In the world of gaming, achieving a smooth and uninterrupted experience is paramount. However, sometimes screen technology can hinder that experience. This is where Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology comes into play. Many of the latest TVs and handheld gaming devices are now equipped with VRR screens, which adapt the refresh rate to match the graphics output. This is particularly beneficial when your game cannot maintain a steady 60 or 120 frames per second. One of the exciting features of the Nintendo Switch 2 is its inclusion of a VRR screen, which was initially marketed to support VRR on compatible TVs.
Initially, Nintendo advertised that the Switch 2 would work seamlessly with VRR-capable TVs. However, the company later removed references to docked VRR support from its website. On May 16th, Nintendo issued an apology via Nintendo Life, clarifying that “Nintendo Switch 2 supports VRR in handheld mode only.” This statement left many fans wondering why the anticipated feature was not available for TV mode.
Despite Nintendo’s claims, I discovered that the official Nintendo Switch 2 dock does indeed support VRR. By connecting a Steam Deck to the dock, I found that it could output 4K at 120Hz with both HDR and VRR capabilities. This compatibility extends to various rival handhelds, such as the Lenovo Legion Go S and the Asus ROG Ally X, when connected to my Samsung S90C TV. The initial idea to test this setup stemmed from reports on Reddit, where users like u/DynaMach noted the functionality of VRR through the dock.
While testing VRR through the Nintendo dock was successful, it is not without its practical challenges. To connect a handheld device, you will need a female-to-male USB-C extension cable, and you'll have to hold the connection against the dock's spring-loaded platform to prevent it from disconnecting. Fortunately, I had one of those cables on hand, which allowed me to run tests on the 4K VRR functionality, confirming it worked at up to 120 frames per second.
Given that both the Switch 2 and its dock support VRR, many are left questioning why Nintendo does not offer VRR output in docked mode. This feature could significantly enhance gameplay in various titles, especially in graphically intensive games like Cyberpunk 2077, which struggles to maintain a solid 60fps frame rate on the Switch. The absence of VRR support could lead to noticeable stuttering, particularly in games that hover just below the 60fps mark.
Concerns regarding the performance of VRR on the Switch 2 were echoed by Digital Foundry, which identified “clear problems” in the handheld VRR mode. Issues were noted in games such as No Man’s Sky and Hitman: World of Assassination, despite Nintendo’s own Welcome Tour showcasing proper VRR functionality. Digital Foundry’s Rich Leadbetter clarified that while the feature exists, the implementation across various games has been disappointing.
Currently, there is speculation about why Nintendo has not enabled VRR for the dock. Leadbetter expressed that he hasn’t encountered a solid theory to explain this omission. He suggested that the company may have made an honest mistake in their initial claims regarding VRR support in TV mode and doubts that the feature was scrapped at the last minute.
This situation adds to the ongoing technological curiosities surrounding the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, particularly issues related to the semi-locked-down USB-C video output. As of now, Nintendo has not provided further comments or explanations regarding these VRR discrepancies.
