Hacking Suggestion Docked mode performance - In portable mode plugged into a wall

[Trice]

I think overclocking in portable mode would only be feasible if you have your Switch connected to a power outlet, otherwise the battery power draw is just too high. But that can certainly be a viable option if you're for example playing on a train or plane where power sockets are often available, or if you just want to play at home without a TV. In these cases the temperature of the unit as well as the fan noise might still cause problems though.

In general though I don't see any reason why the Switch shouldn't be able to use all the available power if used in tabletop mode while connected to a power outlet and I'm actually a bit surprised that Nintendo didn't think of this option. Technically it really shouldn't be a problem for them to introduce a full power tabletop mode that simply outputs the TV image to the internal display, basically letting the Switch think it is docked and connected to a 720p TV. But I guess they don't think it's worth it as it could lead to potential problems when people don't provide enough airflow or stuff like that.

 

[Pachee]

They just need to add another power profile that keeps outputting to the screen when a charger is plugged in. Also i think the airflow would be much more appropriate while on the player's hands than when stuck inside that overpriced dock.

 

[stewacide]

I don't see heat being a problem running at docked profile while handheld. You're holding onto the joycons which will stay cool as they're not really thermally connected to the system itself, and airflow would be improved if anything not being stuck inside the dock.

 

[aykay55]

99% sure the answer is no, in docked mode the Switch runs directly off of the power from the outlet, so it can draw as much power as it needs, which enables the higher performance. Charging while playing in portable mode the Switch is running off of the recharging battery, so it has a limit to how much power it can draw from the battery.

 

[TerraPhantm]

99% sure the answer is no, in docked mode the Switch runs directly off of the power from the outlet, so it can draw as much power as it needs, which enables the higher performance. Charging while playing in portable mode the Switch is running off of the recharging battery, so it has a limit to how much power it can draw from the battery.

The Switch charges the battery in docked mode too. Either way the power limitations should be the same.

 

[ReUnmei]

Why everyone think that we want to run off of battery can we not plug the switch into the wall, that is how I want too play also a custom back plate for better cooling.

 

[Craftyawesome]

AFAIK, most if not all switches can handle docked clocks in handheld when running linux, even without charging. Unless there is some sort of extra chip not active in linux, it should also be fine in horizon. IIRC it was also measured to be only 5 degrees Celsius warmer when docked.

In most cases, you would probably want to tell the game if it is in docked or handheld based on what targets 720p, but keep the clocks up to docked to keep it a solid framerate/resolution.
The problem is creating the disconnect between what horizon tells the games and what the switch is actually doing.

 

[ShadowSynthesis]

OC'ing the switch to docked mode frequency will only fix framerate issues, but on the other hand, making the switch think its in its dock but outputting to the main screen would fix textures. But, of course, this homebrew would have to hardcode the ""docked"" mode at 720p so the console doesnt do extra job.
Something like the VSH menu on the psp/vita would be nice

 

[stewacide]

Pretty sure even when outputting to a 720p TV in docked mode the Switch will still render internally at 1080p before downscaling. Keep things simple for developers.

 

[aykay55]

The Switch charges the battery in docked mode too. Either way the power limitations should be the same.

I'm 99.9% certain it runs off of the outlet. It charges the battery separately, but the actual internals are being powered directly by the outlet, otherwise the battery would age very quickly, it would be like keeping your phone on charging all the time, so it would constantly be running power through the battery which is why keeping your phone on charging overnight is discouraged by many. The same applies here.

 

[hashcheck1]

there is an option to do this in DEVMENU via Sdev Units i don't see how this woudnt be possible. PSVITA has a overclock plugin. just need to work out how devmenu does it

 

[TerraPhantm]

I'm 99.9% certain it runs off of the outlet. It charges the battery separately, but the actual internals are being powered directly by the outlet, otherwise the battery would age very quickly, it would be like keeping your phone on charging all the time, so it would constantly be running power through the battery which is why keeping your phone on charging overnight is discouraged by many. The same applies here.

It's the same circuit regardless, there should be no difference. And pretty much any lithium ion battery device has proper battery management these days (so leaving a phone charging overnight will cause zero harm).

 

[Dominator211]

I'm not trying to be pessimistic here but, I'm pretty sure you can't change any quality settings at all how they developed it is how it is, I don't see a use in this unfortunately unless you can figure out a way to change quality settings...

 

[stewacide]

IIRC devs can set the GPU clock speed for their game. If they don't need the full allowable speed they can

I'm not trying to be pessimistic here but, I'm pretty sure you can't change any quality settings at all how they developed it is how it is, I don't see a use in this unfortunately unless you can figure out a way to change quality settings...

What's wanted is to unlock the docked quality setting on the internal screen.

 

[TonJron]

Any updates??

 

[uyjulian]

Any updates??

https://gbatemp.net/threads/switch-overclocking-coming-improved-n64-psx-emu.521552/