Firmware 4.0 is now available for the Nintendo Switch, bringing with it a few exciting new features. While a software update might not seem particularly exciting, the bigger once tend to change the functionality of the console. This could mean that new features or apps are added, or the compatibility of the device is improved.
Let us take a quick look at what the Japanese publisher introduced with the recent system update.
System functionality
With the latest Firmware Update, players can finally record videos on a handful of Nintendo Switch games.
While this is a welcome addition, it is still rather limited and mostly directed towards social media posts. The feature records the last 30 seconds, allowing for the clip to be uploaded to Facebook and Twitter.
The titles which support video capture are "ARMS," "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe," "ARMS," "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild," and "Splatoon 2." Probably the biggest four exclusives on the console, at least until "Super Mario Odyssey" is released, with three of them heavily focusing on multiplayer. No real surprises here.
Update 4.0 allows users to transfer or save data to another Switch system. This is mostly for those unlucky few who received a glitchy console, so this allows for their data to be transferred to a working version.
Please note the data is removed from the original system.
Twelve new icons for "Super Mario Odyssey" and "Breath of the Wild" are also available to be selected by users for their profile.
Pre-loading games is a much-appreciated feature of modern gaming, especially considering the huge size of some titles. Nintendo now allows certain pre-purchased titles to be downloaded prior to their launch date.
A small but interesting function added with the new firmware is the ability to match the console's software version for a group of local users. Just create a group, head to software's options, software update, and select "Match Version with Local Users."
Stability
Users connected via a wireless network using TKIP security are not able to access the online capabilities of Nintendo's current generation console.
The Switch supports WEP and AES security, so players need to actively change their router's settings to connect to the platform.
Prior to this update, TKIP did not appear as an option on the console's network search results. This is no longer the case, although networks with this type of security cannot be selected.