Nintendo just fixed the most annoying thing about playing original Switch games on the Switch 2.
The latest Switch 2 system update (version 22.0.0) includes a new “Handheld Mode Boost” that forces older games without a “Switch 2 Edition” to run in higher 1080p resolution, as if they were in docked mode. With the mode enabled, many original Switch games that previously looked soft and distorted because they ran at 720p resolution should look much better on the Switch 2’s screen.
To activate this mode, just dig into System Settings, scroll down to System, then thumb down to near the middle of the page, where you’ll see the option for Nintendo Switch Software Handling. Toggling the “Handheld Mode Boost” option forces all OG Switch titles to run at the full 1080p.
Left, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (left) running on Switch 2 with the Software Handling setting off; right, the game running with the setting turned on. © Nintendo; screenshots by Gizmodo
Handheld Mode Boost causes a host of other side effects. Since games are running as if they were docked, the Switch 2’s Joy-Cons are treated as a Switch 2 Pro Controller. In order to use another controller when you have the handheld on your desk, you’ll need to detach the controllers first. This mode may also limit users from controlling games with the touchscreen.
These small tradeoffs don’t impact games all that negatively, especially compared to the benefits. There are several games, even many published by Nintendo, that lack any update to bring them up to Switch 2 standards. One of the main standouts is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The game running at 720p appears with jagged edges around characters and scenery. At 1080p, the image is far more crisp, and it still runs at a respectable frame rate.
Left, Bayonetta 2 with Handheld Mode Boost setting turned off; right, the game with Handheld Mode Boost on. © Nintendo; screenshot by Gizmodo
The difference in some games can be subtle. I turned the setting on for a game like Bayonetta 2, and found there were subtle differences in the sharpness of characters and screen geometry with the setting turned on. Bayonetta’s guns and legs displayed awkward jaggies with the Handheld Mode Boost turned off, but appeared slightly more refined with the setting turned on. Some games may benefit more than others. Platinum Games’ 2019 game Astral Chain looks much better with the 1080p update compared to the setting turned off.
Handheld mode onLeft
Handheld mode offRight
Astral chain looks incredible in handheld finally!!! pic.twitter.com/nYzhKW3rGF
— Chris V (@djchrisv) March 17, 2026
The one issue I ran into is switching back and forth between Handheld Mode Boost and the default Software Handling mode. In a few instances, this locked my controls and forced me to restart the software. The option is good enough; you can leave it on in most cases. There are many other original Switch games that already support native Switch 2 versions. Last month, Team Cherry released a free update for the original Hollow Knight to support 1080p resolution. Major Nintendo titles like Super Mario Odyssey also support the Switch 2 natively, despite not receiving a full Switch 2 Edition like Kirby and the Forgotten Land or Super Mario Party Jamboree.
The 22.0.0 Switch 2 update also adds new animations when loading virtual game cards and allows friends to invite each other to GameChat sessions without everybody needing to set up the feature. If you were looking for something to do with your original Switch other than selling it, you could toss it to your young child, load up the new My Mario app, and let them waste time there while you finish up all those OG Switch games you never got around to.
Source: Gizmodo