Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch Update 20.4.0
Nintendo just released firmware version 20.4.0 for both the Switch 2 and the original Switch, and the official word from Nintendo is as straightforward as ever: “general system stability improvements to enhance the user’s experience”. That phrase, nearly a meme among longtime Switch owners, has become their go-to for minor updates, and this new one is no exception—don’t expect flashy new features, overhauled menus, or anything game-changing in the OS. On Twitter, Nintendo Support (@nintendo_cs) announced the rollout of system version 20.4.0 for Nintendo Switch 2, noting that the update brings bug fixes and improved system stability.
Behind the scenes, dataminers like OatmealDome did spot minor under-the-hood tweaks, especially for the first-generation Switch, where the controller-handling code and the web browser received quiet tune-ups, potentially improving performance or plugging small security gaps. On Twitter, Nintendeal (@Nintendeal) shared that firmware version 20.4.0 is now available for both the Nintendo Switch 1 and Nintendo Switch 2.
For those who just picked up a Switch 2, released worldwide back in June, this marks another in a steady stream of stability patches that Nintendo’s famous for, keeping both machines as reliable as possible even years into their lifespans.
System updates like this often go unnoticed. Still, veteran fans will remember times when a supposedly “boring” stability patch wound up quietly solving long-standing issues, making favorite games run a touch more smoothly, or even paving the way for unexpected quality-of-life enhancements in later updates. There’s nothing new for backward compatibility this time—though Nintendo has improved support for older titles on Switch 2 in recent months, just not with this patch.
While it’s tempting to poke fun at the generic language and the almost ritual nature of these updates, there’s value in knowing Nintendo is still out there, quietly working to keep everything running solid and secure, whether someone’s logging their first Animal Crossing hour or just racking up another night with Smash Ultimate. It’s not the kind of thing that makes headlines, but it’s a steady, familiar part of life for anyone in the Switch ecosystem—one quick download, a little more “stability,” and back to playing.
