Handheld Mode Boost: Switch 2 gets better resolution for Switch games
Play on the go as if you were sitting in front of the TV: Thanks to Handheld Mode Boost, the Switch 2 can play Switch 1 titles with better resolution.
(Image: Nintendo)
The Switch 2 gets better graphics on the go for Switch 1 titles: In "Handheld Mode Boost", the Switch 2 plays its games on the move as if it were docked to the TV. This means: Many titles run at a higher resolution because they finally utilize the Switch 2's 1080p screen instead of outputting 720p.
The first Switch was only equipped with a 720p screen. Games for the console therefore target this resolution in handheld mode. Only when the Switch is connected to the TV via the dock are the games output in Full HD. The problem: The Switch 2 has a higher-resolution screen and more power. However, titles that have not been specifically adapted for the new Nintendo console do not take advantage of this – they continue to run at 720p resolution in the handheld mode of the Switch 2.
The Handheld Mode Boost puts an end to this. Games now utilize the Switch 2's Full HD display in handheld mode. They are simply displayed as if you were playing the first Switch on the TV. The result is a significantly higher resolution, but also likely higher battery consumption.
Touchscreen is deactivated
The Handheld Mode Boost on the Switch 2 is therefore not always activated by default. Users can manually turn it on or off in the options. In fact, Nintendo mentions further disadvantages of Boost Mode in a support entry: Because the Switch 2 is blindly tricked into thinking it is connected to a TV, the touchscreen may also be deactivated. Joy-Cons 2 are also treated as Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controllers, Nintendo writes.
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The new feature is part of Update 22.0.0 for the Nintendo Switch 2, which has been distributed since March 16. Other improvements include updates for GameChat and a more detailed breakdown of storage space on the console.
(dahe)
