dock) and press the pairing button on the receiver until the LED starts flashing quickly.
At this point, take your headphones, activate the pairing mode pressing the appropriate button (or the appropriate combination) and wait for the indicator light to start flashing quickly, indicating that the headphones are ready to pair. If everything went well, within a few seconds the LEDs should stop flashing and remain solid indicating that the two devices have been paired correctly. Good fun!
How to connect headphones to the Nintendo Switch
