In a surprise move, Nintendo released a Switch 2 update that gives the hybrid handheld a huge power boost for Switch 1 software. Alongside the upgrades given to the lineup since launch, you can now enable boost mode, unlocking Docked Mode performance for handheld mode.
After going through a sizable number of Switch 1 games, here’s what you can expect for your favorite games on Switch 2!
What is Boost Mode?
Nintendo describes this ‘Handheld Mode Boost’, saying the following on the official support site:
When enabled, Handheld Mode Boost causes the performance of Nintendo Switch software while undocked to run as if it were being played in TV mode.
It essentially enables the Docked Mode profile for Switch 1 software and activates that for handheld play on Switch 2. This will allow games to reach higher resolutions and frame rates, ensuring that image quality has significantly improved for Switch 2’s bigger screen.
Documented Findings
Before going into the lengthy list of games, a huge shoutout to the entire Punching Up Community at the Last Stand Media Discord for helping with this research. Special thanks to AstroParrot, Azoth, RayCharzard, TheSlayerGiant, and renocon for offering their findings for this article.
Other information comes from outlets like Good Vibes Gaming, Nintendo Life, and SwitchUp, so a huge shoutout to them as well.
Nintendo First Party:
- Mario Bros Wonder (SW1 Edition) – Native 1080p
- Super Mario 3D All Stars – Native 1080p for Mario Galaxy and Mario Sunshine
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Native 1080p
- Mario & Luigi: Brothership – Higher Resolution & Stable 30 FPS
- Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD – Higher Resolution
- Luigi’s Mansion 3 – Higher Resolution
- Xenoblade Series – Substantial Resolution Boosts
- Pokemon Legends: Arceus – Improved Image Quality & More Stable 30 FPS Cap
- Pokémon Sword & Shield – Significantly Improved Image Quality
- Kirby Fighters 2 – Native 1080p
- Kirby Returns to Dreamland Deluxe – Native 1080p
- Metroid Prime Remastered – Improved Image Quality
- Fire Emblem: Three Houses – Sharper Image Quality
- Fire Emblem: Engage – Sharper Image Quality
- Astral Chain – Substantially Sharper Image Quality
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity – Higher Resolution
- Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 – Higher Resolution & More Stable 30 FPS
- Bayonetta 3 – Higher Resolution Target and More Stable 60 FPS
- Bayonetta 2 – Sharper Image Quality
Third Party:
- Sonic Frontiers – Sharper Image Quality & More Stable 30 FPS Cap
- Sonic Superstars – Better Image Quality & Load Times
- Sonic Origins & Sonic Mania – Better Image Quality
- Sonic Forces – Better Resolution
- Persona 5 Royal – 900p Resolution Target
- Persona 4 Golden & Persona 3 Portable – Native 1080p
- Persona 5 Strikers – Higher Resolution & More Stable 30 FPS
- Kao – Improved Image Quality
- Monster Hunter Stories 2 – Sharper Image Quality
- Monster Hunter Rise – Higher Resolution (800p or higher)
- Okami HD – Native 1080p
- Crash N. Sane Trilogy – 720p Resolution (originally was 480p in Handheld Mode)
- Crash Team Racing Nitro Fueled – 720p Resolution (originally was 480p in Handheld Mode)
- Spyro Reignited Trilogy – Sharper Resolution and Can Turn off Motion Blur
- Dragon Quest XI S – Sharper Image Quality (800p)
- Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory – Native 1080p
- Doom (2016) – Better Resolution and More Stable Frame Rate
- Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition – Native 1080p, but cannot access the Murfy’s Touch Levels in Boost Mode
- Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle – Native 1080p + 60 FPS
- Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope – Higher Resolution
- The Sinking City – Improvements to Image Quality
- Kingdom Come Deliverance – Major Improvements to Image Quality
- Batman: Arkham Knight – Image Quality Slightly Improved, but Crashes when switching between Boost and Standard modes.
Indie:
- Bomb Rush Cyberfunk – Native 1080p & Locked 60 FPS
- Freedom Planet 2 – Native 1080p
- Little Kitty, Big City – Higher Resolution
- Lumines Remastered – Native 1080p
- Another Crab’s Treasure – Higher Resolution
- Oddworld Strangers Wrath HD – Native 1080p
