Nintendo Switch 2 Drops VRR Support in Docked Mode: What's Going On?

Nintendo originally scheduled VRR support for Switch 2 on its website, but afterward, they quietly removed it region by region. They said the first information was an error and verified that it only worked in handheld mode. Although fans wish for a future firmware upgrade to include docked VRR, Nintendo claims they have nothing to announce at this time. Though VRR is becoming increasingly common on TVs and other devices like the Xbox Series X, it won't be accessible in docked mode at launch, disappointing given the other high-end qualities of the system. 

Nintendo first mentioned VRR on its official site when they initially released the Switch 2 tech specs, and then quietly withdrew it. And it wasn't all at once, either; rather, it seemed like they phased it out area by area over time. VRR is supported in handheld mode; hence, individuals were perplexed. An entire Nvidia blog article even explored how G-Sync interacts with the Switch 2's screen to help smooth things out. 

Especially when frame rates are not absolutely consistent, VRR is excellent for helping to make gameplay feel more fluid. Given that the Switch 2 system can push up to 120 FPS, there are some interesting options, including the 40 FPS mode on a handheld, which would help conserve battery or maintain stable performance. Fans are puzzled, though, now that VRR has been removed from the official website for docked mode. 

Nintendo did respond after Nintendo Life inquired about it. They remarked, "Oops, we're wrong." The Switch 2 only permits VRR in handheld mode; apologies for the wrong information. Then, Nintendo Life followed up by asking if a firmware upgrade might bring VRR to docked mode later. Nintendo replied, "We have nothing to say about that right now." 

People are asking if it is even possible. A lot probably depends on the hardware the dock itself houses. Others are noting that transitioning from USB-C (as on the Switch) to HDMI may be contributing to some problems. Truthfully, it's difficult to determine whether it's feasible until we have access to the actual system. And maybe Nintendo is still figuring it out personally. 

It is also important to remember that VRR is not really perfect on other systems, either. Digital Foundry has noted certain unusual occurrences with the PS5 in the past. So far, Xbox Series X appears to have the best implementation. It would be great if Nintendo were able to pull it off at some point. Especially in light of all the high-end features they are promoting with Nvidia's support and that custom chip, it is a bummer that VRR was teased and then withdrawn. 

You would need a TV that supports VRR in docked mode. Based on surveys and comments I've observed, many people are unsure whether their present television does. That is somewhat of a significant obstacle. However, Nintendo hopes this system will survive roughly eight more years. Who knows what sort of television people will have by then—perhaps most of the new ones will automatically support VRR. 

VRR being absent in docked mode at launch really stinks, especially given Nintendo's claims of 4K, DLSS, and footage of games like Cyberpunk 2077 looking astonishingly good. It simply seems like an odd feature gap. For the record, Sony took roughly two years to implement VRR support for the PS5. Perhaps Nintendo could do the same eventually, but for the time being, it appears to have just disappeared, and it was a mistake that it had ever been there in the first place.