Nintendo Switch Update: Enhanced Portable Graphics at the Cost of Battery Life
Nintendo has reportedly released a system update that introduces a new feature called "Handheld Mode Boost." This innovation aims to enhance the gaming experience by allowing original Nintendo Switch games to run in portable mode with performance comparable to when the console is docked.
The primary benefit of "Handheld Mode Boost" is a noticeable improvement in image quality due to a higher target resolution. However, this comes at a cost: users report a significant reduction in battery life. According to player estimates, activating the feature can decrease battery charge by approximately 25%. For instance, the game DOOM (2016) reportedly ran for 3 hours 43 minutes with the feature activated, down from its usual 5 hours 5 minutes.
"Handheld Mode Boost" functions by making the console operate in portable and tabletop modes as if it were connected to a TV, which naturally increases power consumption. It's noted that the effect of this mode may vary depending on the game, and it is not intended for projects developed specifically for a potential next version of the console (which the original source referred to as "Switch 2").
Among other changes, activating this mode disables the touchscreen, and connected Joy-Con controllers are recognized as Pro Controllers. Additionally, to use other gamepads, the Joy-Cons must first be detached from the console.
Fresh materials — Gaming News
No More Robots' Nine-Year Journey to Releasing Their First Self-Developed IP: "This Sounds So Naive and Stupid, But Somehow It's Working"
It has been nine years since Mike Rose founded the indie game publisher No More Robots. The company has achieved considerable success, partly thanks to its back catalog, which includes the popular bike-riding game Descenders, the inaugural release under the No More Robots banner and a
Blizzard Workers Ratify First Union Contract with Microsoft
Blizzard Entertainment, now under the ownership of Microsoft, has successfully negotiated and ratified its inaugural union contract. This landmark agreement was approved by a workforce vote encompassing just under 1,900 staff members. The newly established contract introduces s
Lego Digital Play Acquires Mobile Studio Offroad Games
Lego Digital Play has officially acquired Offroad Games, a mobile development studio based in the UK. Offroad Games, established by a group of former Space Ape Games employees, revealed the acquisition in a statement on LinkedIn, describing it as a "tremendously exciting new
Arm Unveils Mobile-First AI Reconstruction Technology, Distinct from DLSS 5's 'Black Box' Approach
Arm, the British semiconductor and software design firm, has announced its latest advancements in AI computing at the Arm Everywhere China event in Shanghai. The company aims to establish a comprehensive AI-native computing ecosystem with its new AI-native compute platform CSS for Mob
US Senate Investigates Roblox: Child Safety Under Scrutiny
The US Senate's Crime and Counterterrorism Subcommittee has initiated an investigation into Roblox, expressing concerns that the platform may be prioritizing revenue and user engagement over the safety of children. Senators Josh Hawley and Dick Durbin, in a letter to Roblox CE
Three Epic Veterans Are Building an AI-Powered Game Engine to Break the Industry's Doom Cycle
In the current gaming landscape, Unity and Unreal Engine have long held a dominant position, powering approximately 70% of games released on Steam in 2025. While Godot has experienced notable growth and some major companies continue to utilize proprietary engines like Capcom's RE Engi