Nintendo Unleashes “Handheld Boost Mode” for Switch 2 in Latest Update

Nintendo has just dropped a significant new system update for both the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, and version 22.0.0 brings a feature players have been eagerly waiting for: Handheld Boost Mode.

Previously, games on the Switch 2 had specific performance restrictions depending on whether the console was docked or in handheld mode. This new update essentially blurs those lines. While the exact technical details of how the boost is applied are still emerging, the feature allows the system to allocate more power when playing in portable mode, potentially leading to smoother frame rates or faster load times on the go.

This isn’t just a performance patch, either. The 22.0.0 update also adds a small but welcome social feature: the ability to save personal notes about your friends directly on your Friend List. It’s a simple quality-of-life addition to help you remember how you met that great Splatoon teammate or which friend is currently obsessed with a particular RPG.

For those who primarily play in handheld mode, this update could be a game-changer, making the portable experience feel closer than ever to playing on the big screen.