Nintendo Switch system software

Nintendo Switch system software
  • Top: Home screen of the Nintendo Switch in the Basic White theme as of June 2025
  • Bottom: Home screen of the Nintendo Switch 2 in the Basic Dark Mode theme as of June 2025
DeveloperNintendo
HAL Laboratory
Written inC, C++ and HTML for eShop and online services settings
OS familyProprietary OS, derivative of the Nintendo 3DS system software (containing components which are based on FreeBSD and Android)
Working stateCurrent
Source modelClosed source
Initial release1.0.0 / March 3, 2017 (2017-03-03)
Latest release20.1.5 / June 18, 2025 (2025-06-18)
Available in
  • Chinese (Simplified)
  • Chinese (Traditional)
  • Dutch
  • English (United Kingdom)
  • English (United States)
  • French (Canada)
  • French (France)
  • German
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Portuguese (Brazil)
  • Portuguese (Portugal)
  • Russian
  • Spanish (Latin America)
  • Spanish (Spain)
Update methodDirect download
Platforms
Preceded byNintendo 3DS system software
Wii U system software
Official websitesupport.nintendo.com

The Nintendo Switch system software (also known by its codename Horizon) is an updatable firmware and operating system used by the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 hybrid video game consoles. It is based on a proprietary microkernel. The user interface (UI) includes the game library organized in a horizontal row, with numerous additional options and shortcuts underneath.