Enhance the Nintendo Switch 2's significant audio drawback using audio equipment valued under $100.

Absolutely diggin' my swanky new Nintendo Switch 2! The new Joy-Cons are a dream to hold, and the high-def 4K TV mode on my sweet Samsung S95D makes my gaming sessions even more immersive. However, one minor annoyance rears its head - the speakers on the Switch are positioned on the bottom, leaving me with muddy audio when I play in bed or propped up on a pillow.

Not to worry, though! I've got some top-notch tips for you to upgrade your Switch 2's audio in handheld mode, and all the suggestions fall under the bargain-priced $100 tag. Let's dive into the goodness!

Slap on a Pair of Bluetooth Headphones

The Switch 2's Bluetooth implementation is one of the best among current-gen consoles. Unlike the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, the Switch 2 can connnect to any pair of Bluetooth headphones, streaming game audio wirelessly. This is a game-changer, my friend!

You can cop some of the finest wireless headphones for under $100, guaranteeing no unwanted dongle action blocking your USB-C or headphone port. Even if your favorite 'phones don't natively support spatial audio, a virtual 360-degree audio option exists in the Switch 2's settings, which I found worked like a charm during my Rune Factory battles and Mario Kart races.

There are a couple of restrictions, though. You can't use the mic in your headphones as a headset mic, and if you stray a bit further from the Switch while wearing your headphones, the connection can get a bit spotty. Still, these issues are minor compared to the boost in audio quality you'll enjoy.

Moondrop Edge - $89 (Amazon): Cheaper headphones with amazing sound quality, comfortable design, and good active noise cancellation (ANC). Best of all, they easily connect to the Switch 2 over Bluetooth.

Hook up a Bluetooth Speaker

Sometimes, you might not fancy wearing headphones during your gaming sesh. No worries, partner! It's just as easy to pair a Bluetooth speaker as it is to pair headphones. With the same connection method, you can link up one of the best Bluetooth speakers for a significant bump in sound quality over the Switch's standard speakers.

There are a couple of downsides, though: you'll miss out on the Switch 2's virtual surround sound, and you might find it weird that the game sound comes from somewhere other than your Switch 2. Rest assured - I quickly got past this hurdle, and the virtual surround was never good enough for me to miss it when it was gone.

Connecting a speaker is a piece of cake, and it's a fantastic way to enhance sound if you just ain't feeling the Switch 2's built-in speakers.

UE WonderBoom 4 - was $99, now $79 (Amazon): This $90 Bluetooth speaker is a fantastic, budget-friendly way to make your Switch's sound even more appealing. You can couple two together with a handy button on the speaker for stereo sound during your gaming sessions. It connects to the Switch 2 over Bluetooth with no hassle.

Go Next Level with a DAC

Not satisfyin' with circumventing the speakers with headphones or a Bluetooth speaker? You need a DAC (digital-to-analog converter)! A DAC takes the digital audio signal produced by the Switch and converts it into an analog signal that can then be sent to a pair of wired headphones for improved sound.

The DAC I used was the Chord Mojo 2, which sets you back more than the Switch itself. It connects to the Switch 2 through USB-C, amps up and improves the audio signal, and then sends it to a pair of wired headphones.

You don't need to drool over the Chord Mojo 2 to enhance your Switch 2's audio, though. DACs can be found at more reasonable prices, too. Just be careful with compatibility – since the Switch 2 is brand spankin' new, extensive DAC testing hasn't yet occurred. Nintendo hasn't given us a definitive list of DACs that work with the Switch 2.

I discovered this Reddit thread helpful when figurin' out which DACs worked with the Switch 2. The list is small at the moment, but there are likely plenty that work with the Switch 2.

Using the Mojo 2 was as simple as can be – the Switch 2 even recognized it, named it, and then relinquished volume control. I disengaged virtual headphone surround for better compatibility, and then enjoyed superb sound over my favorite wired headphones. Although this isn't for everyone, cheaper DACs are around and can significantly improve the sound of any headphones you plug 'em into.

Fosi Audio DS2 DAC - $59 (Amazon): This cheap dongle DAC will give your Switch's audio a much-needed boost when you feel like rockin' out with some wired headphones. It connects to the Switch 2 through either USB-C port, so you can still use it even if the Switch is buried in a pillow or sitin' on its foldin' stand.

And that's it, my fellow Switch 2 enthusiasts! By adopting one (or all) of these audioStrategies, you'll elevate your handheld gaming audio experience to new heights. Keep it chill and game on!

Enhance the Nintendo Switch 2's significant audio drawback using audio equipment valued under $100.