Check your Switch's current software version in Settings

Open your Switch and go to System Settings (the gear icon on the home screen). Scroll down and select System, then System Update. The screen will show your current software version — for example, 18.0.0 or 19.1.2 — and tell you whether updates are available.

If the screen says "Your system is up to date," your Switch has the latest patches Nintendo has released. If it says an update is available, you can read and install it right there. The update usually takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on your internet speed and the size of the patch.

Nintendo releases security patches roughly every month or two, though the timing is not fixed. Some patches are large system updates that add features; others are small security-only fixes that you might not notice at all. Either way, the version number goes up.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Switch's current software version appears in System Settings under System > System Update, and the same screen tells you if patches are waiting.
  • Nintendo patches fix security holes that hackers could use to steal your account, modify your console, or access your payment information.
  • Updates install over Wi-Fi and usually take 5 to 15 minutes; your Switch will restart during the process, so plug it in first.
  • If your Switch is old and no longer receives patches, you can still use it offline or with a Nintendo Switch Online account that has no payment method attached.

Why security patches matter for your Switch

A security patch is a software update that closes a hole a hacker could exploit. On a Switch, these holes could let someone break into your Nintendo account, change your password, see your payment information, or even modify the console's software without your permission.

Nintendo does not publish details about every security hole it patches — that is standard practice across the industry, because publishing the details before most people have patched would give hackers a window to attack. But you can see a general list of what each update fixed by visiting Nintendo's official support page for your region and searching for the version number.

If you play online, use your Switch to buy games, or have a credit card linked to your Nintendo account, staying patched reduces the risk that someone could access your account or payment details. If you only play offline games and have no payment method attached, the risk is lower but not zero.

What to do before you update

Plug your Switch into power before starting an update. The console will restart during the installation, and losing power mid-update can corrupt the system software — a rare but serious problem that requires sending the console to Nintendo for repair.

Make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection. If your internet cuts out during the read, the Switch will usually resume where it left off, but a wired connection (using a USB adapter) is more reliable than Wi-Fi if you have one available.

You do not need to back up your games or save files before a routine security patch. Nintendo's updates are designed to preserve everything on your console. However, if you are nervous about a major system update, you can back up your save data through System Settings > Data Management > Save Data Cloud Backup — though this requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership.

Older Switch models that no longer receive patches

Nintendo eventually stops patching older hardware. The original Switch (released in 2017) and the Switch Lite (released in 2019) are still receiving patches as of early 2024, but that will not last forever. Once Nintendo stops supporting a model, no new security updates will arrive.

If you own an older Switch that is no longer patched, you can still use it safely for offline play. The risk comes from online features: playing online multiplayer, using the eShop, or linking a Nintendo account with payment information attached. If you want to keep using an unpatched Switch online, use a Nintendo Switch Online account that has no credit card or PayPal linked to it, and avoid buying games through that account.

You can check Nintendo's official support site for your region to see whether your specific Switch model is still receiving updates. The support page lists the latest version number for each model; if your version matches, you are on the current patch.

Automatic updates and rest mode

You can turn on automatic updates so your Switch patches itself while you are not using it. Go to System Settings > System > Auto-Update System Software and toggle it on. When you put your Switch in rest mode (press the power button briefly), it will check for updates and install them automatically if your console is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi.

Automatic updates are convenient and mean you will never fall behind on patches. The downside is that you have less control over when the update happens — it could install in the middle of the night or while you are about to play. If you prefer to update manually on your own schedule, leave this setting off and check for updates yourself every month or so.

What happens if you refuse to update

You can use your Switch without updating, but online features may stop working. Nintendo sometimes requires a minimum software version to play online multiplayer or use the eShop. If your version falls too far behind, you will see an error message when you try to go online, and the only fix is to update.

Refusing to update also leaves your account and console vulnerable to the security holes that patch closed. If someone gains access to your account, they could change your password, lock you out, or make purchases. The longer you wait, the longer hackers have had to develop tools that exploit the known holes.

There is no practical reason to avoid updating unless you have a very specific technical reason — for example, you are running custom software that a new patch would break. For normal use, updating as soon as patches arrive is the safer choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Switch while it is updating?

No. The console will restart and be unavailable until the update finishes, which usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. Plan your update for a time when you are not about to play.

Will updating delete my games or save files?

No. Security patches and system updates preserve all your games, save data, and account information. Nintendo's updates are designed to leave your console exactly as it was, just with security holes closed.

What if the update fails or gets stuck?

If an update stalls, hold the power button for 12 seconds to force a restart, then try updating again. If it fails repeatedly, try a wired internet connection instead of Wi-Fi. If the problem persists, contact Nintendo Support for your region — a corrupted update is rare but may require professional help.

Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to get security patches?

No. Security updates read and install for free, whether or not you have a Nintendo Switch Online membership. The membership is only needed for online multiplayer and cloud save backup.

How do I know if my Switch was hacked before I patched it?

Signs include a changed password you do not remember, unfamiliar games in your library, or charges on your linked payment method. If you suspect a breach, change your Nintendo password when ready and check your payment account for unauthorized charges. Contact Nintendo Support if you find evidence of unauthorized access.