Ver. 9.0.0 For The Nintendo Switch Adds A Bunch Of Interesting Features, Including Online Invites

It's taken over a year and a half, but Nintendo has finally added Online Play Invites to the Nintendo Switch; a feature that's been requested by players pretty much since the popular handheld hybrid console was released all the way back in March of 2017.

The new Ver. 9.0.0 update for the Nintendo Switch, which was made available just yesterday, has added a bunch of features, including Online Play Invites that finally allows players to invite their friends to join them for some online gameplay. 

Nintendo has also, and finally, given the Home button LED a use — as the LED will now alert players when they set up alarms at the date and time of the user's choosing. What's not specified is if the LED will also light up when friends go online or when a player is invited to join online play.

Whatever the case, it is finally nice to know that the LED — which is present in both the right Joy-Con Controller and the Pro Controller's Home button — has finally been given a use similar to that of the Home button on the Nintendo Wii U.

The full list of features included in the Ver. 9.0.0 update for the Nintendo Switch reads as follows: 

Added the following system functionality:

• Added a search feature for the News Channel.
  • Channels can be searched using filters or free text.
• Added “Display QR Code to Check In” to User Settings.
  • You can display a QR Code on-screen to check in using your Nintendo Account.
• Alarm Notifications have been added to System Settings > Notifications.
  • You can check or delete pre-set alarms.
  • Alarms can be set up only within supported software (to be added at a later time).
  • A controller firmware update may be required to use this feature.
• You can now configure touch screen sensitivity settings.
  • Select between Standard and Stylus sensitivity (optimized for stylus input).
• Added the option to turn on/off the system button input (Nintendo Switch Lite only).
  • When this setting is turned off the system no longer receives input from the console buttons, with the exception of the Capture and HOME Buttons, and can only be operated from a wirelessly paired controller (sold separately).
  • This setting is on by default and can only be turned off if a compatible controller (sold separately) is wirelessly paired to the console.
  • The setting will automatically turn back on when the console is restarted or after returning from sleep mode.
• Added “Online Play Invites” section to the User's page.
  • Invites from friends to join online play in supported software will be displayed in this section.
• General system stability improvements to enhance the user's experience.
  • Resolved an issue where some users can’t start the Fire Emblem: Three Houses game, and get an error instead.

A new addition to the Nintendo Switch family will arrive on 9/20. Nintendo Switch Lite is compact and lightweight, making it easy to take on the go! This dedicated handheld device lets you play all Nintendo Switch games that support handheld mode. It will be available in three different colors.