Nintendo Says the Switch 2 Will Only Support VRR In Handheld Mode

Back in early April, fans of the Nintendo Switch 2 were buzzing after spotting references to variable refresh rate (VRR) on the system's informational pages, which mysteriously vanished soon after. Now, Nintendo has stepped up to clarify exactly where and how VRR is implemented on the Nintendo Switch 2.

In a statement provided to NintendoLife, Nintendo confirmed 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 in docked mode via a future firmware update, the company responded, "We have nothing to announce on this topic."

This means that while the Switch 2 will indeed support VRR in handheld mode, those using the console docked to a TV won't benefit from this feature at launch. The clarification comes after much speculation and confusion, as the original mention of VRR was quickly retracted and gradually removed from various sites, a process tracked by Digital Foundry contributor Oliver Mackenzie.

Although this news may disappoint those eager for VRR support in docked mode right out of the gate, there's still hope for the future. A precedent has been set by Sony, which introduced VRR support to the PS5 via a post-launch update, suggesting Nintendo might follow suit.

In other Nintendo Switch 2 news, the company has announced a lineup of games set to receive free performance upgrades on the new console, including titles like Pokémon Scarlet & Violet and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury. Additionally, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser has reassured fans that the company is prepared to meet the demand for the Switch 2 "through the holidays."