Nintendo has released 22.0.0 firmware update for the Switch 2 that adds portable mode boost feature to original Switch games

Nintendo released system update version 22.0.0 for Nintendo Switch 2 on Monday (March 16, 2026). The main new feature allows games from the original Nintendo Switch to run with improved performance in the new console’s portable mode. The feature forces the console to run as if it were in TV mode, even when used handheld. Isso results in higher resolutions and better use of the Switch 2’s 1080p display.

Players using compatible titles without specific patches for the latest hardware now experience visual and performance gains. Antes of the change, many games were limited to settings equivalent to 720p, which caused stretching on the larger screen. With the option enabled, processing increases significantly during dockless use.

The functionality appears in the system settings. Usuários need to access the menu Sistema and then Gerenciamento from Software from Nintendo Switch to activate the feature. Nintendo included a detailed description on the device itself about possible impacts on some games.

How to Enable Zoom in Portable Mode

The process requires updating to version 22.0.0. Após install the firmware, go to system settings. Selecione the section dedicated to managing compatible software. Ative the option to increase in portable mode for selected games or in general.

Initial tests indicate visible improvements in several titles. Jogos that achieved dynamic resolutions in docked mode now maintain similar standards on the handheld. The Switch 2’s 1080p display displays sharper details without significant loss of quality.

Visual and performance benefits observed

Many games from the original catalog have resolution close to 1080p in portable mode. Isso fixes the previously occurring forced upscale issue. Frame rates remain more stable in titles that depended on docked configurations for better performance.

Compatibility covers most Switch 1. Títulos games that have already received dedicated updates for Switch 2 continue to work normally. The feature automatically applies to supported software when enabled in settings.

Limitations and restrictions of the new feature

Some games face impacts to specific features. The mode can disable the use of the touch screen, as it simulates the TV environment. Controles Joy-Con 2 are recognized as Pro Controller, which changes movement or touch commands in certain titles.

On-screen instructions occasionally do not correspond to handheld use. Nintendo recommends disconnecting Joy-Cons to use other compatible controls. In specific cases, touch or gyroscope-dependent features are limited or unavailable.

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Other new features included in update 22.0.0

The version brought improvements to GameChat, allowing you to invite friends to active rooms. Usuários now fast forwards or rewinds videos by 10 seconds in the Notícias and eShop apps with ZL and ZR buttons. Opções automatic upload in Álbum include cropped videos and edited captures.

Additional language support has arrived for speech-to-text, including Portuguese from Portugal and Russian. The function Texto to Fala now reads contents in Álbum and during initial setup. Distribuição of storage by data type gained detailed visualization on internal memory and Express microSD.

General system and accessibility improvements

System stability has received improvements for better user experience. Modo Avião allows you to save preferences for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and NFC, with individual activation via quick settings. Notificações of Controle Parental PIN are sent to the app on smart devices.

Geographic region has been expanded to include Sudeste Asiático along with Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Coreia from Sul. Animações when loading virtual game cards in Menu HOME have been updated for greater fluidity.

Concurrent updates to the original Switch

Version 22.0.0 also reached the original Nintendo Switch. Mudanças include revamped text and animations when loading virtual cards. Notas about friends in Lista of Amigos can be saved and edited by the Nintendo Switch app in version 3.3.0 or higher.

Successfully entered PIN notifications are sent to the app from Controle Parental in version 2.4.0 or higher. General Estabilidade has been improved for previous generation console users.

The update strengthens support for the Nintendo hybrid ecosystem. Jogadores with the extensive library of the original Switch comes to new life in portable mode titles on the most powerful hardware.