Nintendo Switch 2 Update Adds Performance Boost for Original Games

If you’ve recently upgraded to the Nintendo Switch 2 and revisited games from the original Nintendo Switch, you may have noticed a difference in visual fidelity. Nintendo’s latest system update, version 22.0.0, introduces a fresh feature designed to bridge that gap, enhancing the performance of select original Switch titles to better utilize the Switch 2’s capabilities.

How Handheld Mode Boost Improves Performance

The Nintendo Switch 2 features a 1080p display in handheld mode, an upgrade from the original Switch’s 720p screen. The new “Handheld Mode Boost” setting allows certain original Switch games to render at up to 1080p resolution when played in handheld mode. This feature similarly enables games to grab advantage of the Switch 2’s improved hardware, resulting in better overall performance compared to the original Switch – and even the Switch 2 before the update.

The Handheld Mode Boost isn’t automatically enabled; users must activate it through the Switch 2’s System Settings. Navigate to System, then Nintendo Switch Software Handling, where you’ll find the option to toggle the feature on or off.

Downsides to Handheld Mode Boost

While Handheld Mode Boost offers performance improvements, it does come with trade-offs. The most significant is increased power consumption, which will reduce the Nintendo Switch 2’s battery life. The feature essentially puts the console into TV mode, which can introduce compatibility issues.

Specifically, touchscreen input may be disabled in games when Handheld Mode Boost is active, as touchscreen functionality isn’t typically enabled in TV mode. If using Joy-Con 2 controllers, they will function as a single Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller, potentially causing issues with in-game features that rely on individual Joy-Con functionality. Users can opt to use a third-party Switch 2 controller or the official Switch 2 Pro controller instead.