Nintendo officially confirms Switch 2 specs don't include VRR in docked mode

As the Switch 2 release date draws closer, Nintendo is answering some lingering questions about the handheld. After its website listed conflicting information, gamers now know VRR is not an option in docked mode. Nintendo Life received final confirmation about the feature from the company. The news has disappointed gamers who plan to use the Switch 2 as much at home as on the road.

In its statement, Nintendo finally put the debate to rest: "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." The company didn't comment further when asked whether a firmware update could add the capability.

While unfortunate, the limited implementation of VRR is not surprising. Digital Foundry posted complete Switch 2 specs, including detailed information about its Nvidia T239 chip and memory usage. The report also mentioned that the Switch 2 dock doesn't support VRR when connected to TVs or monitors. The speculation is that the component's DisplayPort v1.4 to HDMI 2.1 adapter is the culprit.

VRR has become a staple of modern graphics cards, TVs, monitors, and consoles. The feature keeps a display's refresh rate in sync with a video output's frame rate. It's especially useful for high refresh rate competitive gaming to reduce screen tearing and input lag. With the Switch 2 allowing for a maximum 120 fps at 1440p as a handheld, unstable frame rates in some titles are likely. Even if gamers mainly use the Switch 2 dock at 4K/60fps, VRR still has advantages.

The Xbox Series X and PS5 are both VRR compatible, with Sony adding the spec to its system in 2022. However, docks for other handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally face the same limitations with HDMI connections.