Nintendo Switch 2 VRR: Handheld Only, Nintendo Confirms and Apologizes for Confusion
The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 will support Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), but with a notable limitation: it will only function in handheld mode. Nintendo has officially confirmed this, issuing an apology for previous, incorrect information published on their website.
The initial announcement suggested that VRR would be available both in handheld and docked modes, leading to considerable excitement among gamers eager for smoother visuals and reduced screen tearing on their TVs. However, the company has since clarified that this is not the case.
"Nintendo Switch 2 supports VRR in handheld mode only," the company stated to Nintendo Life, adding, "The incorrect information was initially published on the Nintendo Switch 2 website, and we apologise for the error." The conflicting information had been present on Nintendo's websites across the US, Canada, the UK, and Europe before being corrected.
The clarification follows a report by Digital Foundry which indicated the lack of docked VRR support. Richard Leadbetter of Digital Foundry noted, "Something that is important to clarify is that as far as Switch 2 developers are concerned, VRR is indeed a function of the internal display only and that there is no support at all right now for VRR over HDMI."
When questioned about the possibility of future support for VRR in docked mode, Nintendo remained noncommittal, stating, "We have nothing to announce on this topic." This leaves the door open for potential future updates, but gamers should not expect it at launch.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is slated to launch on Thursday, June 5, with a base price of $449.99 USD. A Mario Kart World Bundle will also be available for $499.99 USD.
While the lack of VRR support in docked mode may be a disappointment to some, the confirmation brings clarity to a previously confusing situation. Will this limitation affect your decision to purchase the new console? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
