Ever since the Nintendo Switch's release, fans have found that updates for the system have been somewhat enigmatic. On a fairly irregular schedule, Nintendo will bump big updates to the console without any mention of them, while instead making sure to mention smaller updates simply focused on "stability." But just earlier this month, dataminers found supposed evidence of the Switch Pro and a new Dock in one of these stability updates.
What also caught the eyes of many fans from that update was evidence of Nintendo enabling audio support for the Switch's Bluetooth driver, causing fans to speculate as to whether bluetooth audio support could be coming to the system. Now, a new 12.0.1 firmware update has dataminers making more interesting discoveries in a similar stability update.
Over on Twitter, established Nintendo Switch datamine reporter OatmealDome posted notes about dataminer yellows8's deep dive into the new Switch firmware update. OatmealDome notes that while Nintendo simply mentions a "stability" update in the official patch notes, yellows8's own Nintendo Switch update bot, ylws8bot, found that OS components for Bluetooth, BSD Sockets, and the swear words list were updated.
OatmealDome also gave a simplified explanation of BSD sockets, which they explain are used to contact Nitnendo's servers to create connections over the internet. OatmealDome explains that these can do anything from utilizing an internet connection to connect to the Switch's eShop, to connecting with others for online play. While it still remains unclear what exactly was changed about this OS component, some fans are hopeful that Nintendo could be updating its servers for online play. A couple of months ago, Nintendo was rumored to be updating its 20-year-old online multiplayer system, as it utilizes a new server system for Monster Hunter Rise, and now, Pac-Man 99.
While some fans were hopeful that an updated swear words list meant a messaging system could be coming to the Switch, OatmealDome explained that this kind of update is nothing out of the norm, as the system has even been updated to not allow words like "COVID." Bluetooth seems to be the biggest mystery in this update yet again, as fans speculate whether they'll be able to connect their own wireless devices to their current Switch consoles soon, or have to way for a Switch Pro for such a feature.
Rumors, supposed leaks, and speculation on a Nintendo Switch revision continue to run rampant as Switch fans clamor for a more powerful and capable console. Nintendo is confirmed to appear at this year's all-virtual E3 experience in June, so it should be interesting to see what it has to announce there.