Nintendo Switch 16.0.2 Firmware Update Out Now, Includes Hidden Changes

Nintendo has released new firmware for the Switch. And while Version 16.0.2 is light on specific changes, dataminers have uncovered a few unlisted changes that are worth noting. As usual, Nintendo's patch notes are lacking in specifics, citing only "general system stability improvements to enhance the user experience."

According to dataminer OatmealDome, the update added the word "adhd" to the Japanese bad word list, but not to any other languages. It also changed the SSL module, which is a part of the software that handles establishing secure connections to servers. It's unclear what those changes will actually do on a system level.

The previous firmware update, 16.0.1, came out in March, and also listed only "general stability improvements" in its patch notes. However, dataminers revealed that that update rearranged the bad word list to reduce false positives, as well as adding and removing certain words across various languages. That update also made changes to the Background Content Asymmetric Transmission (BCAT) system, which appears to fix bugs. The update before that came in February.

The Switch has sold 122.5 million units as of December 31, 2022, making it the third best-selling console of all time.