Should you buy the Skull & Co AudioStick Bluetooth 5.0 Adapter for the Nintendo Switch

In this episode, we unbox and test out the Skull & Co. AudioStick Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter for the Nintendo Switch.

One of the biggest shortcomings of both the Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite is the lack of integrated Bluetooth Audio. Sure, you can use you wired headphones with your system, but being tethered to your device is so 2012. I know, many people were upset when Apple and Samsung removed the headphone jacks from their devices, but going wireless makes so much sense now. Apple has their own Air Pods, Samsung has their Galaxy Buds, and there are other excellent options for you to choose from. Enter the folks at Skull & Co, who not only have a Bluetooth adapter for the Switch, but you can also use it for other devices as well.

The AudioStick is not the first Bluetooth adapter for USB-C ports, but it definitely has some unique features. First of all, the AudioStick itself is a self-contained unit which will plug directly into your Switch or Switch Lite. There are several adapter plates included to precisely fit the Switch or Switch Lite with or without cases installed. A short USB-C male-to-female pigtail is also included, making it easier for you to connect to different devices as well. A USB-A to USB-C adapter would also be a nice addition, but unfortunately there isn't one included.

One of the nicest features of the AudioStick is the low-latency modes added for use with Apple Airpods, certain Sony Earbuds, and as I discovered in my testing, RayCon E50 earbuds too. You can also pair a maximum of 4 audio devices to the AudioStick and transmit audio to 2 devices at the same time. This is great if you want to have 2 people listen to one source at the same time, such as a USB-C equipped tablet on an airplane. This is super versatile!

Pairing to my RayCon E50's was super simple and took just a few seconds. However, I could not get the AudioStick to pair to my Insignia NS-CSPBTHOL16 Bluetooth Speaker no matter what I tried. So weird! I wanted to pair it to the AudioStick to demonstrate the audio capabilities for the audience, but finally I was able to pair to the Bluetooth input on my Samsung Soundbar. And man, does this sound great! Both my RayCons and my Soundbar quality was terrific, and unfortunately it is really something you have to hear to believe. While I was at it, I plugged the AudioStick into the USB-C port on the front of my PS5, and it worked perfectly as well.

Why It RoX:
- Easily adds Bluetooth audio functionality to your Switch, Switch Lite, PS4 & PS5
- Exceptional sound quality
- Adapter plates ensures a proper fitment on most devices
- Low-latency modes
- Can broadcast to 2 devices at a time
- Under $30

What Could Be Improved:
- Wouldn't pair to my Insignia speaker for some reason
- Tight fit on Switch
- Lower-profile would be nice

Should You Buy One?
If you are a fan of using Bluetooth headphones, this is a must-have for those who have a Switch, Switch Lite, PS4 or PS5. While the focus is on the Switch, the fact this does work with the PS5 from the box is exceptional and eliminates the need to buy Sony's expensive 3D headphones for the PS5. Audio quality is superb, through my RayCon E50s or Samsung Soundbar, and the low latency mode is legit awesome. I really wish the Switch and PlayStations had this sort of Bluetooth functionality baked into them, it's really a bad design that they don't. Skull & Co. should be commended for the quality of the AudioStick, it is simple to install and simply works.

#NintendoSwitch #SkullAndCo #AudioStick #AirPods #Raycon #GalaxyBuds

The footage used in this review are used under the Fair Use laws, referenced below:

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/107

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(1) the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;
(2) the nature of the copyrighted work;
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The fact that a work is unpublished shall not itself bar a finding of fair use if such finding is made upon consideration of all the above factors.
(Pub. L. 94–553, title I, § 101, Oct. 19, 1976, 90 Stat. 2546; Pub. L. 101–650, title VI, § 607, Dec. 1, 1990, 104 Stat. 5132; Pub. L. 102–492, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3145.)