Nintendo has introduced a significant new Switch 2 function that improves the efficiency of most Switch 1 video games when performed in handheld mode.
A “Handheld Mode Boost” possibility has been added in right now’s chunky Switch 2 firmware replace, which brings the console as much as model 22.0.0. The function, which is buried on the backside of Nintendo’s patch notes, permits for boosted Switch 1 video games when enjoying in handheld, with efficiency akin to enjoying with the console docked.
A separate (*1*) on Handheld Mode Boost suggests Nintendo has achieved this by merely having your Switch 2 act as in case you had been enjoying whereas docked, even in case you’re not, which does add just a few technical points — detailed in full under.
“Because this option forces TV mode operation, some instructions may be incorrect or fail to operate correctly,” Nintendo notes. The possibility may additionally disable the touchscreen, and trigger the Joy-Con 2 controllers to be handled as a Switch 2 Pro Controller.
Lastly, Nintendo notes that whereas this feature may end up in improved visuals, it would additionally enhance the system’s energy consumption. Fancy giving it a attempt? Just head to the console’s Settings menu, choose “System”, then “Nintendo Switch Software Handling” to toggle it on.
The remainder of right now’s Switch 2 system software program patch notes lie under, and embrace just a few different good additions. These embrace the power so as to add notes about your on-line buddies (which, don’t fret, they will not see), and enhancements to the standard of shared sport display footage on GameChat.
Switch 2 firmware model 22.0.0 (Released March 16, 2026)
- Changed the on-screen textual content and animations once you load a digital sport card within the HOME Menu.
- Added the power to save lots of notes about buddies in your Friend List. The be aware content material is just not exhibited to buddies.
- Added the power to see and edit these notes from the Nintendo Switch App. The app have to be on model 3.3.0 or increased to make use of this function.
- The following options had been added to help GameChat:
- Added the power to ask buddies to GameChat rooms you’re taking part in. Some buddies might not have the ability to be invited, resembling supervised accounts.
- Friends that have not completed GameChat preliminary setup can now be invited to GameChat. Some buddies might not have the ability to be invited, resembling supervised accounts or those that haven’t used a Nintendo Switch 2.
- It might take some time for this variation to be mirrored after updating your console to system model 22.0.0.
- Improvements had been made to the standard of the sport display shared in a GameChat when expanded.
- Added the power to rewind 10 seconds/advance 10 seconds with the ZL and ZR Buttons when watching a full display video in News or Nintendo eShop.
- Added the choice so as to add the next knowledge to “Automatic Uploads” from Album.
- Clip Video, Video saved as a screenshot, and screenshot with added textual content.
- Added Portuguese (Portugal) and Russian to “GameChat Voice ⇔ Speech to Text” languages in Accessibility.
- Text-to-Speech, underneath Accessibility, can now learn the textual content in Album and through first-time setup.
- Added the power to see the breakdown of storage capability by knowledge sort for the system reminiscence and microSD Express card.
- Added the power to carry out an audio take a look at when “Linear PCM 5.1 Surround” is chosen for TV Sound in Audio.
- Changed the “Hong Kong/Taiwan/South Korea” area to “Hong Kong/Taiwan/South Korea/South East Asia” in Device.
- Added “Handheld Mode Boost” to Nintendo Switch Software Handling in System.
- Handheld Mode Boost will trigger suitable Switch software program to run as if in TV Mode, so sure performance could also be affected. Please see the on-device description for extra particulars.
- The following options had been added to Airplane Mode:
- When Airplane Mode is activated, the beforehand set preferences for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or NFC whereas in Airplane Mode will probably be saved and utilized.
- Added the power to individually allow or disable Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or NFC throughout Airplane Mode from the Quick Settings.
- Added the power to see a notification within the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls sensible system utility when the Parental Controls PIN is enter efficiently on the console. This can be set as much as be a push notification to your sensible system.
- The app have to be on model 2.4.0 or increased to make use of this performance.
- General system stability enhancements to boost the person’s expertise.
Finally, the unique Switch was additionally up to date right now, with a shorter checklist of additives:
Switch 1 firmware model 22.0.0 (Released March 16, 2026)
- Changed the on-screen textual content and animations once you load a digital sport card within the HOME Menu.
- Added the power to save lots of notes about buddies in your Friend List. The be aware content material is just not exhibited to buddies.
- Added the power to see and edit these notes from the Nintendo Switch App. The app have to be on model 3.3.0 or increased to make use of this function.
- Added the power to see a notification within the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls sensible system utility when the Parental Controls PIN is enter efficiently on the console. This can be set as much as be a push notification to your sensible system.
- The app have to be on model 2.4.0 or increased to make use of this performance.
- General system stability enhancements to boost the person’s expertise.
Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can attain Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or discover him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
