NEW AUTO-SLEEP FEATURE ADDED IN LATEST NINTENDO SWITCH UPDATE

Nintendo Switch owners can now download system update 18.0.0, which introduces a new auto-sleep feature and additional language support for the parental controls introduction video. Specifically, the update allows users to set the console to enter sleep mode after 15 minutes of inactivity while using TV mode. Additionally, Korean language support has been added for the introductory video for Nintendo Switch Parental Controls. Beyond these user-facing features, the update includes general system stability improvements.

Dataminers are already examining the update for any hidden changes, particularly within the system's bad word list. Nintendo remains committed to enhancing the functionality and user experience of the Switch, mentioning that system updates can be downloaded via the internet, often automatically. This latest update comes amidst reports of Nintendo's preparation for launching a Switch successor in March 2025, with features like a larger screen and retained hybrid functionality.

Sales figures for the Switch continue to be strong, with 13.74 million units sold in the first nine months of the financial year, and a record-high 122 million annual playing users in 2023. Nintendo has increased its sales forecast for the financial year, hinting at the enduring popularity of the console, now in its seventh year.

What are the new features added in the new Nintendo Switch system update 18.0.0?

The update adds a 15-minute auto-sleep option for TV mode and includes Korean language support for the Switch Parental Controls introductory video, along with unspecified system stability improvements.

The Nintendo Switch, since its release on March 3, 2017, has become one of Nintendo's best-selling consoles. It revolutionized gaming with its innovative hybrid design, allowing players to use it as both a portable handheld device and a traditional home console when docked. Its expansive library contains hit titles from beloved franchises such as "The Legend of Zelda," "Mario Kart," and "Animal Crossing," among others. The console's ongoing success, coupled with the anticipation surrounding its potential successor, demonstrates Nintendo's substantial influence within the gaming industry.