6 Settings and Shortcuts Nintendo Switch Users Should Know

The Nintendo Switch remains one of the best-selling portable video game consoles in the world. However, despite its popularity, some users are still unaware of shortcuts and basic settings that can improve the user experience of the device.

So, we've put together six tips that all Switch users should know about when it comes to activating or changing settings and shortcuts on the console. Check out more information below.

The console has a series of buttons, each of which provides access to different functions. The “Home” button, for example, is usually used to return to the console’s desktop –– regardless of whether you’re in the middle of a game, browsing the eShop, changing settings, etc.

However, if you hold down this button, a settings tab will appear on the right side of the console screen. In this tab, you can increase or decrease the volume, control the screen brightness, activate automatic brightness, enable and disable airplane mode, put the console in sleep mode, check the time and even the battery life status.

Another detail is that if you press and hold the buttons simultaneously ZL + ZR While this action screen is open, the battery percentage appears to you.

This shortcut works at any time, even within the game, which can be useful, for example, to increase the brightness of the screen during a game scene where everything is dark.

Turn on dark mode

Dark mode is a feature that is available on the vast majority of modern devices –– and the Nintendo Switch is no different. This feature leaves the screen with a dark background, which increases visual comfort and significantly reduces the strain on the eyes due to excessive brightness.

To activate it, go to Settings > Themes > and select the “Black” option to set dark mode.

Improve the color scheme on Nintendo Switch OLED

It's no secret to gamers that the Switch OLED screen is one of the best among all portable consoles. But what many don't know is the possibility of changing the system's color scheme. This setting is useful, for example, if the brightness is too saturated.

To do this, go to Settings > Console > Console Screen Colors > select the desired mode.

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Use wireless headphones

Few people use wired headphones these days, so most modern electronic devices have user-friendly software for Bluetooth headphones.

Connecting them is very simple: go to Settings > Bluetooth Audio > Sync device > turn on your Bluetooth headset > confirm the device name. We have already created a tutorial that teaches you the step by step, see here.

Customize sleep mode

The console's sleep mode is a setting that leaves the device “hibernating” while it is not being used. By default, the device hibernates after 10 minutes of inactivity, but this and other settings can be customized –– which is important for those who want to save battery at all costs.

To customize this, go to Settings > Sleep Mode. You can then select how long it takes for the device to turn off if it's in portable mode or connected to a TV, and whether the internet should stay on if the device goes to sleep.

Enable screen zoom

This tip is for users who have some type of disability or visual difficulty: the Nintendo Switch allows you to zoom in on the screen to see details more easily.

To do this, go to Settings > Console > Zoom and turn it on. Once the setting is enabled, you can press the Home button twice in a row to activate zoom: while it's enabled, you can press X and Y to zoom in and out.