Nintendo really just silently dropped the biggest backwards compatibility update in the Switch 2's life, and I need to upgrade my setup

I was shocked to find that original Switch games looked somehow worse on the new handheld when I reviewed it at launch, but Nintendo has just released a new Switch 2 update that fixes all that. The new 'Handheld Boost Mode' allows the device to run original games in docked mode, bumping resolution from 720p up to the full 1080p the display is capable of.

Previously, these games were trying to spread an HD picture across a larger FHD display, which meant they ultimately ended up looking blurrier than they did on the original handheld. Today's update has been a long time coming, but also means I'll need to add an extra weapon to my arsenal of the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories.

I've managed to get by without grabbing a dedicated portable charger for my Switch 2 since launch. If I'm playing on the go it's rarely for more than a couple of hours, and I'm generally near a USB-C cable whenever I'm at home. Now, though? It looks like the system's small battery life is going to become a much bigger problem.

The latest update is fantastic news if you're working through a backlog of original releases, but it does come with its battery shortfalls. Nintendo has stated that its new mode will drain your battery faster in original Switch games. It's easy to see why. After all, this is a handheld system doing all the work of the original dock. Portable chargers have been must-buys for those mainlining heavy Switch 2 games away from home, but now it looks like they're going to play a large role in catching up on the backlog as well.

The Nintendo Switch 2 needs at least 30W to be able to charge and play at the same time, but I'd recommend opting for at least 45W of power. To get a full charge after playing on your handheld (essentially three times the battery life of the device itself) I'd recommend something with a little more grunt - 65W will do the trick nicely.

At the sub-$100 price point you're generally looking at either 20,000mAh or 10,000mAh models. The latter will see you through one and a half full Switch 2 charges (allow for one full charge if you're playing at the same time) while the larger model will be able to juice up your device a couple of times in a day. Considering there isn't too much of a price difference between the two these days, I'd recommend going for the big'un.

I found that Nintendo Switch 2 battery life hits at just over two and a half hours in the most demanding games (your Zeldas basically), but lighter OG titles can stretch it far longer than that. If you've been playing these Switch 2 Edition giants since day one and get on fine without a charger, I tip my hat to you. If you've been mostly playing original titles, though, it may be time to invest in a setup upgrade to keep those carts looking fresh.

How to enable Handheld Boost Mode

Handheld Boost Mode is now available as part of Nintendo Switch 2 version 22.0.0. You can push this update through by heading to System Settings > System > System Update. Once set up, head back into the System menu and scroll all the way down to the bottom.

There, you'll find a new option; 'Nintendo Switch Software Handling'. Opening this menu item reveals a toggle for Handheld Mode Boost.

There are some other drawbacks to note. This isn't a raw performance upgrade, instead it's just a workaround for telling the handheld to run as if it were docked. That means some control features might not work as they do in handheld mode and the touchscreen is completely out of the question. The Joy-Con 2 are also treated as a Pro Controller.

• See all Nintendo Switch 2 accessories at Amazon

We're also rounding up the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers and the best Switch 2 cases. Or check out the best MicroSD Express Cards for Nintendo Switch 2 to boost that storage.