Nintendo Confirms Switch 2 VRR Exclusive to Handheld Mode

At the beginning of April, fans of the Nintendo Switch 2 noticed references to variable refresh rate (VRR) on the system's informational pages, which were quickly removed. Nintendo has now provided clarity on how and where VRR functions on the Nintendo Switch 2.

In a statement to NintendoLife, Nintendo clarified that the initial information about VRR was incorrect: "Nintendo Switch 2 supports VRR in handheld mode only. The incorrect information was initially published on the Nintendo Switch 2 website, and we apologize for the error." When asked about potential VRR support for docked mode in a future firmware update, Nintendo responded with, "We have nothing to announce on this topic."

This means that while VRR will be available as an option for the handheld mode of the Nintendo Switch 2, users connecting their console to a TV won't benefit from this feature at launch. The clarification comes after much speculation, as the initial VRR mention was spotted and then promptly removed. Digital Foundry contributor Oliver Mackenzie documented the gradual disappearance of these mentions from various sites.

Although this news might be disappointing for those hoping for VRR support in TV mode from the start, there's still hope for future updates. Sony, for example, introduced VRR support to PS5 consoles via a post-launch update, suggesting a similar possibility for the Nintendo Switch 2.

In other Nintendo Switch 2 news, the company has announced a list of games that will receive free performance upgrades, including titles like Pokémon Scarlet & Violet and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury. Additionally, Nintendo of America's president, Doug Bowser, has assured that there will be sufficient Switch 2 units to meet demand throughout the holiday season.