Nintendo has recently shed light on a significant aspect of the anticipated Switch 2 console, clarifying that the Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) feature will not be operational when the device is used in docked mode. This update comes in the wake of previous indications that VRR functionality might be available for both handheld and docked configurations.
In a communication to Nintendo Life, the gaming giant stated unequivocally that VRR support is limited exclusively to handheld mode. This clarification follows the removal of a misleading message from their official website, which had suggested otherwise.
“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 reiterated in its latest statement.
When asked whether future system updates might enable VRR support during docked gameplay, Nintendo responded with a firm “nothing to announce” at this moment. This marks the company’s first formal acknowledgment of this specific limitation, especially in light of Digital Foundry’s recent concerns raised in a technical specifications report.
Richard Leadbetter, head of Digital Foundry, pointed out that developers are aware that the VRR capability pertains solely to the console’s internal screen, indicating that HDMI VRR isn’t a possibility. He suggested that this restriction may arise from the docking station’s HDMI setup, which might not support standard VRR due to its reliance on DisplayPort technology. “Our hope is that Nintendo will address this limitation with a solution in the future,” Leadbetter expressed.
Despite this setback, industry analysts maintain a positive outlook for Nintendo’s future. Recent forecasts predict that the Switch 2 could achieve sales of up to 100 million units within five years, establishing Nintendo as a major ally for third-party game developers in the upcoming console cycle, as reported by Nova Play. This optimistic projection underscores the dynamic nature of the gaming market and Nintendo’s potential to sustain a vital role within it.
