- 2 days ago
The Switch 2 is probably at the top of the list for someone you know and Phil is here to help you out! In this video, we’ll walk you through how to set up your Switch 2 audio, display, and parental control settings to get the best possible experience. And if the Switch 2 is a gift for a young child, we have the perfect tips to help you set up the console before it’s gifted so there’s no tears on Christmas morning!
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TechTranscript
00:00The Nintendo Switch 2 has been the biggest console launch in history, and whether you
00:04own one already or are buying it for someone else, this episode of Setup Essentials will
00:09help you get the most out of it.
00:11From the best settings to the best games and best Switch 2 accessories, this video will
00:15cover a lot, so go ahead and show some love before we get started by hitting that subscribe
00:21button.
00:22Now, let's get into it.
00:24I want to start with a quick PSA for the parents out there who are buying a Switch
00:282 for your kid.
00:29First off, you're already amazing.
00:31Your kid is going to lose their mind when they see it.
00:33But here's the catch.
00:34Chances are, a brand new Switch 2 is going to need an update out of the box.
00:40And trust me, no one wants to spend their first morning with their console watching a loading
00:45bar.
00:46So, here's my pro tip.
00:48You're actually going to, very carefully, unbox and set up the Switch 2 before gifting
00:53it so that it's immediately ready to play.
00:56Step 1.
00:58Load up the console.
00:59We recommend keeping it plugged into Nintendo's included AC adapter during this process so
01:05it doesn't lose power during setup.
01:08Step 2.
01:10Connect to the internet.
01:11This will prompt the software updates.
01:14Step 3.
01:15Optional, but parental controls.
01:18If you're buying for your kids and want to limit the types of games they can buy or how long
01:22they can play for, you'll want to set this up here.
01:26And finally, a bonus step.
01:27If you're buying digital games only, make sure at least one is installed.
01:32Once it's updated and ready, pack it back up, wrap it, and take all the credit for being
01:37the best gift giver of the year.
01:39Now, let's get into how to actually make the most out of your Switch 2.
01:44If you're someone who plays your Switch 2 in handheld mode a lot, you're probably wondering
01:48how to make your Switch 2 battery life last longer.
01:51There are a couple of settings you can change immediately, such as lowering the brightness,
01:56limiting haptics, or putting your console into airplane mode.
01:59However, there's another feature that many people don't know about, which is the auto
02:04update feature.
02:05If you're playing in docked mode, it's okay to turn this on.
02:08But if you're someone who plays in handheld a lot, keeping this turned on will drain battery
02:12overnight, more than you might think.
02:15I would suggest turning this off to save battery life and just manually check for updates.
02:20Speaking of battery life, you're going to want to make your console's battery last
02:24for years to come.
02:26And there's a setting that keeps this in mind.
02:28At the bottom of System Settings, scroll down until you see Stop Charging from 80 to 90%.
02:34I would turn this on for the sake of your Switch 2's battery long-term performance.
02:40So what display settings should you go ahead and change on your Switch 2?
02:44I would go ahead and make sure 120Hz output is enabled.
02:48Because some games, such as Hollow Knight Silksong and Metroid Prime 4, support higher refresh
02:54rates.
02:55Then, ALLM is great for making sure when you're gaming on your TV, you get the lowest latency
03:01possible when using your controller.
03:04The Switch 2 is an LCD screen.
03:06And although burn-in isn't as common as with OLED panels, I would make sure to turn on
03:11burn-in reduction to help minimize the chances of getting it.
03:15Better to be safe than sorry.
03:16Lastly, I would make sure TV resolution and RGB range is set to Automatic, so your TV resolution
03:24and color info is correctly displayed when you're gaming.
03:28The Switch 2 is Nintendo's first console to support up to 4K resolution with HDR support
03:34when docked.
03:35And if your TV supports this, you definitely want to make sure to set it up.
03:39Go to Settings, select Display, and make sure HDR is turned on.
03:46Then at the very bottom, select Adjust HDR and follow the prompts to find the best HDR settings
03:54for your Switch 2.
03:56Now depending on your TV, this might not actually give you the HDR performance you're looking
04:01for.
04:02There's actually been quite a few problems with the Switch 2's HDR.
04:05And honestly, I could make a whole separate video on that, but instead I'll link a really
04:10great explainer on it in the description.
04:13The next setting we're going to look at is how to make your Switch 2 sound the best.
04:18Under Audio, make sure Audio Output Source is set to Automatic and TV Sound is set to Automatic
04:25too.
04:26This will detect whatever audio setup you have with your TV or monitor to make sure everything
04:32is working correctly.
04:33The Switch 2 also supports Virtual Surround Sound, allowing the system to apply spatial
04:38effects when you're playing your console.
04:41To turn this on, go to System Virtual Surround and Headphone Virtual Surround.
04:48Feel free to select Test Output if you want to make sure it's working correctly.
04:52Make sure you make adjustments to your microphone here if you plan on playing games that support
04:57it or use game chat.
04:59You can manually choose a mic as well as make adjustments to see how it sounds.
05:04Lastly, and this is super important, is the Audio Headphone Setting.
05:09If you're using headphones and the Switch 2 sound is too quiet, turn this off.
05:14Lower headphone volume is a safety feature for kids so they don't damage their ears accidentally
05:20with audio too loud.
05:21But as a result, headphones can sound really quiet sometimes with the Switch 2.
05:27If you're looking to use your Bluetooth headphones like AirPods, here's how you do it.
05:32In the Switch 2's device settings, go to Bluetooth, Pairing, and look for the new device.
05:39Then put your device into pairing mode, and you're done.
05:42You can now use Bluetooth headphones with your Switch 2.
05:46Now I can't talk about the Switch 2 without talking about game chat.
05:51Nintendo introduced the game chat function alongside this console, so by pressing the C button
05:57on your controller, you can open up the chat menu.
06:00In game chat, you can invite your friends to video call during gaming sessions, so you can
06:05play remotely with your friends wherever they might be.
06:08And it's a great way to have fun, especially during multiplayer games.
06:12Now let's get into the fun stuff, the games.
06:16Nintendo has been launching Switch 2 games pretty steadily, so I'll go over my top recommendations.
06:21But first, let's talk about Switch 2 Edition games.
06:25There are a bunch of existing, super popular Switch games that have received updates optimized
06:31for Switch 2, and these are called Switch 2 Edition games.
06:35Some titles got dedicated Switch 2 versions that take the original game and provide benefits,
06:40like updated graphics, frame rates, and new content.
06:43So, if you're shopping for someone who owned the original Switch, keep an eye out for the
06:48Switch 2 Edition label.
06:50You might want to hold off on buying those versions until you know for sure the person you're buying
06:55for doesn't already have it.
06:57Because they can pay just $20 to upgrade their existing game to get those benefits, versus
07:03paying $80 for the whole game new.
07:07One more thing to keep an eye out for when shopping for games is this game key card logo
07:13at the bottom like you see here.
07:15This means this game is not on the cartridge, but rather when you insert the cartridge into
07:21the Switch 2, it will prompt you to download the game.
07:25Going back quickly to what I was talking about at the beginning of this video, if you're gifting
07:29this type of game to anyone, I would consider downloading it first onto the console when
07:34setting it up.
07:36That way, it's ready to be played right out of the box.
07:40The best family game for Switch 2, hands down, is Mario Party Jamboree Switch 2 Edition.
07:46As I mentioned previously, this is a Switch 2 version, so if you already own the original,
07:52you can pay $20 in the Nintendo eShop to get the upgraded visuals and the new modes.
07:57With Mario Party, you select a map and play game board style as up to 4 players roll the
08:03dice to move to different spots and battle it out in different minigames.
08:07Whoever gets the most stars, wins the game.
08:10The Switch 2 Edition brings even more minigames, support for the Switch 2 camera, mouse controls
08:17and so much more.
08:18With the improved graphics too, Mario Party Jamboree Switch 2 Edition is the definitive version
08:24of one of the best Mario Party games ever made.
08:28Donkey Kong hasn't had an open world game since the N64, but 26 years later, he's back
08:34and packing a punch.
08:36No, really, he's packing a crazy punch.
08:39This is Donkey Kong Bonanza and it's my recommendation for the best single player game on the Switch
08:452.
08:46You can explore various worlds by punching your way through landscapes and obstacles as
08:50you try to find hidden Banandium gems to upgrade your ability and fill your hunger for bananas.
08:57It's a fun, refreshing new take on the Donkey Kong franchise that will have you wanting to
09:02punch your way through each nook and cranny to find as many treasures as possible.
09:07For the best looking Switch 2 game, I'm going to give it to Cyberpunk 2077.
09:12It's wild to think this massive open world RPG is running on a handheld, but somehow CD
09:19Project Red pulled it off.
09:21The visuals and HDR performance of this game are incredible, both in graphics and performance
09:26mode.
09:27Cyberpunk feels like a sci-fi Grand Theft Auto with terrific gameplay, side quests and exploration.
09:34It has an awesome story and first person shooter gameplay, but parents keep in mind, this
09:40game does have an 18 plus M rating.
09:43For the best multiplayer game, I have to go with Mario Kart World.
09:48This game reinvents the Mario Kart formula by adding more players, new items, and even
09:54an open world mode where you can drive around and explore freely.
09:58It's fun for playing locally with your friends and family, but also for playing with people
10:03around the world.
10:04With so many different tracks, modes, and characters, this will keep you busy for years
10:09to come.
10:10If the person you're gifting for is probably going to play a lot of multiplayer games with
10:14their friends and people around the world, you're going to want to get the Nintendo Switch
10:18Online Membership Plus Expansion Pass.
10:20For $50 a year, this grants you not only the ability to play online with these people, but
10:25also the ability to play old retro games from consoles like the SNES, NES, Game Boy Advance,
10:32and more.
10:33You'll definitely want to pick up a case for your Switch 2.
10:35I've got some great suggestions for you guys, and you can find the link to these in the
10:38description.
10:39I think the RDS Deluxe Case is the best budget option.
10:43Coming in at just $20, this protects your Switch 2 while also leaving plenty of space for
10:47game cards or even the optional game card case accessory that you can purchase separately.
10:53For anyone looking to play a ton on the go, I would pick the Belkin Charging Case.
10:57It comes with a battery, so you can leave your Switch 2 charging while it's inside of
11:02the case.
11:03It even has room for an AirTag, which is so thoughtful and just brings a little more
11:07peace of mind when traveling.
11:08For $70, it's a lot of case for the money.
11:11Lastly, if you want the full package, the $135 D Brand Killswitch 2 Ultra Case protects
11:18the entire handheld while adding great quality of life features.
11:22Like grips for the Joy-Con, a dock adapter, a front protector with game cartridge slots,
11:27and even skins you can attach to the controllers to change the color up.
11:31It's the perfect blend of protection and style.
11:35Let's talk controllers.
11:36And I'm not going to lie, the Switch 2 Pro Controller is my favorite controller ever.
11:41This $90 controller is really comfortable.
11:44The buttons and D-pad are great.
11:46There are rear buttons you can program for your games, a headphone jack for audio, and
11:50it feels like the battery life just lasts forever.
11:52And if you're looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, the Power A wired controller
11:57is about $30 while still allowing you to game in style.
12:02That's all for this episode of Setup Essentials.
12:04Although honestly, there is so much more about the Switch 2, I could probably do a part 2.
12:09But hopefully, you at least know everything you need to get started.
12:13On that note, let me know in the comments if you have any favorite Switch 2 tips or tricks
12:18that I didn't discuss in this video.
12:20Be sure to subscribe and hit that like button.
12:22Until next time, my name is Phil Rodriguez, this is Tom's Guide, and I'll see you in the
12:27next video.
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