Club Benefits
Nintendo Switch 2’s latest system update introduces a surprising but very welcome new feature: Handheld Mode Boost. And trust me, you’ll want to make use of it.
Admittedly, the name is a little clunky, but when enabled, it allows your Switch 2 to run compatible Nintendo Switch 1 games as if they were in “TV Mode.” Still confused? Essentially, the Switch 2’s extra power is used to boost the visual resolution of Switch 1 titles when played in Handheld Mode. This means you can play these games at 1080p, a noticeable upgrade from the original Switch’s 720p handheld standard.
This is a pretty significant upgrade, and it’s available for free to all Switch 2 owners via a system update. If you want to make use of this new feature, here’s how to enable it in just a matter of seconds.
Article continues belowHow to use Handheld Mode Boost on Switch 2
1. Check Switch 2 system version
Firstly, ensure your Switch 2 is updated to the latest system version. Head to “System Settings,” then scroll down to the “System” submenu. At the top, you’ll see “System Update” and the “Current system version” listed.
As of writing, this needs to be the latest version 22.0.0 to enable Handheld Mode Boost.
To update your system, select “System Update” and follow the on-screen instructions. Naturally, you’ll need an internet connection for this.
2. Navigate to System Settings
If your Nintendo Switch 2 is all up to date with the latest system version, here’s how to turn on Handheld Boost Mode.
From the console’s home screen, navigate to “System Settings.” This can be found in the lower nav bar, and is easily identifiable by its icon, a small cog.
3. Scroll to System
Once in “System Settings,” scroll down until you reach “System.” This should be located at the very bottom of the list.
4. Find Nintendo Switch Software Handling
Now in the “System” submenu, scroll down until you locate the “Nintendo Switch Software Handling” option (it’s just above the “Serial Numbers” option). Click on it.
5. Enable Handheld Mode Boost
After selecting “Nintendo Switch Software Handling,” you’ll be presented with a toggle that allows you to enable (or disable) Handheld Mode Boost. Now switch it on, and you’re all done!
Are there downsides to enabling Handheld Mode Boost on Switch 2?
There’s no such thing as a free lunch, and there’s also no such thing as a Switch 2 performance upgrade without at least a few sacrifices. While Handheld Mode Boost will make Switch 1 games look better than ever when playing in portable mode, there are a few downsides.
Firstly, Nintendo states that the feature “may also increase the console’s power consumption during gameplay.” In short, your Switch 2’s battery could drain faster, and considering the hybrid console's battery life is already a sore spot for many users (including yours truly), this is a caveat to consider.
Other drawbacks include some on-screen instructions being incorrect (as the software is tricked into thinking you’re playing in TV Mode rather than in handheld), and the Switch 2's touch screen functionality is also disabled. Also, any attached Joy-Con 2 controllers will read as a Switch Pro Controller.
Finally, it should be noted that this feature has no impact on the performance of Nintendo Switch 2 software. The best Switch 2 games won’t get an upgrade if this option is turned on. It's solely to boost the visuals of Switch 1 games.
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