Do wireless headphones work with Nintendo Switch Lite?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Switch Lite
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Switch Lite (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / iMore)

Do wireless headphones work with Nintendo Switch Lite?

Best answer: Yes. Thanks to the 13.0.0 update, you can easily connect your wireless headphones without having to resort to a special adapter or dongle like was needed before.

Nintendo Switch Lite wireless compatibility

Nintendo Switch Lite - yellow

Nintendo Switch Lite Yellow (Image credit: Nintendo)

In this day and age, wireless technology is in higher demand than ever before for electronics. Even though the Nintendo Switch Lite omitted several features from the regular Nintendo Switch like removable Joy-cons with rumble packs, tabletop kickstands, and TV mode (making it incompatible with the Switch Dock), Nintendo is wise enough to retain wireless capabilities for the Switch Lite.

For example, Joy-Cons from the Nintendo Switch can be paired to a Nintendo Switch Lite. This way, you can play some of the best Nintendo Switch multiplayer games without everybody needing their own Switch to play. The Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite did not have Bluetooth built-in at launch, but that was remedied with the 13.0.0 update. Now you just have to take the steps to connect wireless headphones with the Switch, and you're good to go.

The original Bluetooth workaround

Homespot Bluetooth Adapter

HomeSpot Bluetooth Adapter for Nintendo Switch (Image credit: HomeSpot)

Before the 13.0.0 update, Switch and Switch Lite owners had to resort to Bluetooth adapters and dongles to use wireless headsets with the Switch. Thankfully that's all in the past. However, if your favorite headphones won't connect using the new Bluetooth method for some reason, an adapter might still fix the problem for you.

There are plenty of amazing Bluetooth adapters you can use to pair your wireless headphones with the Nintendo Switch Lite. Like the Genki Bluetooth Audio Adapter, for example. This handy gadget can pair two wireless headphones simultaneously for multiplayer purposes and has an extra USB-C port so you can plug in a charger while playing the Switch Lite. Though there is a catch — reviews on Amazon have pointed out a noticeable amount of latency when pairing the Genki with wireless earbuds, and the Genki has a hefty premium price tag.

Another good example is the HomeSpot Bluetooth Transmitter. This adaptor can pair with wireless headphones and Airpods with little to no latency; it has a built-in microphone and features dual audio channels for multiple headphones. You can adjust the codec frequency for the optimal auditory experience. However, the HomeSpot doesn't have an extra USB-C port to plug in a charger while playing like the Genki, and HomeSpot can't fit over protective cases.

With these options, you will be able to communicate with your friends online or in the same household as you play your games. So grab your favorite headphones, plug in your Bluetooth adapter, and enjoy gaming on the Nintendo Switch Lite.

Rebecca Spear
Gaming Editor

Gaming aficionado Rebecca Spear is iMore's dedicated gaming editor with a focus on Nintendo Switch and iOS gaming. You’ll never catch her without her Switch or her iPad Air handy. If you’ve got a question about Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda, or just about any other Nintendo series check out her guides to help you out. Rebecca has written thousands of articles in the last six years including hundreds of extensive gaming guides, previews, and reviews for both Switch and Apple Arcade. She also loves checking out new gaming accessories like iPhone controllers and has her ear to the ground when it comes to covering the next big trend.