The Nintendo Switch 2 has had a generally pretty good run so far since its launch back in June of last year, and it’s getting even better with today’s update that includes a new Handheld Mode Boost. This week, Nintendo pushed out an update that added Handheld Mode Boost to the Switch 2, and this mode is specifically focused on upgrading the visual experience for original Switch 1 games.
Some games have been refreshed prior to this update. As certain developers have pushed out patches that lets their games take advantage of the Switch 2’s hardware and upgraded features. Some games have had whole Switch 2 editions released. Such as Tears of the Kingdom. While others have just been left in their initial state. Even untouched Switch 1 games still good on the Switch 2 though, but this new mode specifically targets handheld mode as opposed to docked.
Handheld Mode Boost for the Switch 2 lets Switch 1 games run at 1080p in handheld
For lovers of original Switch games this new feature is a huge boon. It’s not quite the same as having a Switch 2 edition released, but it’s a nice middle ground. Essentially, this mode attempts to run original Switch games in the 1080p resolution they would get if the Switch 2 was docked. Except you’re able to get that resolution while the console is in handheld mode. For people that prefer to play their Switch 2 in this way, this is a big step up for visual fidelity. Provided the mode works as intended. It’s not clear if it’ll be a huge difference in all games. However, it should still be an improvement, even if only slightly.
If you have a Switch 2, then you should have the version 22.0.0 update available for your hardware. Once you have that installed, you’ll likely also be asked to install an update for the Switch 2 joy-con controllers. After that, you can find Handheld Mode Boost in the settings.
Once inside the settings, go to system settings, and then t Nintendo Switch Software Handling. Inside this menus is the toggle for Handheld Mode Boost. While this should improve the visuals in a lot of games, it also has drawbacks. Nintendo says the Switch 2 can consume more power while this feature is active. So you want to keep that in mind. The Switch 2 battery life is already low in some cases. Particularly if the game you’re playing is resource intensive.
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