Nintendo’s Switch 2 to Feature Dynamic Refresh Rate Syncing with Your TV for Enhanced Motion Smoothness
The feature was first revealed before being quietly retracted.
Nintendo has officially introduced variable refresh rate (VRR) support for the Switch 2 while docked, enhancing the gaming experience on TVs. This feature, initially announced and then seemingly abandoned, has been confirmed on the company’s Japanese website. According to Nintendo, “VRR output is now supported in TV mode.” They added that when software and the TV are compatible, the refresh rate will align with the game’s processing speed. To utilize this, an update to the Nintendo Switch 2 Dock is necessary.
VRR technology helps lessen judder, screen tearing, and other visual disturbances by synchronizing the TV’s refresh rate with the frame rate of the game. When the Switch 2 was initially presented last year, Nintendo indicated the console would support VRR in both handheld and docked modes. While VRR was successfully implemented for the handheld OLED screen, details about the docked VRR were removed, and it was later confirmed as a feature exclusive to handheld mode.
In July, Nintendo fueled speculation about the feature’s revival by posting a job ad for a “senior display engineer” skilled in display technologies like HDR and VRR. This strongly implied ongoing development of VRR support, which is already available on platforms such as PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PCs.
In addition to VRR, the latest firmware update for the Switch 2 introduces a handheld boost toggle, enhancements to the Mii editor, and a feature allowing users to transfer their entire system to another Switch 2 console. During its recent Direct event, Nintendo also showcased Metroid Ravenous and a remake of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, along with plans to launch a special 40th-anniversary Legend of Zelda-themed Switch 2 console next month.
