Nintendo have just launched their latest firmware (22.0.0) for Nintendo Switch 2, possibly the biggest performance update ever applied to a Nintendo system.
For those who update, a new option in settings allows users to enable "Boost" mode, which will allow Switch 1 games to run at 1080p and with no framerate restrictions while in handheld mode, which for people like me is a major plus given I use mine on the go.
Backward compatibility has always been a major part of what makes Nintendo's handheld consoles so beloved, usually allowing at least one generation prior to use games on the latest hardware. Switch 2 is essentially just a more muscular version of its forebear, and given the popularity of the Switch 1, the second best-selling console of all time boasting sales of over 155 million units, that's a lot of users to tempt over.
Improved graphics and performance will certainly help.
While the update has only been available for hours at this point, several outlets are already gushing over improvements to many Switch 1 titles - Smash Bros. character select screen looks noticeably better, Metroid Prime Remastered has a much crisper HUD and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 in particular really popping.
When I looked at the Nintendo Switch 2 on launch day, I was impressed that the Switch 2 could improve the experience on older games, but this is genuinely another level of performance for those of us who make the most of the consoles portability. If you have a Switch 2, this update should make you very happy, and if you don't, you've just been given another solid reason to consider getting one.
