Switch 1 games now run at docked-mode performance in handheld play on the Switch 2 through a new firmware update that unlocks the console's hardware potential for backwards compatibility.
Version 22.0.0 arrived March 16 for the Switch 2 and March 17 for the original Switch, introducing a "Handheld Mode Boost" option that makes compatible first-generation titles believe they're operating in TV mode while playing portable. The feature taps into the Switch 2's superior hardware to deliver visual enhancements previously reserved for docked gameplay.
When enabled through System Settings, Handheld Mode Boost causes attached Joy-Cons to be interpreted as a Pro Controller and may affect certain functionality in incompatible titles like Pokemon Let's Go games according to early testing reports. The performance boost leverages the Switch 2's native 1080p display compared to the original console's 720p screen resolution, potentially increasing target resolutions across many backwards-compatible games that haven't received dedicated Switch 2 updates.
Beyond the headline feature, firmware version 22 adds friend list note-taking capabilities accessible through the Nintendo Switch App version 3.3 or higher, with private annotations invisible to other users.
GameChat receives expanded functionality allowing invitations to users who haven't completed initial setup procedures, plus quality improvements for shared game screens during expanded view sessions.
Accessibility enhancements include Text-to-Speech support for Album content and first-time setup text reading, while Airplane Mode now remembers individual Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and NFC preferences between activations.
Storage management gains detailed breakdowns by data type across system memory and microSD Express cards, alongside audio testing tools for Linear PCM 5.1 Surround configurations.
Parental Controls notifications arrive on smart devices when PIN codes are successfully entered on consoles, requiring app version 2.4 or later for push notification functionality. The update marks Nintendo's second firmware release of 2026, following January's stability-focused patch.
