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The Nintendo Switch in handheld mode.

Boss Rush Banter: What Are The Best Nintendo Switch Games to Play in Handheld Mode?

3–4 minutes

The Nintendo Switch is truly a unique gaming console that gives players unprecedented freedom.

Players have the option of playing the system on their TVs or take the device on the go. Many have their preferences on what is the best way to play the console, but the great part is there is no wrong way. 

There are many, like myself, who enjoy a healthy dose of both handheld and docked modes. That decision comes down to a variety of factors such as situation, allotted time, and family TV usage, to name a few.

While I use the Switch in both forms, I’ve found that I have certain games that I enjoy in handheld more than docked and vice-versa. These are my go-tos when I have to play in either mode and I don’t believe I’m alone in split in my library.

Let’s focus on handheld today. What games do you prefer to play in handheld mode?

The first go-to handheld games, for me, are retro titles. I recently finished Final Fantasy VIII and solely played it in handheld mode. Yes, this was the remastered version, but I preferred the older graphics on a smaller screen. 

I have a similar feelings for other retro titles. SNES, Genesis, and NES titles just feel right in handheld. Even 3D games such as Super Mario 64 or other Nintendo 64 titles fit better in handheld. 

Another group of games I play in handheld tend to be most indie titles. 

Gameplay footage from Hollow Knight.
Image Credit: Team Cherry (via GQ)

Hollow Knight felt right at home in handheld. I even tried it on the TV and it just didn’t feel right. I think the side-scrolling nature just fit the handheld concept better.

Other indie titles that, for me, fit this format include The Last Campfire. The semi-top-down view seems to lend itself better to a handheld experience. I’m sure there are other indie titles that fit this description for other players.

While I try to avoid playing new games in handheld because I enjoy seeing them on the TV, there are a few that I prefer in handheld. One such title is Triangle Strategy

The 2D-HD is such a cool twist on the old format and looks gorgeous. I love playing it in handheld because that style just feels right in a handheld setting. I feel similarly with Octopath Traveler and Live A Live.

There are so many great games that just seem to fit the handheld model. We all have our personal preferences so I know all our lists will be different.

So what about you? What Nintendo Switch titles do you prefer to play in handheld mode? What is it about seeing those games in handheld that you enjoy the most? Let us know in the comments below or by heading over to our Discord channel to join the conversation.


Nintendo Pow Block Podcast – Wednesdays at 7 a.m. ET

Nintendo Pow Block

Nintendo Pow Block is Boss Rush Media and The Boss Rush Network’s Nintendo podcast. Each week, Edward, Corey, and their friends from around the internet come together to talk about the week in Nintendo, including news, rumors, new games, questions, and the fan-favorite Snacktendo segment. Check out Nintendo Pow Block Live on Twitch every Monday night at 8:30 p.m. Eastern / 5:30 p.m. Pacific or on Podcast Services and YouTube Wednesday mornings at 7 a.m. If you enjoy the show, consider leaving us a five star rating on iTunes and Spotify. Thanks for listening to Nintendo Pow Block!

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2 responses to “Boss Rush Banter: What Are The Best Nintendo Switch Games to Play in Handheld Mode?”

  1. […] While handheld mode has become a popular feature, there is still docked mode that many utilize, sometimes using it exclusively.  […]

  2. erichagmann Avatar

    I have an OLED, so I honestly really enjoy any game I play because the colors are so wonderfully vivid!

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Play Has a 30 Day Limit on PlayStation, We Are Xbox Memo, and More - Boss Rush Podcast - A Podcast about Video Games

Email us your ⁠⁠⁠⁠questions and topic ideas to the podcast here⁠⁠⁠⁠!Support ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Boss Rush on Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here⁠⁠⁠⁠. Digital ownership and platform trust are back in the spotlight, and both PlayStation and Xbox are making major moves that could change how we think about these platforms.In this episode of The Boss Rush Podcast, Corey Dirrig and LeRon Dawkins discuss reports on a 30-day online check-in requirement for digital games on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, raising serious concerns about DRM, ownership, and what “buying” a game really means in an always-online future. PlayStation did confirm that this was a strategy to fend off an exploit, but assured GameSpot that digital games would not require an internet connection after its initial download. Then they shift to Xbox, where Asha Sharma and Matt Booty's internal “We Are Xbox” memo openly admits missteps and lays out a bold new vision focused on rebuilding trust, accessibility, and player-first engagement under Microsoft. Together, these stories highlight a pivotal moment for the entire gaming industry.This and more on the Boss Rush Podcast. Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Boss Rush Network Community Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Follow the Boss Rush Network on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X/Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Thanks for your continued support of the Boss Rush Podcast and the Boss Rush Network! If you listen on podcast services, leave us a 5 star rating and a nice review or comment. If you're listening to this episode on YouTube, subscribe to the channel, like the video, leave a comment, and hit the bell so you don't miss an episode posting. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit our website for more great content⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from Boss Rush and our community.

New Movies From Nintendo and GameStop to Buy eBay - Nintendo Pow Block Podcast - Now Your Podcasting with Power!

Email your ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠questions to the podcast here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Nintendo continues to push forward with their cross-media initiatives as an unannounced animated movie is revealed and a Metroid movie is rumored to be shopped around. This week ⁠on Nintendo Pow Block⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Edward Varnell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Corey Dirrig⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ discuss the surprising reports that GameStop could acquire eBay in a massive $100 billion deal and what it means for gaming. Plus, they discuss the continued dominance of Mario at the box office, Miyamoto’s message to fans, the surprising early digital release rumors. and the future of Nintendo’s film universe, including a potential Metroid movie, the confirmed Zelda IMAX release, and a mystery Illumination project. On the gaming side, they talk about Pokémon Legends Z-A rewards in Pokemon Home, Switch 2 rumors, Final Fantasy performance details, and more. It’s a packed week of Nintendo news, rumors, and industry-shaking developments you don’t want to miss.They end the podcast as always with community questions and topics from the Elite Block Agents. This and more on Nintendo Pow Block!Join our Communities:Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Boss Rush Network Community Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Boss Rush Network Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Follow Nintendo Pow Block on Social Media: Nintendo Pow Block Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X/Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitch.TV⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow the Boss Rush Network: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X/Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitch.TV⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow our Hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Edward Varnell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Cofounder of Boss Rush Media and host of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nintendo Pow Block⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X/Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Corey Dirrig⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Cofounder and CEO of Boss Rush Media and host of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Boss Rush Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nintendo Pow Block⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Xbox Casuals⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tower Casuals: The Destiny Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X/Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mastodon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Boss Rush Network:Support Boss Rush on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and buy merch on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Store.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Boss Rush on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website at BossRush.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more great content.Thanks for Your Continued Support!Thank you for supporting Nintendo Pow Block! If you’re listening on podcast platforms, leave us a five-star rating and a review. If you’re watching on YouTube, subscribe, like, comment, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode. Your support means the world—see you next time on Nintendo Pow Block!

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Xbox is making some aggressive moves, and it feels like things are finally out in the open. Under Asha Sharma and Matt Booty, the team laid out a clear four-part plan for the future, covering hardware, games, player experience, and services. On this week’s Xbox Casuals, Corey Dirrig and Josh Finney discuss what it all means, from stabilizing the current console generation and teasing Project Helix, to growing franchises and rethinking how Xbox Game Pass works going forward. There’s even talk of potential acquisitions and changes to exclusivity. It’s a lot to take in, but more than anything, it finally feels like Xbox is being upfront about where it’s headed and has lit some fire under the community. Now it’s just a matter of seeing how it all plays out.This and more this week on Xbox Casuals. Join our communities:Boss Rush Community Discord Tower Casuals Destiny DiscordFollow our Hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Corey Dirrig⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Founder of Boss Rush Media, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tower Casuals: The Destiny Podcast⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Boss Rush Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Josh Finney⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, cofounder and cohost of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tower Casuals: The Destiny Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 

Life is Strange and PAX East Discussions - Boss Rush Gamescast - A Gameplay Discussion Podcast

In this episode of Boss Rush Gamescast, Pat Klein, Stephanie Klimov, and Stoy Jovic cover everything from standout moments at PAX East to the evolving world of arcade and indie games. The crew explores world building in Crimson Desert, storytelling in Life is Strange, and the continued evolution of Mario with newer experiences like Wonder. They also share personal insights on game collecting, the impact of missing major vendors at conventions, and why the arcade scene is finding new life. It’s a wide-ranging conversation packed with thoughtful takes and firsthand experiences from across the gaming space.Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Boss Rush Network Community Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Boss Rush Network: Follow Boss Rush Network on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X/Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Boss Rush Network:Support Boss Rush on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and buy merch on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Store.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Boss Rush on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website at BossRush.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more great content.Thank you for your Support!

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