Switch Firmware Update Out Now, Described By Expert As "Major"

The newest Nintendo Switch firmware update has arrived, and while one expert said this is a "major" update given what's under the hood, it doesn't necessarily provide any clues about the Switch 2.

Version 19.0.0 arrived on October 7, adding "general system stability improvements to enhance the user's experience," Nintendo said in the one-line patch notes.

Ver. 19.0.0 (Released October 7, 2024

• General system stability improvements to enhance the user's experience.

Internet super-sleuth OatmealDome, who is known to deeply examine new Switch updates to discover undisclosed changes, said this update is substantial because "pretty much every system component was updated." OatmealDome said this is "normal for major updates," with the OS rebuilt on a newer SDK version.

OatmealDome suspected that the update may contain changes "that matter for game devs." That being said, people should not rush to assume this means anything at all about the Switch 2.

"Could just be something simple like 'Nintendo changed the name of something, so now developers need to update their game code accordingly if they want to use the newer SDK,'" OatmealDome said.

The Switch 2, or whatever Nintendo decides to call its next home console, is in the works now and will be announced in the coming months. Nintendo will release its next earnings report on November 5, and some are expecting the Switch 2 to be announced around then, but nothing is confirmed at this stage.

Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email [email protected]