SALT LAKE CITY — Nintendo pulled a fast one and slipped a “boost mode” into the Nintendo Switch’s newest update, according to GearNuke.
The tech site recently reported that the recent Nintendo Switch 8.0.0 firmware update brought software sorting and data transfer functions, but hackers found Nintendo had also enabled an overclock option.
This “boost mode” allows for the system's CPU to operate at 1.75 GHz, which is much higher than the basic 1GHz speed the Switch was previously capped at.
According to DigitalTrends, “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” and “Super Mario Odyssey” also receive updates that take advantage of the CPU overclock, which cuts down loading times in both games. “Breath of the Wild” specifically sees save file load times drop from 31 seconds to 21, while fast traveling time is down 8 seconds.
GearNuke also notes that games require an update to use the boost mode, so don’t expect every game to run faster just yet. Gameplay outside of loading screens also only runs at 1GHz, indicating things like game resolution or framerate won’t benefit from the overclock.
This quiet performance update follows reports from the Wall Street Journal that Nintendo will launch two new hardware updates to the Switch — a cheaper, more durable unit and one with a better screen and more energy efficiency.
But don’t expect those revisions anytime soon — Nintendo’s president told investors on April 25 the company has no plans to announce new hardware at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in June.