Nintendo fans eager for next-gen features were thrilled when early reports suggested the Nintendo Switch 2 would support Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). But the situation has quickly become a strange mess: the dock does support VRR — just not for the Switch 2.
🌀 What Is VRR and Why Does It Matter?
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) is a display technology that eliminates screen tearing by dynamically syncing the refresh rate of a monitor or TV with the frame rate of the content being shown. It’s become a staple on modern consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, especially for fast-paced or demanding games that don’t maintain consistent frame rates.
When Nintendo hinted that the Switch 2 might include VRR support, players celebrated what looked like a major step forward.
❌ Nintendo Walks Back VRR Claim
Unfortunately, shortly after the excitement, Nintendo quietly retracted its claim that the Switch 2 would support VRR while docked. This left fans scratching their heads and hoping for clarification. The assumption was that perhaps VRR wasn’t functioning due to firmware limitations or display constraints.
🔍 The Dock Can Do VRR — Just Not With Switch 2
In a surprising twist, Sean Hollister of The Verge uncovered that the Switch 2 dock does, in fact, support VRR — but only when used with other devices. During tests, plugging a Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go S, or Asus ROG Ally X into the Switch 2 dock enabled VRR successfully. The dock, it turns out, is capable hardware-wise.
This revelation has only deepened the mystery. If the dock can deliver VRR, why doesn’t it work with Nintendo’s own console?
🧠 Possible Reasons: Firmware, Limitations, or Intentional Design?
Theories abound. It could be that the Switch 2’s firmware currently blocks Variable Refresh Rate output, possibly awaiting a future update. Or perhaps Nintendo has locked the feature behind internal testing, aiming to release it later. More cynically, some believe Nintendo overpromised Variable Refresh Rate and quietly dropped support after discovering performance issues or cost constraints.
As it stands, the feature does not function when using the dock with the Switch 2, even though the dock supports it with alternative devices.
🤷 What This Means for Gamers
For players expecting a next-gen experience from the Switch 2, this situation is frustrating. Variable Refresh Rate has a big impact on smooth gameplay, and its absence is notable—especially considering the dock clearly supports it.
Until Nintendo issues an update or an official explanation, fans are left waiting—and wondering whether full Variable Refresh Rate support will ever materialize for the Switch 2.