June 19, 2025, 10:43 am | Read time: 2 minutes
The Switch 2 has been available in stores since early June, and savvy users are discovering more and more practical features of the new console. One of these features can significantly enhance the gaming experience in certain situations.
The Switch 2 comes with an LCD panel that can’t match the contrast of the Switch OLED. However, it is the first Nintendo console to support HDR–both on the built-in display and for TV output. Interestingly, the latter can sometimes worsen the gaming experience. A specific setting on the Switch 2 resolves the issue.
Limit HDR Output to Compatible Software
On Reddit, a user shared that the image quality can be significantly improved with an HDR setting on the Switch 2. By default, the console attempts 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. A user commented under the Reddit post: “I was really disappointed with how faded and unsaturated everything looked–but after enabling this setting, the issue was completely resolved.”
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 “compatible software only.” 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.
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Another Setting Switch 2 Owners Should Change
The Reddit post also includes another software trick that can contribute to the console’s lifespan. 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 battery capacity loss 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. For example, at night, 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 of interest: 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.