Recently, Nintendo dropped a firmware update for the Nintendo Switch 2. In System Update 22.0.0, players were treated to a range of minor improvements to features such as GameChat and Airplane Mode.
However, Nintendo has also sneakily added a new option called Handheld Mode Boost. While playing on your Nintendo Switch 2 handheld, this feature enables you to play Nintendo Switch games as if you were playing them in TV mode. This means you’ll get to enjoy enhanced visuals while gaming on the go, making the Handheld Mode Boost feel like it should have been more than just a footnote.
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Legends of Pokémon: Arceus
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I didn’t play Legends of Pokémon: Arceus since it was released, and while I’m far from a huge fan of the entry, it showcased the power of Handheld Mode Boost to great effect.
As you can see in the pictures above – and even in the title summary – my Pokémon look cleaner with the new active mode. The likes of Regigigas came out a little pixelated on my Switch 2 at first, leaving features like its frame and mossy parts looking blurry. However, after activating Handheld Mode Boost, those janky edges and hidden details were swept away, and I witnessed a rounded, attractive version of my ‘tale.
In addition, the background elements were visible way better with this new active mode. In the screenshots with my trainer, the bricks and windows appear blurry and poorly defined. But not with Handheld Mode Boost, which went a long way in revealing the complexity of the image.
I thought the game looked a lot better with this new mode, but I have to say, the next title was even more impressive…
Fire Sign: Three Houses
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Of course, I’m pretty blown away by the improvements that Handheld Mode Boost made. Fire Sign: Three Housesone of the most popular creative JRPGs of the modern era.
When I chatted with Marianne, I was immediately struck by how solid her frame looked without boost mode active, with details like her eyes appearing blurry and less detailed. After unlocking the new mode, it felt like I was playing a completely different title. Individual hair was more defined, Marianne’s pupils and irises were more neatly separated, and the overall picture was much improved.
It was a similar story when watching the interaction between Claude and Hilda, with the textures looking softer and cleaner using Handheld Mode Boost. I actually never finished this game, so this new update for Switch 2 gave me a good reason to come back.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
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Last, but certainly not least, we have Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – an amazing fighting game with the most ambitious character list ever.
And here, the benefits of Handheld Mode Boost were clear for me to see, even if the screenshots above don’t do it perfectly. Above all, I’m also pleased to see the textures look more refined with this new mod, with characters like Sonic looking a little rough around the edges.
The changes were more subtle than they appeared Fire Sign: Three Housesbut the new mode has made a big difference. Especially since some of my favorite fighters, like Mewtwo and Sephiroth, look neat and polished now. But it wasn’t just the high quality frames and character models that I enjoyed; and it was more detailed text and icons, which looked much clearer thanks to the Handheld Mode Boost.
This update has really helped me enjoy some of my Switch games in a new light, so will you be giving it a try for yourself? Let me know in the comments!
The best Nintendo Switch 2 games you can play right now
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