Nintendo Confirms Switch 2 VRR Exclusive to Handheld Mode

Back in early April, fans of the Nintendo Switch 2 noticed a mention of variable refresh rate (VRR) on the console's informational pages, which quickly vanished. Nintendo has now clarified the situation regarding VRR functionality on the Nintendo Switch 2.

In a statement provided to NintendoLife, Nintendo confirmed that the initial information about VRR was incorrect. They stated, "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 for docked mode via a future firmware update, Nintendo responded with, "We have nothing to announce on this topic."

This means that while the Nintendo Switch 2 will offer VRR as an option in handheld mode, users playing on a TV won't have access to this feature at launch. The clarification follows a period of confusion, as the original VRR mention was spotted and then removed. The gradual disappearance of these mentions from various sites was documented by Digital Foundry contributor Oliver Mackenzie.

While this news might disappoint those who were hoping for VRR support in the Switch 2's TV mode right from the start, it's not necessarily a lost cause. Sony, for instance, introduced VRR support to PS5 consoles through a post-launch update, suggesting that Nintendo might follow suit in the future.

In other Nintendo Switch 2 news, the company recently announced a list of games that will receive free performance upgrades on the new console. This list includes titles such as Pokémon Scarlet & Violet and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury. Additionally, Nintendo of America's president, Doug Bowser, has assured that the company will have sufficient Switch 2 units to meet demand throughout the holiday season.