Nintendo has just released System Update Version 22.0.0 for the Nintendo Switch 2. This update is being called one of the most significant firmware drops since the console launched in June 2025, because of its great feature Handheld Mode Boost. This is a long-requested capability feature that allows compatible original Nintendo Switch games to run as if they were docked, even while you are playing in portable mode.
Historically, when you play an original Switch game in handheld mode on the Switch 2, the device would throttle performance just as the original Switch did, which results in dropping resolution, frame rate, and GPU clock speeds to match the handheld power envelope. The main problem is that Switch 2 features a significantly larger 7.9-inch 1080p screen compared to the original Switch's 6.2-inch 720p display.
When a game renders at a lower handheld resolution and is then stretched to fill that bigger, sharper display, the result is visibly blurry and degraded. Seeing this, fans had complained about this issue since launch day, but now with Handheld Mode Boost, Nintendo has finally addressed it. With the feature enabled, the Switch 2 unlocks the full TV Mode performance profile for compatible Switch 1 games, which provides higher resolution, better frame rates, and improved GPU utilization.
Games like Persona 5 Royal, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Dragon Quest XI S have already been tested and this test proved sharper and smoother gameplay in portable mode after enabling this setting. These titles previously looked blurry on the larger screen; this is essentially a free visual upgrade with no game-specific patch required.
To enable Handheld Mode Boost, navigate to System Settings → System → Nintendo Switch Software Handling and toggle it on. It takes effect immediately and can be toggled off at any time if compatibility issues arise with a specific title. Because this mode forces the console to behave as if docked, certain features — most notably touchscreen functionality — will be disabled while the mode is active. This situation has already noted by Nintendo.
Additionally, users should be aware that running games at higher performance levels will consume more battery, so expect reduced playtimes when Handheld Mode Boost is enabled. Beyond this feature, Update 22.0.0 brings a wave of quality-of-life improvements across the board. The "GameChat system", which is a Nintendo's Discord-like in-console voice and screen-sharing feature, that received multiple upgrades.
You can now invite friends directly into GameChat rooms you are already participating in, including friends who have not yet completed the initial GameChat setup process (with some exceptions for supervised accounts). The quality of the shared game screen when expanded in GameChat has also been notably improved by also addressing one of the most common criticisms since launch where screen sharing appeared choppy or low-resolution.
One of the more personal new features is the ability to save private notes about friends in your Friend List. These notes are completely invisible to your friends and only you can read and edit them. This feature even syncs to the Nintendo Switch App on your smartphone once it is updated to version 3.3.0 or higher.
The "Automatic Uploads" feature in Album has been expanded to include clip videos, videos saved as screenshots, and even screenshots with added text, making content creation and sharing more seamless for content creators and social sharers alike. This update also strengthens accessibility features. Portuguese (Portugal) and Russian have been added to the GameChat Voice-to-Text language list. This expands the feature's reach to millions more players. The Text-to-Speech system under Accessibility can now read content in the Album and during the console's first-time setup process.
Storage management gets a meaningful upgrade as the Switch 2 now provides a detailed breakdown of storage capacity by data type, which separates game data, system data, screenshots, videos, and other content — for both internal system memory and the microSD Express card slot. This new storage feature can help users to easily identify what is acquiring more space and decide what to delete or move.
Another modification is that the "Airplane Mode" settings now save your previous Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC preferences, so when you toggle Airplane Mode back off, your device reconnects exactly how you had it before, which means no need to re-enable each connection type manually. You can also now individually control Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC directly from Quick Settings while in Airplane Mode.
This update even brings help for parents. For parents, the "Nintendo Switch Parental Controls" app (once updated to version 2.4.0) will now notify you when the "Parental Controls PIN" is successfully entered on the console even including a push notification option. This helps parents stay informed about when children are unlocking access to restricted content.
Audio enthusiasts also get a new perk, which brings to a new audio test feature that has been added when "Linear PCM 5.1 Surround" is selected for TV Sound in Audio Settings. This lets users verify their surround sound setup is working correctly before launching a game. In terms of controller firmware, Update 22.0.0 also includes a controller update. When you install the system update, the Switch 2 will prompt you to update your Joy-Con 2 controllers as well.
Anyways, what are your thoughts on this latest update of Nintendo Switch 2? Do you think these updates will provide a smooth gameplay journey in long term? Let me know all your answers in the comments, where you can also provide the latest news so I can make a breakdown of it.