The Nintendo Switch 2 is just a few hours away (and already available in some regions), so now's the time to prepare for the console's day-one update, which is required to access a lot of the console's features. It was previously reported that some s with early access to the console were unable to play Switch 1 games on the new device, and the need for the console's day-one update was ultimately confirmed to be the problem.

The announcement and marketing cycle for the Switch 2 has been surrounded by controversy and a series of divisive Nintendo decisions, like hitting over 20 million console sales, a lot of fans are eagerly awaiting the console's launch. The contentious announcement and fallout since have created a lot of misinformation about the console and its release, but one thing is clear: the day-one update is required for many core functions of the system.

The Switch 2's Day-One Update Is Required For NSO & More

It's A Sizable Amount Of Content To Lock Behind A Patch

The day-one update is now available to , and there's a lot of content locked behind it, so you may want to make sure your internet connection won't be interrupted as you unbox your Switch 2. The day-one update is a required to play backwards-compatible Switch 1 games, Nintendo Switch Online, Virtual Game Cards, digital-only games, Game-Key Card titles, and more. Day-one updates have become the standard, but launch-day plans should be made with this in mind.

A few Switch 2 consoles have already been wild, but not very many, and early reports that the Switch 2 was completely "bricked" until launch day were ultimately proven false. The console can play physical Switch 2 games that have all the data on the cartridge, like Cyberpunk 2077's Switch 2 release, out of the box, but that's about all it can do without the update.

Everything In Nintendo Switch 2 Version 20.1.1 Update

The Ability To Play Switch Software Is Listed In The Patch Notes

Nintendo's official patch notes are a little humorous, with a bullet point that states, "Use of Nintendo Switch software," as an addition to the console in regard to backwards compatibility on Switch 2. Some other "unlocks" behind the update are a little less surprising, like not having access to the Nintendo eShop and Nintendo Switch Online, which would require internet to access anyway. Game-Key physical games, which require cartridges that act as keys for a digital , are locked behind the update, likely striking a nerve with some fans who are already upset about the preservation of games.

One big note that could be frustrating for anyone without a consistent internet connection is the lack of microSD Express Card if you don't update the console. The console has 256GB of internal storage, and while ordinary SD cards could be used for the Switch 1 for expansion, the special Express cards are required to store extra data for Switch 2. It's not likely that many fans will fill up their Switch 2 on day one and ignore the update, but it's still a point worth considering.

There are other features in the update as well, most of which enable for online features. The full list of patch notes is as follows:

• Nintendo Switch 2 Version 20.1.1. You can now take advantage of various features of the Nintendo Switch 2, including network functions:
  • Use of Nintendo Switch software
  • Nintendo Switch Online
  • Game Chat
  • Sharing News
  • Transfer all
  • Virtual Game Cards
  • Nintendo eShop
  • Game News
  • screenshots and videos to the server. (You will need the Nintendo Switch App to view screenshots and videos ed to the server)
  • With some exceptions, using network functions requires linking to a Nintendo
  • If you want to use Nintendo Switch 2 software provided with a key card, you will need to update the console.
  • If you want to use a microSD Express card, you will need to update the device.

The Nintendo Switch 2 will prompt s to update their device when booting up the console for the first time, and if you decline, you will be again prompted to update if you try to access any feature that requires the update. Having a day-one update is nothing new in the modern era of gaming, but having one required to even play backwards-compatible and Game-Key Card games is virtually unprecedented. It remains to be seen how the servers will handle the influx of s ing the update for launch, but hopefully, everything will go smoothly.