Switch 2 gets handheld boost: performance leap for older games
Nintendo's latest firmware update for the Switch 2 introduces a surprising feature: a "Handheld Mode Boost" that significantly enhances the performance of many original Switch games when played in portable mode. The update, released today (March 16, 2026), allows the new console to emulate docked performance even when on the go.
The addition, subtly tucked away in the system settings, essentially tricks the Switch 2 into believing it's in docked mode, resulting in a noticeable performance uplift for compatible games. While this offers a welcome boost for players revisiting their Switch libraries, Nintendo cautions that some functionalities might be affected. The update also brings a suite of other improvements, including enhanced friend notes and GameChat features.
What's new in the switch 2 update?
Beyond the Handheld Mode Boost, the 22.0.0 update includes several quality-of-life improvements. Users can now add notes to their friend list (private to the user, of course), and the Nintendo Switch App has been updated to allow viewing and editing those notes. GameChat receives enhancements like the ability to invite more friends and improved video sharing. Accessibility options are expanded with Portuguese (Portugal) and Russian support for voice-to-text, and text-to-speech functionality is now available within the Album and during initial setup.
The update also provides a more granular view of storage usage, allowing users to see how space is being consumed by different data types. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC settings in Airplane Mode can now be individually managed, and parental controls now offer a notification when a PIN is successfully entered. Stability improvements throughout the system aim to provide a smoother overall user experience.
Interestingly, the original Nintendo Switch also received a minor update (version 22.0.0), mirroring some of the features introduced on the Switch 2 such as friend notes and improved parental controls.
While the Handheld Mode Boost is a welcome addition, the accompanying notes regarding potential functionality limitations are a notable caveat. This update underscores Nintendo’s continued commitment to supporting its existing game library, even as it pushes the boundaries of what's possible with its next-generation console. The user experience will be altered.