New Nintendo Switch Update May Fix Connection Issues

The latest 18.0.1 system update for the Nintendo Switch has addressed a known network issue. A previous patch released in late March made tweaks to the handheld’s Sleep Mode, and added Korean language support for the introductory video of the console’s parental controls.

Nintendo’s original Switch was launched in early 2017, providing gamers with a relatively powerful portable system that can run full-blown AAA console titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. While the Switch is now a seven-year-old system, Nintendo still regularly releases updates for its popular gaming machine, with the most recent one having supposedly fixed a network-related problem, as well as introducing other general improvements.

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The most recent 18.0.1 update for the Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED that was released on April 22 fixed an issue that caused wireless access points to be undetectable when users tried to set up a new network, according to the patch notes provided by Nintendo. In addition to addressing the aforementioned problem, the latest build also implemented general system stability improvements that should enhance the user experience for owners of the Switch, which is one of the best-selling video game consoles of all time.

Users who are unable to move up to 18.0.1 due to the wireless access points issue have been advised to temporarily set their network to use only the WPA2 (AES) encryption protocol, so they can download and install the patch. They may then revert to their usual security settings after the update has been applied. The Nintendo Switch has exhibited several issues over the course of its life, such as the dreaded stick drift issue common among the console’s distinct Joy-Con controllers. A Nintendo patent could prevent the Joy-Con stick drift issue from showing up in the Switch 2, rumors have suggested.

Nintendo has not officially announced the successor to its popular handheld gaming system, but developers were reportedly given the opportunity to take a look at the Switch 2 during 2023’s Gamescom event. The upcoming machine was supposed to arrive in late 2024 just in time for the holidays, but the Switch 2’s launch has reportedly been moved to March 2025, or around eight years after the original console was released, Japanese publication Nikkei reported, citing several unnamed sources in the video game industry.

Should the next Switch release in early 2025, it would allow Nintendo to stockpile units and avoid supply shortages. This would also give developers, including those under Nintendo, more time to work on launch titles for the Switch 2. It has been theorized that Metroid Prime 4, which was first announced in 2017 and had its development rebooted in 2019, could be released alongside the Switch‘s successor.

Nintendo Switch Update 18.0.1 Patch Notes

• Fixed an issue where some wireless access points cannot be found when setting up a new wireless network.
  • If you’re unable to update to Version 18.0.1 because of the issue, temporarily change the security settings for your wireless network to use only “WPA2 (AES)” so you can connect wirelessly to download and install the system update.
  • After updating to Version 18.0.1, restore your network’s security settings to its previous settings.
• General system stability improvements to enhance the user’s experience.

Nintendo Switch

Brand

Nintendo

Weight

.88 lbs

Storage

32 GB

Display

6.2-inch LCD Screen / 1280 x 720

Battery

Approximately 4.5 – 9 hours