The firmware of the Nintendo Switch has been upgraded once again. This version, however, is rather little, consisting of only a few tweaks to the previously released Version 16.0.3.
To fix bugs or prevent problems from getting out of hand, it is now standard practice for console makers to issue patches and updates to their hardware often. Since its release in March 2017, the Nintendo Switch has received several updates, most of which have been “stability and performance tweaks” delivered in conjunction with the launch of a new title.
However, a few pleasant surprises have been tossed in, such as the option to organize programs into folders and the freedom to assign any function to any button. The constant stream of fresh downloadable Switch icons and wallpapers is also noteworthy.
When compared to other updates, this one to 16.0.3 is relatively tiny. There is no need to restart your machine, and Nintendo hasn’t even announced any patch notes. Instead, information on the fix was made public by data miner OatmealDome on their official Twitter account.
The only significant change included in this update was reverting Version 16.0.2’s decision to remove the word “ADHD” from the Japanese bad words list. OatmealDome claims that “reboot less” updates like this one typically do not enhance system stability.
Below is a link to the tweet that was posted by OatmealDome:
[Nintendo Switch Firmware Update]
A rebootless update for 16.0.3 was released.
The bad words lists were changed. It appears Nintendo removed several words, though some were also added for Japanese.
Notably, “adhd” was removed from the Japanese bad words list. https://t.co/ZY0u0kcz8J
— OatmealDome (@OatmealDome) May 30, 2023
Nintendo has always seen its first-party games as the more family-friendly alternative to Sony and Microsoft’s. Its games and systems generally forbid profanity in user-generated content, while games like Tomodachi Life included exceptions, and Miitopia openly permitted swearing in character catchphrases.
However, “ADHD” is not a curse word. Therefore, it is unclear why it was banned in the first place. Perhaps the company intended to prevent its use as an insult. Still, they realized it wasn’t worth the effort after seeing how many individuals were willing to seek out and celebrate their differences actively.
This May, the month that saw the release of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, saw multiple updates for the Nintendo Switch. The release of that game was weeks ago, so perhaps new information is on the way, potentially teasing or even gearing up for the release of other titles or an update on the long-rumoured Switch successor.
But given Nintendo’s track record, I wouldn’t put anything past them. Follow us on our official American Tech Journal website to learn more about other new games that will be released shortly.
