Nintendo Switch’s latest firmware update is designed to make patching games a smoother process for users who’ve filled out their storage space.
Previously, if your storage space was full when attempting to update a game, you’d need to uninstall something else to free up room for the update files to download.
Following today’s update, if the Switch’s internal storage or microSD card is running out of space when updating, you’ll be able to delete the old files from the game you’re updating first. Naturally, this will mean that the game is unplayable while downloading the update.
We’ve included the full Nintendo Switch update patch notes for version 12.1.0 supplied below. Don’t worry, the usual “stability improvements” are, of course, included as well. Nintendo would never let you down there.
© Nintendo
Nintendo Switch 12.1.0 patch notes
- If there is not enough space remaining on the system memory (internal storage) or microSD card when downloading game software update data, you can now delete old data for that software, enabling you to download the new data.
- When deleting the old data, you won't be able to play the game until the new data has finished downloading.
- General system stability improvements have been made to enhance the user's experience.
Those nebulous stability updates appear to include a firmware update for the Joy-Con controllers, though Nintendo hasn’t divulged the details of what’s actually included for them in the update.
Your console should download the Nintendo Switch 12.1.0 system update on its own, but if you want to check your system version, you can do so from the System Settings menu accessed via the cog icon. Shift down to the System tab and check the number listed under the System Update button. If you’re out of date, click the button to force the console to update.