We bring you a collection of 17 tricks and tips for the Nintendo Switch with which you can maximize the use of the new console from the Japanese company. These small tips, some quite unknown, will help you get more out of the console and enhance your gaming experience.
As we always say at Xataka Basics, if you think we’ve left out an interesting tip for the Nintendo Switch 2, we invite you to mention it in the comments section. Thus, all readers can benefit from our shared knowledge.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF REPLAYING SWITCH GAMES
The Nintendo Switch 2 is backward compatible , allowing you to play most games from its predecessor. While some titles may receive free or paid updates to better utilize the hardware with graphic improvements, they also enhance older games simply due to the improved hardware. Performance will significantly improve, along with reduced load times, making it a great opportunity to revisit your favorite titles.
LEND A GAME FOR USE ON TWO CONSOLES
You can lend digital games on the Switch 2, allowing a title you own to be played on two consoles. Simply keep in mind that you can’t play on both consoles simultaneously, akin to lending a physical cartridge.
To lend you the game, visit the profile options on both consoles and enter the Online License Settings to activate its use. From the Switch 2 menu, navigate to the Virtual Game Cards section, select your game, and click on the option Load on Another Console. This allows you to send the game to another Switch that’s physically nearby.
USE JOYSTICK IN MOUSE MODE
The Nintendo Switch 2 has controls that mimic a mouse remarkably well, although they may lack good ergonomics . You can use this mouse mode in compatible games or even the main menu. Just detach one of the Joy-Cons and support it on a flat surface to activate the mouse function.
USE ANY OTHER USB MOUSE
If the joystick mouse mode feels uncomfortable, you can also use any USB mouse with the Switch. However, note that only a handful of games support this feature, and it only works when the console is docked, not in portable mode.
EXTEND BATTERY LIFE
Inside the Nintendo Switch 2’s configuration, there’s a unique option that allows you to stop charging when the battery hits 90%. This helps prolong the battery’s lifespan and reduces degradation over time.
To enable this feature, access the Console Configuration, navigate to Console from the left column, and activate the option Stop 90% Battery Charge.
AVOID FORCING HDR
The Nintendo Switch 2 has HDR mode enabled by default for all games. This can result in poor color representation in non-compatible software. Prevent this by setting HDR to activate only in compatible programs.
Navigate to the configuration settings, select Screen from the left column, scroll down, and select HDR Output. Choose the option In Compatible Programs.
DISTRIBUTE WEIGHT FOR HANDHELD USE
Holding the console for an extended period can become uncomfortable due to its weight. However, there’s a small positioning trick that can enhance your comfort.
Simply open the rear stand slightly designed for vertical support, and when holding the console, rest this stand between your middle and ring fingers. It may seem trivial, but you’ll find it significantly easier to manage over long gaming sessions.
USE DARK MODE
The Nintendo Switch 2 features a dark mode, resulting in a darker interface that can help save battery life and reduce eye strain. To enable it, go to the console settings under Themes and toggle between light and dark modes.
FUNNY SOUNDS TO UNLOCK
When you wake the console from sleep mode, it prompts you to press a button three times. While most users may stick to button A for speed, experimenting with other buttons can yield entertaining sounds.
For example, pressing the left or right sticks or the ZL/ZR triggers will produce amusing noises, providing a light-hearted touch to your gaming sessions.
AVOID UNLOCKING THE SCREEN
To skip the unlocking process, navigate to your Switch settings, scroll down to the Console section, and disable Lock the Screen in Sleep Mode. This way, you won’t have to press buttons every time you wake it up. However, for security purposes, it’s wise to activate it whenever you leave the house.
When at home, you may prefer not having to unlock your console, but if traveling, it’s prudent to set a security PIN for added protection. This PIN can be between four and eight digits, allowing you to secure your console.
To set this up, go to the console’s settings, locate the Console section, and enable the Lock the Console option, followed by entering your desired PIN.
DISABLE BUTTON C
The C button on the console can activate game chat; however, you might accidentally press it, which can be quite annoying. Thankfully, you can fully deactivate this button.
Navigate to the console settings, go to the Accessibility section, and in there, select Button Assignment for the right Joy-Con. Here, you can remap the control buttons and set the function of C to None.
SWAP BUTTONS A AND B
If you’re transitioning from another console like PlayStation, you may find it frustrating that the Switch has swapped the functionality of buttons A and B. Fortunately, Nintendo allows you to swap these button functions so that they align better with your expectations.
To do this, visit the Controls and Accessories section in settings and scroll down to find the *option to swap A and B.
MANAGE YOUR CONSOLE STORAGE
Switch 2 titles can consume significantly more space than those of its predecessor, which is why you might find yourself needing additional storage. This can be resolved with MicroSD Express cards , which are faster than regular options.
Make sure to check the configuration section. By entering Data Management, you can transfer data to the MicroSD Express card to free up space. You can also check how much memory is currently being used.
By clicking on Manage Programs, you can see how much space each game occupies, allowing you to make informed decisions about what to uninstall if necessary. Remember, you can always reinstall games later, so there’s no reason to hold onto unnecessary data.
MANUALLY UPDATE THE JOYSTICK
If you encounter specific issues with your Joy-Con on the Switch 2, you can manually update them to download any new firmware versions that might resolve those issues. Go to the Controls and Accessories section in settings and select the option to Update Controls.
In addition, you can update the console and dock in the Console settings. Regular checks for updates can keep your device running smoothly, although notifications for new versions are typically provided automatically.
SWITCH 2 AS AN EXTERNAL BATTERY
In emergencies, you can connect your mobile device to the USB-C port of the Switch 2 to charge it from the console . While it may be a slow charge that drains the Switch’s battery, it can provide crucial power for your mobile when necessary.
TRANSFER SCREEN CAPTURES DIRECTLY TO PC
When managing screen captures on the Switch 2, you can save them directly onto a MicroSD Express card. Alternatively, you can transfer captures directly to a PC compatible with the Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) simply by connecting the console to your PC, making it appear as an external drive.
Connect the console to your PC using a USB-C cable on the lower switch connector (not the upper one). In console settings, navigate to Data Management. Once inside, scroll down to Manage Captures and Videos and select Copy to Computer via USB to establish the connection.
In Xataka Basics, we explore how to lend digital games on Switch 2 for play on another console with a different account.