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How to turn on dark mode on Nintendo Switch

Dark mode can really save your eyes from a lot of strain.

Nintendo switch in dark mode with basic black theme
Image: KnowTechie

If you’re tired of the Nintendo Switch’s bright interface, dark mode may be the solution.

Most devices offer this feature. However, it goes by different names, including night mode and, in the case of the Switch, Basic Black.

Dark mode is an alleged miracle cure for several common problems. For instance, using a darker theme in low light may reduce eye strain.

Dark mode may also lower blue light exposure, helping to keep your circadian rhythm in tune. Additionally, using a dark-themed interface can help conserve your device’s battery life, as a darker screen uses less power.

How to turn on the Nintendo Switch’s dark mode

The Nintendo Switch, by design, doesn’t have a feature that it explicitly calls ‘dark mode.’

Instead, you are able to change the overall user interface of the console from a white background to a black background, which accomplishes the same thing.

Here at the KnowTechie office, we coined it as ‘Nintendo Switch Night Mode,’ because hey, it switches from day to night, just like our screens do.

So, let’s show you how hot to turn on night mode or dark mode on the Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo switch in dark mode with basic black theme

Although Nintendo does not officially feature ‘dark mode,’ opting for the Basic Black theme will transform your Nintendo Switch’s background from white to black. Here’s how to set it up.

Head to settings
Nintendo switch home screen

Select System Settings from the console’s home screen

Change your theme
Basic black theme nintendo switch

Scroll down and select Themes, then Basic Black

Hello dark mode

And there you have it, your Nintendo Switch should show display a blacked-out design.

While this isn’t technically dark mode, changing to the Basic Black theme will change your Nintendo Switch’s background from white to black.

The Switch’s Basic Black theme has one serious side effect

After switching to dark mode, you may notice that your Nintendo Switch’s UI looks much better than before. This is a known side effect of enabling darker themes on electronic devices.

It’s nothing to be concerned about, so sit back and embrace the change. If, however, dark mode is too slick for you to handle, you can switch back to the standard theme and enjoy your white-bread life.

Wrapping up – Dark Mode everything

While the Nintendo Switch doesn’t have a traditional ‘dark mode,’ it does offer a Basic Black theme that can give users a similar experience.

This theme can be manually activated through the system settings, providing a visually soothing alternative to the standard bright display. However, the console currently lacks features like automatic scheduling or a quick shortcut for this mode change.

Yea, annoying, we know.

So, why not take the plunge and switch things up with the ‘Basic Black’ theme? For now, it’s the closest thing you’ll get to a dark mode.

While you’re still here if you need to outfit your Switch with some of the hottest Nintendo Switch accessories, we have an entertaining roundup of the best Switch accessories. Buckle in, though; there’s a lot in it, so we apologize in advance.

FAQs (frequently asked questions)

Is dark mode better for your eyes?

The jury is still out on that. Dark mode can indeed cut down on glare and reduce blue light exposure, which may help with digital eye strain, especially in low-light conditions. This makes it a solid choice for nighttime or low-light use.

However, it’s also important to note that dark mode doesn’t directly reduce eye strain. The contrast between text and background can be a significant factor in legibility, which in turn impacts eye strain. So, in well-lit environments or during the day, dark mode might not offer the same benefits.

Can I schedule dark mode on my Nintendo Switch to turn on automatically?

Currently, there is no feature available to automatically schedule dark mode on the Nintendo Switch. The system does not support automatic transitioning between light and dark modes based on the time of day.

Is there a shortcut to switch to dark mode on the Nintendo Switch?

Currently, there is no shortcut available to switch to dark mode on the Nintendo Switch instantly. To change to dark mode, users have to navigate through the system settings manually.

Is dark mode better for your eyes?

The jury is still out on that. Dark mode can indeed cut down on glare and reduce blue light exposure, which may help with digital eye strain, especially in low-light conditions. This makes it a solid choice for nighttime or low-light use.

However, it’s also important to note that dark mode doesn’t directly reduce eye strain. The contrast between text and background can be a significant factor in legibility, which in turn impacts eye strain. So, in well-lit environments or during the day, dark mode might not offer the same benefits.

Can I schedule dark mode on my Nintendo Switch to turn on automatically?

Currently, there is no feature available to automatically schedule dark mode on the Nintendo Switch. The system does not support automatic transitioning between light and dark modes based on the time of day.

Is there a shortcut to switch to dark mode on the Nintendo Switch?

Is%20there%20a%20shortcut%20to%20switch%20to%20dark%20mode%20on%20the%20nintendo%20switch?

Currently, there is no shortcut available to switch to dark mode on the Nintendo Switch instantly. To change to dark mode, users have to navigate through the system settings manually.

Is dark mode better for your eyes?

The jury is still out on that. Dark mode can indeed cut down on glare and reduce blue light exposure, which may help with digital eye strain, especially in low-light conditions. This makes it a solid choice for nighttime or low-light use.

However, it’s also important to note that dark mode doesn’t directly reduce eye strain. The contrast between text and background can be a significant factor in legibility, which in turn impacts eye strain. So, in well-lit environments or during the day, dark mode might not offer the same benefits.

Can I schedule dark mode on my Nintendo Switch to turn on automatically?

Currently, there is no feature available to automatically schedule dark mode on the Nintendo Switch. The system does not support automatic transitioning between light and dark modes based on the time of day.

Is there a shortcut to switch to dark mode on the Nintendo Switch?

Is%20there%20a%20shortcut%20to%20switch%20to%20dark%20mode%20on%20the%20nintendo%20switch?

Currently, there is no shortcut available to switch to dark mode on the Nintendo Switch instantly. To change to dark mode, users have to navigate through the system settings manually.

Is dark mode better for your eyes?

The jury is still out on that. Dark mode can indeed cut down on glare and reduce blue light exposure, which may help with digital eye strain, especially in low-light conditions. This makes it a solid choice for nighttime or low-light use.

However, it’s also important to note that dark mode doesn’t directly reduce eye strain. The contrast between text and background can be a significant factor in legibility, which in turn impacts eye strain. So, in well-lit environments or during the day, dark mode might not offer the same benefits.

Can I schedule dark mode on my Nintendo Switch to turn on automatically?

Currently, there is no feature available to automatically schedule dark mode on the Nintendo Switch. The system does not support automatic transitioning between light and dark modes based on the time of day.

Is there a shortcut to switch to dark mode on the Nintendo Switch?

Is%20there%20a%20shortcut%20to%20switch%20to%20dark%20mode%20on%20the%20nintendo%20switch?

Currently, there is no shortcut available to switch to dark mode on the Nintendo Switch instantly. To change to dark mode, users have to navigate through the system settings manually.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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Staff writer at KnowTechie. Alex has two years of experience covering all things technology, from video games to electric cars. He's a gamer at heart, with a passion for first-person shooters and expansive RPGs. Shoot him an email at alex@knowtechie.com

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