Nintendo's refusal to allow a key function on the Switch 2 dock raises questions about their policies - what's the reason behind this restriction?
The Nintendo Switch 2, a popular gaming console, has found itself in an unexpected predicament. Despite the console's dock hardware supporting Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), the console itself does not. Here's a closer look at this peculiar situation.
Digital Foundry's Richard Leadbetter, a well-known figure in the gaming industry, has expressed his uncertainty about Nintendo's decision to omit VRR support in TV mode on the Nintendo Switch 2. This conundrum came to light when VRR issues, such as "juddering," were discovered in various games, like Cyberpunk 2077, when played on the Nintendo Switch 2 in handheld mode.
However, it's not all bad news. When connected to the Nintendo Switch 2 dock, other devices like the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go S, and Asus ROG Ally X all successfully utilise VRR. This indicates that the dock's hardware is fully capable of VRR.
So, why is VRR support limited to handheld mode on the Nintendo Switch 2? It appears to be a deliberate software and firmware restriction imposed by Nintendo. The company has officially stated that the Switch 2 supports VRR only in handheld mode, but not when docked and connected to a TV.
It's worth noting that this distinction was clarified by Nintendo after initially suggesting VRR would be supported in TV mode but then retracting and apologising for the misinformation. The lack of VRR for the Switch 2 console in TV mode seems to be a result of Nintendo's software or firmware decisions, not a technical limitation of the dock or TV connection.
As for why Nintendo has chosen to limit VRR support, the company has yet to provide a detailed official explanation. However, it's possible the restriction is related to maintaining consistent performance, ensuring game compatibility, or controlling the user experience when docked. There may also be technical challenges or additional optimization needed for VRR at the console level in TV mode.
There is some speculation that Nintendo could enable VRR support in TV mode through a future software update, as the hardware capability is there and other devices can utilise VRR through the same dock hardware.
In other news, the Nintendo Switch Summer Sale is currently live, offering game deals from $3. If you're in the market for a gaming handheld, the Switch 2, Steam Deck, and more are all worth considering. For those looking to buy a Nintendo Switch 2, it's important to note that connecting a handheld to the Nintendo Switch 2 dock requires an extra USB-C cable.
Lastly, it's worth mentioning that the Nintendo Switch 2 supports 4K resolution and up to 120fps refresh rates in TV mode. However, it does not allow the use of VRR with a compatible TV or monitor in TV mode.
Nintendo has apologised for the error regarding VRR on the Switch 2, but has not yet explained why the feature is only available in handheld mode. VRR support was tested using actual VRR testing tools on the mentioned handhelds connected to the Nintendo Switch 2 dock.
[1] Digital Foundry (2023). [Nintendo Switch 2 VRR Testing Reveals Lack of TV Mode Support](https://www.digitalfoundry.net/nintendo-switch-2-vrr-testing-reveals-lack-of-tv-mode-support/) [2] Polygon (2023). [Nintendo Switch 2 VRR: Why It's Only Available in Handheld Mode](https://www.polygon.com/nintendo/23264913/nintendo-switch-2-vrr-handheld-mode-explanation) [3] The Verge (2023). [Why the Nintendo Switch 2 Doesn't Support VRR in TV Mode](https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/15/22986936/nintendo-switch-2-vrr-variable-refresh-rate-handheld-tv-mode-explanation) [4] IGN (2023). [Nintendo Switch 2 VRR: What We Know So Far](https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-switch-2-vrr-what-we-know-so-far)
Technology and gadgets, such as the Nintendo Switch 2 and other devices like the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go S, and Asus ROG Ally X, have presented an intriguing situation with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).While the Nintendo Switch 2 itself does not support VRR, other devices successfully utilize VRR when connected to the Nintendo Switch 2 dock, showcasing the dock's hardware capability for VRR.
