June 19, 2025, 10:43 am | Read time: 3 minutes
The Switch 2 has been on the market since early June, and savvy users are discovering more and more practical features of the new console. One of these can significantly enhance the gaming experience in certain situations.
While the Switch 2 again comes with an LCD panel that can’t match the contrast of the Switch OLED, it is the first Nintendo console to support HDR–both on the built-in display and for TV output. However, the latter can oddly worsen the gaming experience in some cases. A specific setting on the Switch 2 solves the problem.
Limit HDR Output to Compatible Software
On Reddit, a user shared that the picture can be significantly improved through an HDR setting on the Switch 2. By default, the console tries to create an HDR effect even for games developed with Standard Dynamic Range (SDR). While this works reasonably well on the integrated LCD display, the image often appears washed out in docked mode on the TV. In a comment under the Reddit post, a user wrote: “I was really disappointed with how faded and unsaturated everything looked–but after I enabled this setting, the problem was completely fixed.”
This setting prevents the Switch 2 from creating an HDR effect for incompatible games. It can be found in the system settings under “Display.” For HDR output, users should select the option “only compatible software.” This prevents the TV’s HDR setting and the “fake” HDR effect of the Switch 2 from interfering with each other, without disabling HDR on the console’s display itself.
Another Setting Switch 2 Owners Should Change
The Reddit post also includes another software trick that can contribute to the console’s longevity. In the system settings under “System,” there is an option to stop charging at 90 percent. Nintendo’s description of the setting: “Reduces the system’s usage time on battery power but can help reduce the loss of battery capacity over time.” This means the console no longer charges to 100 percent while docked.
This feature is already known from smartphones. Apple was the first manufacturer to develop a dynamic charging system that learns when users unplug their iPhone. At night, for example, the iPhone charges only up to 80 percent capacity and fills the remaining 20 percent just before waking up. Android has also supported this feature for several years.
Also interesting: Users report defective Switch 2 docks
Lithium-ion batteries, used in smartphones, tablets, and handheld consoles, should neither be completely discharged nor fully charged. For maximum longevity, a charge level of about 20 to 80 percent is recommended. Nintendo now acknowledges this and at least gives users the option to preserve their Switch 2 battery.