The Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite offer portable console gaming — but don't expect any modern audio capabilities. A headphone jack? Sure. Bluetooth support? Not really. While Nintendo seems content keeping us stuck in 2015, there's still a way to enjoy your AirPods with the Switch or Switch Lite wirelessly.

If you browse through your Switch’s settings, you’ll quickly realize there’s no option to pair Bluetooth devices to this Mario-friendly machine. That’s surprising considering Nintendo launched the Switch in 2017, six months after Apple released its first iPhone without a headphone jack. According to Nintendo, you’d need to carry your phone, AirPods, Switch, and a set of wired headphones for full portability.

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So how do you connect your AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max to your Switch? You’ll need a Bluetooth adapter. It’s even more shocking since the Switch does have Bluetooth 4.1 built-in. However, Nintendo has chosen not to enable it for wireless headphones, likely due to potential interference with Joy-Con controllers. While the company could have offered a Bluetooth dongle as an optional accessory, doing so would only draw attention to the flawed design of the Joy-Cons.

Thankfully, third-party solutions exist to tackle this glaring audio oversight. Using a Bluetooth transmitter, you can easily send audio from your Switch to your AirPods. These adapters work by making the Switch believe the transmitter is a wired audio device. The adapter then pulls digital audio from the USB-C port and sends it directly to your AirPods.

Try HomeSpot's Bluetooth Transmitter

A quick Google search shows there are many Bluetooth transmitters available, but we recommend checking out HomeSpot’s model. Designed specifically for the Nintendo Switch with Bluetooth 5.0, it looks as good as it performs. And it comes in a wide range of colors:

• Gray with Blue & Red Buttons ($29.99)
• Gray with Eevee Brown & Pikachu Yellow Butons ($34.99)
• Gray with White Buttons ($29.99)
• Gray with Sea Green & Sky Blue Buttons ($29.99)
• Gray with Mario Red Buttons ($34.99)
• Gray with Neon Pink & Neon Green ($34.99)
• Gray with Neon Yellow Buttons ($34.99)
• Lite Gray with White Buttons ($34.99)
• Lite Yellow with WhiteButtons ($34.99)
• Sandy White with Sea Green & Sky Blue Buttons ($34.99)
• Turquoise with White Buttons ($29.99)

HomeSpot/AmazonThis transmitter plugs directly into the bottom USB-C port of your Switch. When docked, use the included USB-C to USB-A adapter to connect it to your dock’s USB-A port.

Pair Your AirPods to the HomeSpot Adapter

Whether you're docked or handheld, simply press and hold either the P1 or P2 button on the adapter for three seconds to enter pairing mode. The flashing LEDs will indicate that pairing mode is active. Now it’s time to put your AirPods into pairing mode.

ZT America/Amazon### AirPods & AirPods Pro

1. Place your AirPods or AirPods Pro inside their charging case and open the lid.
2. Press and hold the setup button located on the back of the case.
3. Pairing mode is activated when the status light flashes white.

AirPods Max

1. Remove your AirPods Max from the Smart Case.
2. Press and hold the noise control button located opposite the Digital Crown.
3. Pairing mode begins when the indicator light flashes white.

Give it a few seconds for the HomeSpot adapter to detect your AirPods’ signal, and they should connect automatically. Once done, you’re all set to enjoy the wireless audio experience you've been expecting since 2021.

On Amazon: HomeSpot Bluetooth Adapter for Nintendo Switch & Switch Lite for $29.99–$34.99

Extra Features

While the main purpose of the HomeSpot transmitter is to let you connect AirPods and other wireless headphones to your Switch, this little dongle also includes several useful extras.

For example, you can connect two pairs of headphones simultaneously, thanks to the dual buttons. This allows both you and a friend to pair your AirPods to one Switch for shared gaming sessions anywhere. Since AirPods support multi-device pairing, you’ll feel right at home here too.

It also features an integrated microphone for in-game voice chat. If your headphones include a mic (like all AirPods models), they won’t function properly with the HomeSpot adapter unless you activate beta "HFP" mode.

1. Ensure your Switch is on the Home menu screen.
2. As you plug in the transmitter, press and hold the right button (P2, next to the red button).
3. Keep holding until all LED lights flash together.
4. Connect your headphones as usual, and their mics should now be enabled.

Additionally, it supports aptX technology, which minimizes audio delay between gameplay and sound. Unfortunately, since AirPods don’t support aptX, you won’t benefit from this if using Apple’s wireless earbuds.

Will You Go Pro?

If you'd like features like voice chat in Discord, Nintendo Online, WhatsApp, and FaceTime; music streaming via Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music; and customizable audio equalizers, consider the HomeSpot Bluetooth Adapter Pro. For an extra $20, you'll get all standard features plus these added perks.

• Gray with Blue & Red Buttons ($49.99)
• Gray with Eevee Brown & Pikachu Yellow Butons ($49.99)
• Gray with Gray Buttons ($49.99)
• Lite Gray with White Buttons ($49.99)
• Lite Turquoise with White Buttons ($49.99)
• Lite Yellow with White Buttons ($49.99)
• Gray with Mario Red Buttons ($44.99)
• Gray with Neon Pink & Neon Green Buttons ($44.99)
• Gray with Neon Yellow Buttons ($49.99)
• Gray with Sea Green & Sky Blue Buttons ($49.99)

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Cover image by Jake Peterson/Gadget Hacks

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