The Nintendo Switch’s mix of innovation and nostalgia pushed it into the hands and hearts of the greater game-playing public. While the direct, user-friendly interface makes it easy for a newcomer to play their favorite games, the beloved Mario machine still holds some surprises for even the most enfranchised player.
1Change Your Region to Access Region-Restricted Games
Anyone who has hunted down a Japan-only shooter knows the pain of region-locked games. That sinking feeling that arises as you realize that the freshly eBayed copy ofRaiden DXis just expensive shelf decor.
But thanks to a small loophole courtesy of Nintendo, you can now access a broader selection of games by going to “System Settings” and simply changing the region under the “System” tab. Launch the eShop and grab whatever you like.
2Check Your Battery Life Anytime
Have you looked up from your “just one quickHadesrun” only to realize that darkness has fallen? Double-checking the battery life of your Switch mid-game to avoid lost progress is easier than you’d expect. When you press and hold down the Home button, a quick menu will pop up and display the current battery life alongside other options.
3Make Additional Profiles
You can circumvent the one-save-per-game crisis by creating extra user profiles. Go to System Settings > Users, and then select “Add User.” Each profile maintains its own game progress and preferences, allowing you to experience different simultaneous playthroughs of your favorite games. We’re looking at you,Tears of the Kingdom.
4Find Hidden Sounds on Unlock Screen
If you ever wanted to unlock your Switch to the sound of a honking clown horn or a series of other amusing sounds, then you are in luck. you may discover a series of similarly silly sound effects on the unlock screen by pressing ZL, ZR, or the control sticks.
5Ease Eye Strain with Dark Mode
The bright white background can start to strain even the strongest of eyes after a few hours. For a more comfortable viewing experience, especially at night, enable Dark Mode. Go to System Settings > Themes, and choose “Basic Black” to darken the home screen and menus.
6Move Game Save Data to MicroSD Card
As games get larger, hard drive space becomes more precious. You canfree up internal storageby transferring game save data to a microSD card. Once you insert a card of your choice, just head to System Settings > Data Management, and select “Move Data Between System/microSD Card.”
7Pair Bluetooth Headphones
You can enjoy a wireless audio experience on the go bypairing Bluetooth headphones with your Switch. Head to System Settings > Bluetooth Audio, and follow the pairing instructions.
8Pair Joy-Cons with Other Devices
Did you know Nintendo’s Joy-Cons can also be paired with your trusty smartphone, Mac, or PC? Hold down the sync button on the Joy-Con until the lights start flashing—indicating it’s in pairing mode—and connect it through the Bluetooth menu on your device.
9Use a USB Keyboard
Even with the comfortable size of the Switch’s keyboard, touchscreen typing can feel a bit sterile. Thankfully, the Switch allows you to simply plug the keyboard of your choice into one of the USB ports on the dock. The console should be able to read it as a peripheral, and you are set for a more satisfying typing experience.
10Find a Lost Joy-Con
Have you ever woken up after a wild night of caffeinated beverages andMario Kart 8 Deluxeto find that one of your Joy-Cons has disappeared? Head over to “Controllers” on the home screen and select “Find Controllers.” Use the vibration function to help locate the missing controller.
