The latest Nintendo Switch system software update, firmware version 12.0.1, just came out for both the basic Switch and the Switch Lite models. Have you updated yet?

Attack Of The Fanboy reports that the update, fresh off the assembly line, aims to improve general system stability and enhance the overall user experience. So far, the patch doesn't come with additional features, and it comes after the last major patch which came out November of last year. That last patch, called update 11.0.0, was notable because it finally allowed players to copy media such as screenshots and videos to the handheld console.

This latest Nintendo Switch system software update also comes after a less major one, version 12.0.0, which was released last April for the Switch and Switch Lite, according to Nintendo Everything. That patch was considered a small one compared to 11.0.0, because it only aimed to fix an issue concerning save data backups, which was quite rare.

You can download the update from Nintendo's official website.

Read also: Nintendo Switch Pro Rumor: NVIDIA Graphics Card To Come For New Switch Model This Year

What Does The New Nintendo Switch Software Update Do?

There's no lengthy patch notes list coming with update 12.0.1, but for now, that's no surprise with Nintendo. Its last major patch for the Switch and Switch Lite, update 11.0.0, had a pretty big list of changes, reports Nintendo Everything.

That one added two new features to the popular handheld, namely one that downloads backed-up saves automatically, and a 'Trending' option added to the User Page, which helps users check what their friends have been playing recently. Perhaps one can say that they changed so much stuff with the last update, they "ran out" of things for the next one.

General stability upgrades are all that Nintendo Switch system software update 12.0.1 does. But maybe it's for the best, as the console has had glaring software issues in the past. For one, an update released last year automatically shared user data without permission. Several Switch owners had to scramble for a way to turn that off.

Related: Cyberpunk 2077 On Nintendo Switch? Apparently It Works With This Google Stadia Hack! Here's How

Should You Update?

It's always advisable that when an official update for your device comes, you should take it. As for game consoles (even handhelds), they require constant updates to help prepare them for the flurry of new games releasing every generation. And sometimes, even updates not coming from the device's manufacturer can have really great effects on performance and compatibility with other devices, such as smartphones and tablets. 

This was evident around two years ago when Switch owners were advised to download a certain Android software update that made their handheld console compatible with a wide variety of Android devices. Any Android and even iOS powered gadget can now play mobile games using console quality controllers, including the Switch's Pro Controller.

So, the question remains: should you update? Of course! You don't want your console to have software stability issues when you're playing your favorite games on the go.

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Jai Barnachia