A new feature called handheld mode boost is now available on Nintendo Switch 2, but system owners will not be able to use it until they toggle it on. Since the system’s release last June, Nintendo Switch 2 has seen a steady stream of new updates to improve the system’s performance. Nintendo has also made numerous changes to ensure that the majority of games released on the original Switch can still be played on the newer system.
Nintendo Switch 2 has quickly amassed a sizable playerbase, with more than 17 million units sold so far. It’s safe to say a lot of Switch 2 owners were Switch 1 gamers that upgraded. After so much time on the market, Switch established an impressive library, and people continue playing those older games even as new Switch 2 exclusives like Pokemon Pokopia sell very well.
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How to Enable Handheld Mode Boost on Nintendo Switch 2
A newly released update for Nintendo Switch 2 has added handheld mode boost, which allows original Switch games to be played as if the system were in docked mode. This means that any game that has improved visuals when the game is docked will see that same upgrade when the system is being played in handheld mode. While Nintendo mentioned this new feature in the patch notes released alongside this most recent update, details about handheld mode boost were kind of hidden, and no details were offered about how to enable it. Those that want to turn the feature on will have to go into the system settings section on the home screen, then head down to the section marked “system.” In the system section, users will now find an option titled “Nintendo Switch software handling.” Once that’s been clicked, users will find the option to toggle handheld mode boost on.
It should be noted that there are reasons handheld mode boost is an option on Nintendo Switch 2, as opposed to something enabled by default. For one thing, since the system is mimicking docked mode, the user loses out on handheld specific features. Most notably, the touch-screen will be disabled while the feature is enabled. Users that frequently play touch-screen heavy titles like Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics will have to swap back and forth, depending on what games are being played. Handheld mode boost’s improved visuals also come with a weaker battery life, which is already one of the more notable drawbacks of Nintendo Switch 2. It’s possible we could see these trade-offs addressed in a future update, but users should keep all of this in mind when using this option. Nintendo has also stated that the mode will not result in any improvements for Switch 2 exclusive games, and the actual improvements for Switch 1 games will vary.
Despite the potential drawbacks, Nintendo Switch 2 users seem pretty happy about the addition of handheld mode boost. It seems like this will make a huge difference for specific games, and there are already plenty of videos showcasing the difference once the option has been enabled. There are some people that are unhappy that handheld mode boost wasn’t available at launch, but most fans just seem excited that this is finally an option. In a short amount of time, there have been a lot of Nintendo Switch 2 upgrades released for Switch 1 games. However, there are countless games that haven’t received them, and might not ever get that treatment. An option for Switch 2 owners to get the visual improvement of docked mode while still having the freedom of handheld mode is at least a nice consolation prize.
