UPDATE:
As some of you have noted, there are indeed sounds when you have the Switch out of its dock. We’ve updated the article to note this distinction.
Original Story:
Like most of you, I’ve had my Nintendo Switch for just over a month now. Despite investing dozens of hours into saving Hyrule and blazing down the tracks in FAST RMX, every time I return to the home screen, I simply cannot get over how quiet the OS is without headsets! That’s an important distinction. When your Switch is docked, by default, the Nintendo Switch’s OS is whisper quiet, unless you quickly select something. Then you’ll hear a faint click noise, confirming your selection. If you have the Switch out of the dock, you’ll hear various selection and scrolling noises. Otherwise, nothing.
Now, if you have headsets on, that’s a completely different story. You’ll find that scrolling does make some noise! In fact, the Switch even makes a little bit of noise while loading the eShop. There’s no actual music to accompany your eShop browsing experience, but I guess Nintendo wanted something special for you while you wait? I’m not sure why. The Switch is chock full of puzzling decisions.
It’s weird and incredibly bothersome trying to edit a video I made of the home screen and wondering why my speakers are busted, only to remember that the OS is just that quiet. Why Nintendo chose to put selection sounds for headsets only is even weirder. I’ve looked through the settings menu, but there’s nothing there to indicate that there should be noise without headsets. Why there are scrolling sounds when you’re using one of the Switch’s handheld configurations, but nothing in docked mode is another question. Hopefully, if we make enough of a stink, Nintendo will do something about this.
