Nintendo Switch 2 Will Only Support VRR in Handheld Mode, Not on TVs

Nintendo has officially confirmed that the upcoming Switch 2 console will only support Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) in handheld mode, not when connected to TVs. This clarification comes after earlier information on Nintendo's website suggested the feature would work in both modes.

"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," Nintendo stated in a comment to Nintendo Life.

When asked if VRR support might be added to TV mode in the future, Nintendo responded that they have "nothing to announce" at this time, leaving the possibility open but making no promises.

This news may disappoint gamers who were looking forward to using VRR on their televisions. VRR technology helps games run more smoothly by preventing screen tearing and stuttering when the frame rate changes during gameplay.

Digital Foundry had already reported this limitation in their technical analysis of the Switch 2. As Richard Leadbetter, Digital Foundry's head, explained, "VRR is indeed a function of the internal display only and there is no support at all right now for VRR over HDMI."

Leadbetter suggested the issue might be related to the dock's DisplayPort to HDMI converter, which possibly doesn't support standard HDMI VRR. He expressed hope that Nintendo would "provide some sort of solution in due course."

Despite this setback, the Switch 2 still boasts impressive technical specifications. The console features a 1080p screen in handheld mode and can output up to 4K resolution when connected to a TV. It also supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) and frame rates up to 120 fps on compatible displays.