Nintendo has rolled out its latest system update, version 20.3.0, for both the original Switch and the newer Switch 2 consoles. While the official changelog mentions only general stability improvements, early user reports suggest some notable behind-the-scenes changes, particularly regarding HDR settings.

The update continues Nintendo's tradition of incremental improvements to its Horizon operating system, which powers both console generations. This marks the fourth system update since the Switch 2's launch in June 2025, following a steady pattern of monthly software refinements.

Several users on gaming forums have reported that the update appears to have reset or modified their HDR settings. The changes seem to affect how the console handles high dynamic range output when docked, though experiences vary between users. Some report improved image quality, while others notice more washed-out colors in certain games.

For those needing to recalibrate their display settings, the process is straightforward:

1. Open System Settings
2. Navigate to the Display tab
3. Select 'Adjust HDR' at the bottom of the menu
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to optimize color balance

An important setting to check is the 'HDR Output' dropdown menu above the adjustment option. Most users will want this set to 'Compatible Software Only' rather than having it enabled universally, as forcing HDR on incompatible games can lead to suboptimal visual quality.

This update follows version 20.2.0 from earlier in July, which reportedly reset brightness settings for some users. That particular change doesn't appear in the current update, suggesting it was either unintentional or addressed in this newer patch.

Nintendo's consistent update schedule suggests we can expect several more system improvements before the end of 2025, as the company continues to refine the Switch 2 experience following its recent launch.

Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 Update 20.3.0 Key Details

• Release Date: July 28, 2025
• Primary Change: System stability improvements
• Reported Side Effect: HDR setting adjustments
• Update Size: Approximately 300MB

As with any system update, it's recommended to download and install version 20.3.0 to benefit from the latest stability improvements. Users experiencing display issues after updating should try recalibrating their HDR settings for optimal performance.