Nintendo has introduced some updates for its Nintendo Switch 1 and 2 consoles, however, one major update stands out for the Switch 2.
With the Ver. 22.0.0 update released on March 16, 2026, Nintendo added “Handheld Mode Boost” to Nintendo Switch Software Handling in System. This new mode will cause compatible Switch software to run as if in TV Mode, so certain functionality may be affected. This could also potentially affect the resolution of compatible games, moving them from 720p to 1080p.
This has no effect on Switch 2 games, but that’s still great for those who updated to the Switch 2 and have access to Switch 1 games.
With this update, anyone who plays the device in Handheld mode will reap the same benefits as those who play strictly in TV mode. Of course, this also means that the Switch 2 will now use more power while playing in this new Handheld Mode Boost. When the Switch 2 is docked, the device detects that it is connected via USB-C and provides a higher wattage, which allows better performance per the built-in profile. This could also introduce more heat, so the Switch 2 may run a bit hotter....
