Nintendo Confirms Switch 2 VRR Exclusive to Handheld Mode

Back in early April, fans of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 were buzzing about the mention of Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) on the system's informational pages. However, those mentions vanished quickly, leaving many curious about the feature's status. Now, Nintendo has provided some clarity on the matter.

In a statement to NintendoLife, Nintendo clarified that the initial information regarding VRR was incorrect. "Nintendo Switch 2 supports VRR in handheld mode only," the company stated. "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 in future firmware updates, 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 for handheld play, those using the console on a TV will not have access to this feature at launch. The confusion arose after the initial VRR mention was spotted and then quickly removed, with mentions gradually disappearing from various sites, as noted by Digital Foundry contributor Oliver Mackenzie.

While this news might disappoint those hoping for VRR support in TV mode right away, it's not necessarily the end of the line. For example, Sony rolled out VRR support to PS5 consoles via a post-launch update, suggesting that Nintendo could do something similar in the future.

In other Nintendo Switch 2 developments, the company has announced a list of games that will receive free performance upgrades on the new console, including titles like Pokémon Scarlet & Violet and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury. Additionally, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser has assured fans that there will be enough Switch 2 units to meet demand "through the holidays."