The Nintendo Switch 2 recently received a new gameplay mode called Handheld Mode Boost, which improves the visuals of some games, including Pokemon Legends: Arceus. It is subject to the specific game, with some looking better than others, but Pokemon Legends: Arceus is a proven winner.
Nintendo’s latest hardware has been on a generational run, not only offering improvements like better tech, higher resolution, and a larger screen, but the Nintendo Switch 2 also has more exclusive games than the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. With such an emphasis on the future, some companies would rest on their laurels and forget their prior releases, but Pokemon Legends: Arceus is proof that it’s not happening here.
It’s Officially a New Era for the Nintendo Switch 2
With the recent release of Pokemon Pokopia, the official Pokemon on Nintendo Switch 2 era has begun in earnest for fans and players.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus is Basically a Brand New Game with the Handheld Mode Boost
Anyone who has tried playing an older Nintendo Switch 1 game on their new hardware has seen that they can seem blurry and low quality, due to technical discrepancies between these games and the Nintendo Switch 2. With the Nintendo Switch 2 Version 22.0.0 update, the Big N has introduced a mode called Handheld Mode Boost, which, in essence, allows games to think they are in TV mode when they are being played in handheld. This allows games to take full advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2’s higher resolution, when enabled in the settings, and it’s worth noting that Switch 1 games will continue to detect handheld mode and render at the expected resolution whenever this mode is not active.
Find all 10 pairs
Find all 10 pairs
The one noteworthy drawback to take note of is the increased power drain of the Nintendo Switch 2. Its battery already isn’t the best, so it’s recommended that fans only do this in short stints, do not leave it active all the time, and/or play with their hardware connected to a charge. That hasn’t stopped fans from checking it out. As reported by ScreenRant, users have praised the device on Twitter, highlighting how much better it looks now as opposed to before this new game mode.
How Handheld Mode Boost Works
- When enabled, this option causes the performance of Nintendo Switch software while undocked to run as if it were being played in TV mode. While this can result in improved visuals, it may also increase the system’s power consumption.
- The effect of Handheld Mode Boost will vary based on software. Some Nintendo Switch software will be unaffected, and this option has no effect on software for Nintendo Switch 2.
- Because this option forces TV mode operation, some instructions may be incorrect or fail to operate correctly.
- Handheld Mode Boost may prevent Nintendo Switch software from using the system’s touch screen and will cause Joy-Con 2 controllers to be treated as a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.
- To use other controllers, first detach the Joy-Con 2 controllers from the console.
Overall, this is just another great step for the console and the Pokemon franchise as well. With the recent release of Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen on Switch, the confirmation of Pokemon Gen 10 games Winds and Waves, the critical and commercial success of Pokopia, and so many other things like Pokemon Champions, the Nintendo Switch 2 is positioning itself (and the Pokemon franchise) at their strongest ever.
Now is the perfect time to replay Pokemon Legends: Arceus and see how the visuals look with the Switch 2’s hardware, but as importantly, it seems like Pokemon Winds and Waves is going to look very good on the Nintendo Switch 2.
- Released
-
January 28, 2022
- ESRB
-
E for Everyone: Mild Fantasy Violence
