When we compare Nintendo Switch to the modern consoles, its performance isn’t on par.
It sometimes struggles to run heavy multiplayer games like Fortnite. So, what should you do?
Spending some money to get the Nintendo Switch 2 is one way to go about it. But I know you are not here for that. You want to know how you can optimize your old Nintendo Switch to give out performance close to the modern consoles, right? I get you, and that’s what I will talk about in detail.
My nephew had his Nintendo Switch, and it was dropping frames. I helped him get it back to an optimal performance level. How did I do it? Let me share that with you, too.
4 Tips to Optimize Your Nintendo Switch
First Things First, Install All the Updates
Okay, here is the thing: sometimes the consoles are powerful enough to run the games smoothly, but they still struggle to do so. The main reason for that is bugs and glitches.
Usually, the developers of the console keep on releasing such updates to help you optimize the console’s performance by fixing these bugs and glitches, so you need to check for updates. Sometimes the game developers also release updates to fix bugs in their game. You need to look for them and then update them. How can you check that? Follow the given steps to check and update your console:
- Go into the settings of your console
- Find ‘system’ – tap on it
- In the system settings, you need to look for the system update and then tap on it
The system will install the necessary updates. By updating your console and games, you will likely see a performance improvement in your console.
Get a Better Internet Connection
Sometimes everything is just perfect, but still you feel lag when playing games on your Switch. The reason for that lag can be a struggling internet connection.
Games, especially the multiplayer ones, are internet-intensive, and if that is not stable, you experience lag while playing the game. Anyway, let’s get to the point: what can you do to fix that?
The first step that you can take is to move your router/modem closer to your Switch. This will reduce the gap between the sender (router) and receiver (Switch), and improve the signal strength.
If that doesn’t solve the problem, you can switch from a wireless connection to a wired one – use an Ethernet cable to reduce the ping and latency of your connection.
If none of that works, it’s better to switch your internet provider. If you’d ask me for a suggestion, I can recommend the one I personally rely on for gaming for – Optimum Internet. It is one of the most dependable ISPs in the US with fiber-powered connectivity, and bilingual Optimum servicio al cliente español (also in English) being the most contributing factors to its popularity.
Once your internet is fixed, you will definitely see an overall improved performance on your Switch.
Manage Console Data
One of the biggest factors (you might never even notice) that contributes to slowing down your console is the data.
Let me explain that with an analogy: a truck has one of the biggest engines in any automobile, and it is powerful, but it moves slowly. Why is that? You guessed it right, it is heavy. Your consoles and computers (mobiles, PCs, and more) work in the same way.
Even though your Switch has enough power but it is still juggling and struggling to manage the data. If you hadn’t had a fair look at your storage, it would likely be filled up to the brim (its maximum capacity).
Here is what you can do to get around it: delete the screenshots and other unnecessary data from your Switch. You can also try out deleting some games that you don’t play very often. This will vacate some of the processing power that can be utilized to run games smoothly.
All in all, it is one of the most underrated ways to speed up your console.
Read Also: 5 Must-Try Ed Tech Tools for Students, Parents, and Teachers
Optimize In-Game Performance Settings
Another great way to improve your Switch’s performance is to optimize the in-game settings.
Multiple games offer to improve the performance of Nintendo Switch without needing to log out of the game. You can choose to adjust the graphics, shadows, movements, and other details in order to improve the game’s performance.
For example, you can reduce the texture quality in Warframe. This will improve the lag and boost FPS. You will feel that the game is running smoothly. In a similar way, you can reduce the resolution in some games to improve the gamer’s performance.
You just need to dig deep down into the game settings to find the relevant settings that will improve the performance.
In short, these top tricks are in fact the most underrated ones when it comes to optimizing the good ol’ Nintendo Switch. So before you upgrade or retire your device, be sure to give them a try!
