Performance wise, the Nintendo Switch 2 is a huge step up from the first iteration of the console. Sporting 4K resolution and frame rates up to 120 fps on compatible games and TVs, 256GB internal storage, and mouse controls offered by Joy-Con 2 controllers, it is no wonder that so many modern third-party games are getting a Switch 2 port.
Up until now, Nintendo suggested that VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) would still be supported while the console is docked. However, Nintendo has confirmed that is not the case and has apologised for the confusion.
Nintendo Switch 2 will support VRR, but not all the time
Nintendo issued a statement to publication, Nintendo Life to clarify the use of VRR on its upcoming console. “Nintendo Switch 2 supports VRR in handheld mode only. The incorrect information was initially published on the Nintendo Switch 2 website, and we apologise for the error.”
When asked by Nintendo Life if there is potential for VRR support for docked mode coming in a future firmware update, Nintendo simply said that they have “nothing to announce on this topic.”
The clarification is definitely welcome, after Digital Foundry reported in its initial Nintendo Switch 2 specs breakdown that there was no VRR support while the console is docked.
Digital Foundry boss, Richard Leadbetter, wrote in the specs report regarding VRR support that “as far as Switch 2 developers are concerned, VRR is indeed a function of the internal display only and that there is no support at all right now for VRR over HDMI. The best theory we have for this is that the dock’s DisplayPort to HDMI converter doesn’t support standard HDMI VRR, but whatever is the cause, we would hope to see Nintendo provide some sort of solution in due course.”
Nintendo has removed any mention of VRR support for TV play for the Switch 2 on its website. In fact, the only disclaimer the website now has about VRR is “frame rate, HDR and VRR support vary depending on the software.”
More from the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2:
Unofficial specs of Nintendo Switch 2 revealed, capabilities TBD | Nintendo Switch 2 are an arguably necessary evil |
