The latest system firmware 5.0.0 has dropped for the Nintendo Switch, while its Parental Controls mobile app got updated in tandem with the console. The Switch’s new update includes a multitude of quality-of-life improvements to the system, apropos of a singular major addition.
The latest system software includes new user icons based on ARMS and the Kirby series, friend recommends from social media, extra tie-ins to the similarly refreshed Switch Parental Control app, among other updated aspects. Players are also able to update the firmware on their Joy-Con controllers, presumably to prepare for April’s launch of Nintendo Labo, which will make use of the Joy-Con’s features in particular.
An additional fix was provided to a recent playtime glitch select players were experiencing that saw playtime counts on Switch games from last year’s March launch reset to zero. The full patch notes follow below via Nintendo.
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Facebook and Twitter friends that also use Nintendo Switch can now be added through Friend Suggestions
- Friend suggestions are based on the Facebook and Twitter accounts you have linked to your Nintendo Account
- To view your friend suggestions, from the top left of the HOME Menu head to your User Page > Friend Suggestions
- You must be 13 or older to use this feature
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Select from 24 new ARMS and the Kirby series icons for your user
- To edit your user icon, head to your My Page on the top left of the Home Menu > Profile
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Digital software purchases made from a PC or smart device will start downloading sooner than previously, even if the Nintendo Switch console is in Sleep Mode
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Filter News to view only unread news or news from specific channels
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To keep the Parental Controls PIN private, the default method for PIN entry has been changed to entering using the Control Stick and buttons instead of the on-screen number pad
- When prompted to enter you Parental Controls PIN, press and hold the + Button to change between input methods
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Captured videos in the Album will be restricted by Parental Controls depending on the Restricted Software setting and Software Rating Organization
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Using the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app, add specific software titles to your whitelist to exclude them from the console’s Parental Controls Restricted Software setting
- Play-Time Limit restrictions will still apply even when the software title has been whitelisted.
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Receive notification when pre-purchased software is ready to play
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Nintendo Switch Pro Controller grip colors will now display in the Controllers menu
General system stability improvements to enhance the user’s experience, including:
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Resolved an issue that caused Play Activity to display incorrectly in the Profile section of your User Page
Yesterday also saw the update of the Switch Parental Controls app, which alluded to a Switch 5.0 firmware. It arrived on cue one day later. The app’s 1.5.0 update adds in Touch ID or Face ID, a whitelist feature so users can control what games are not affected by controls, and bedtime alarms have been extended until 11:59 PM.
