Nintendo Updates Switch Firmware So Users Don't Have To Rely On Twitter, Facebook To Transfer Media

Nintendo Co., Ltd NTDOY released Monday an updated version of firmware for its Switch console that gives the users the ability to transfer screenshots and videos from their console to a smartphone or PC.

What Happened: The Ver. 11.0.0 of the software allows wireless transfer of screenshots and videos from Album on the Switch console to smart devices, Nintendo said.

Users can transfer a maximum of 10 screenshots and one video capture at one time. The connection between the devices can be made by scanning a QR code on the console’s screen using a smart device.

With the new system update on #NintendoSwitch, you are now able to wirelessly transfer photos and videos from your Nintendo Switch to a smartphone for easier sharing!https://t.co/FHsNV9djsE pic.twitter.com/unXPYkNej1

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) December 1, 2020

Alternatively, users can also connect to a personal computer via a USB cable and copy screenshots and videos saved under Album. Connection through the dock is not supported.

Nintendo has also added a new trending feature to the User page, which allows players to check the games their friends are playing or have started playing recently.

Why It Matters: The new transfer mechanism is less cumbersome than the previous method of having to upload images and video to the platforms of Facebook Inc FB and Twitter Inc TWTR, the Verge reported.

Kyoto-headquartered Nintendo expects to sell 24 million Switch handheld consoles for the year ending March 2021, which is 26% higher than a previous projection of 19 million devices.

Newly launched Sony Corporation’s SNE PlayStation 5 and Microsoft Corporation’s MSFT Xbox Series consoles are in high demand but the companies are struggling to cope with keeping a steady supply.

Price Action: Nintendo OTC shares closed 1.36% higher at $70.95 on Monday.