Nintendo Drops Firmware Update 22.5.0 – Here’s What’s New (Spoiler: It’s Not a Big Deal)

If you've been eagerly awaiting a revolutionary firmware update for your Nintendo Switch or Switch 2, brace yourself. Nintendo's latest 22.5.0 update is the tech equivalent of ordering a pizza and receiving a single slice of pepperoni. But hey, at least it's better than nothing, right?

Released on June 15, 2026, this update brings "enhanced stability" to both consoles, along with some accessibility tweaks and an eShop facelift. Let's break it down before we fall asleep from sheer excitement.

The Switch 2 Update: Minor Tweaks, Major Yawn

What’s Actually Happening Here?

Version 22.5.0 for Switch 2 adds Dutch and Russian to the "Text to Speech" and "Change Speech ⇔ Text During GameChat" features. Yes, really. That's the headline feature. It's like upgrading your car's sound system to play Taylor Swift in two more languages and calling it a day.

There's also the standard "general system stability improvements," a phrase Nintendo uses so often it might as well be their official motto. According to their support page, this update ensures "the overall experience" is smoother. Whatever that means in 2026 terms.

A Technical Breakdown Even Your Grandma Can Follow

Let me translate this into plain English. Nintendo added two new languages to their accessibility menu so you can hear your games in Dutch or Russian. Cool? Cool. For everyone else who doesn't speak those languages, this is about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. Meanwhile, the "stability improvements" are probably just code patches to fix minor bugs, like accidentally crashing the console when you try to buy a $600 game.

The Original Switch Gets a Makeover – Sort Of

eShop’s New Look: Because Boredom Is Boring

The original Switch's Version 22.5.0 includes a redesigned eShop. Now, the color scheme matches your dark theme settings. Revolutionary. If you're anything like me, you'll immediately forget this exists and keep using the same interface you've had since 2023. But sure, let's pretend this is a big deal.

They've also added the ability to rewind and fast-forward videos in full-screen mode using the ZL and ZR buttons. Finally, a feature that makes sense! If you've ever watched a Nintendo Direct and wanted to skip 10 seconds ahead, this is your moment. Unfortunately, it probably won't help you avoid that 30-second ad for a game you'll never play.

PIN Protection: Because Hackers Clearly Need More Barriers

Here's a fun one: you can now use your User-Verification PIN when accessing the eShop or using saved payment methods. This is like putting a lock on a diary that's already hidden in a vault. Sure, it's an extra layer of security, but if someone's got your PIN, they've already bypassed every other barrier. Still, points for trying, Nintendo.

The March Update: Where the Real Magic Happened (Maybe)

This June update is Nintendo's first since April 2026, but let's not forget the March update earlier this year. That one added "Handheld Mode Boost" and expanded Game Chat features. At least that sounded exciting! Though, if I'm being honest, I still can't figure out what "Handheld Mode Boost" actually does. Probably something to do with making the screen brighter? Maybe?

Nintendo Music Adds Mario Kart World Tracks – Subscription Required, Obviously

In other news, Nintendo Music now has "Free Roam" songs from the Mario Kart World soundtrack. This includes tracks from Super Mario Bros. 1, 2, and 3 playlists. To listen, you'll need a Switch Online subscription. Because nothing says "free roam" like paying $20 a year for the privilege.

This is the kind of update that makes you wonder if Nintendo's music team is just trolling us. "Hey, let's add some free songs! But first, make sure they're locked behind a paid service." Classic Nintendo. Still, the Mario Kart tunes are iconic, so maybe it's worth it. If you're into that sort of thing.

Are You Kidding Me Right Now?

Let's address the elephant in the room. This update feels like it was pulled from a "Top 10 Minor Improvements That Will Change Your Life" listicle. Adding languages to text-to-speech? Great! For the 0.001% of users who need that. Stability improvements? Sure, but what exactly was unstable? Did the console randomly start speaking in Dutch before this update?

And don't get me started on the eShop redesign. If you're redesigning an online store, maybe focus on things like loading speeds or reducing the number of steps to buy a game. Instead, we get a color change. It's like painting a house and calling it a renovation.

How to Update Your Nintendo Switch to Version 22.5.0 (Or Just Live Dangerously)

• Manual Update Method: If you're tired of waiting for auto-updates, head to System Settings > Other > Update System. It's like pressing the "snooze" button on your alarm, except it actually works.
• Check Your Themes: If you're obsessed with aesthetics, now's your chance to see how the eShop looks in dark mode. Spoiler: It's darker. Shocking.
• Enable 2FA Already: While you're updating, why not secure your account? Two-factor authentication is like a digital seatbelt – useless until disaster strikes.
• Test the Video Controls: Watch a trailer in full-screen mode and spam ZL/ZR. You'll either feel empowered or wonder why this wasn't standard in 2017.
• Learn Dutch: Finally, a reason to study that language! "Text to Speech" now supports it. Your commute just got 10% more educational.

The Bottom Line – Updates Happen, Just Not Always Excitingly

So, there you have it. Nintendo's Version 22.5.0 is a masterclass in underwhelming updates. But hey, stability is key, right? If your Switch hasn't randomly crashed in the past six months, this update probably deserves credit. Just don't expect it to revolutionize your gaming experience.

Grab your Joy-Cons, update your firmware, and prepare for a world where your eShop matches your theme and your console maybe-sort-of-works better. Then go play some Mario Kart and pretend you're not overthinking it.