Nintendo Switch Update 20.1.0 Changes Home Menu NSO Sound

Nintendo has rolled out a new system update for the Switch just days before the anticipated launch of the Switch 2.

As outlined in the brief release notes, Nintendo Switch System Update Ver. 20.1.0 introduces only minor adjustments, including the familiar "general system stability" improvements.

More notably, the update refreshes the appearance of the parental control settings and alters the sound that plays when launching Nintendo Switch Online from the Home Menu.

The new sound, at least to my ears, is slightly more cheerful and likely what Switch 2 owners will hear when they access NSO from that console's Home Menu. X / Twitter user @Nexusvoyager shared a comparison of the old and new sounds in the post below:

Before and after the update pic.twitter.com/HC71TFztS9

— The Ashen Nexus. (@Nexusvoyager) May 28, 2025

According to @Nexusvoyager, there are some new navigation sounds, and the NSO app has undergone another user interface overhaul, probably to align with the experience on the Switch 2. In fact, this Switch firmware update appears to synchronize the entire Nintendo Switch Online app with the version that will come preloaded on the Switch 2.

After a relaunch the app completely changed its ui pic.twitter.com/h07hoSOOOt

— The Ashen Nexus. (@Nexusvoyager) May 28, 2025

Prominent Switch system observer @OatmealDome discovered that version 20.1.0 includes theme-related tweaks, such as renaming "Basic White" and "Basic Black" to "Basic Light" and "Basic Dark," and adding support for the Basic Dark theme within the NSO app.

[Nintendo Switch Firmware Update]

Some theme-related changes were made in 20.1.0.

• The "Basic White" and "Basic Black" themes were renamed to "Basic Light" and "Basic Dark".
• The Nintendo Switch Online applet now supports the Basic Dark theme. pic.twitter.com/BoeR4YbBD4

— OatmealDome (@OatmealDome) May 28, 2025

Nintendo Online: Switch Updated
byu/Justcoldk inNintendoSwitch2

It is important to note that if you plan to transfer data from a Nintendo Switch to a Switch 2 using local communication, the original Switch must be updated to this latest system version to complete the transfer.

All these developments precede the Switch 2's launch on June 5, which is rapidly approaching. Recently, IGN reported on an individual who seemingly acquired a Switch 2 console ahead of schedule, despite Nintendo's precautions. Unfortunately for those who enjoy leaks, the console is unusable without a day-one patch, and the related video was quickly taken down due to a copyright claim.

So far, we have experienced Mario Kart World on Nintendo Switch 2, and more recently we have received various new details, such as free performance upgrades for original Switch games, specifics on variable refresh rate support, and additional information about GameChat. The latter will require phone number verification to function. Although pre-orders quickly sold out when they became available last month, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser has assured that the company will have enough consoles to meet holiday demand.

Nintendo Switch System Update Ver. 20.1.0 (Released May 27, 2025)

The Parental Control settings have received visual enhancements. The sound that plays when launching Nintendo Switch Online from the HOME Menu has been updated. General system stability improvements have been implemented to improve the user experience.