Switch 2 Update Adds TV VRR Support - but It Only Works in One Game Right Now

Variable Refresh Rate tech is great - and was already supported on Xbox and PlayStation.

by William Judd
20 mins ago

Nintendo recently updated the Nintendo Switch 2 system software to version 23.0.0, with the highlight feature being Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support for docked mode. At launch, VRR was supported in handheld mode only, combatting judder and smoothing out frame-rate fluctuations in supported games by synching display refresh rate to game frame-rate. Now, VRR can be engaged when hooked up to a compatible display such as a TV or monitor too.

The only restriction is that the feature appears to operate on a whitelist, so only games that developers have flagged as supporting docked VRR will activate it. That means there's only a single title right now that supports TV VRR: the introductory (but not free) Switch 2 Welcome Tour app from Nintendo.

That's seen an update to version 1.1.0, with docked VRR being the only major change beyond "fixed several issues". Helpfully, the VRR Slider Demo in the Joy-Con 2 (L) Internal Area now works in both portable and docked modes, so you can give it a try to see how the feature works for yourself.

VRR TV example — Here's what the updated Welcome Tour looks like - with confirmed working VRR.

The system software update is only available for Japan right now, but it should roll out worldwide soon.

Once you have the update installed, you'll also need to update the firmware of your Switch 2 dock. When using the system in docked mode, you can visit Settings > System > Update Dock. Once VRR is activated, you should notice your display drop into VRR system-wide. The usual ranges apply - from 40Hz to 60Hz in 60Hz mode, and lower when using 120Hz with LFC.

Interestingly, the same system software update also adds "the ability to perform a system transfer from a Nintendo Switch 2 console to another Nintendo Switch 2 console". Does that perhaps hint at a revised model down the line - maybe an OLED? It's clutching at straws, but I don't mind it!

Finally, classic Mii Maker music now plays on the Mii editor page, which is nice too.

Do try out docked VRR mode and let us know what you think. What games would most benefit from VRR support when docked? Your ideas in the comments below, please.

1
sits
8 mins ago

It's tempting to think that Elden Ring can benefit from it, but given that it's whitelisted functionality, and From can't even work out how to use DLSS that has been available since launch, keep your expectations below low.

2
Fendera
1 min ago

I was hoping for a system-level VRR that applies to all games, but at this point I'm glad that they finally patched in docked VRR support. It's a little bit of a bummer that we have to rely on and hope that the developers patch it in for each game. Of course not all games need this feature, but hopefully the heavy hitters will receive VRR support in the future, as well as older games that struggle.

3
GrizzleyPete
44 secs ago

Metroid Prime seems an obvious one to ask for an update, I'm pretty sure it'll be incoming as Nintendo, surprisingly at times, is pretty good with their tech feature updates being rolled out in a pretty uniform manner....