Nintendo Clarifies Switch 2 Variable Refresh Rate Support: Handheld Mode Only

Nintendo Switch 2: Variable Refresh Rate Officially Limited to Handheld Mode, Company Issues Apology Nintendo has addressed widespread confusion regarding Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support on its forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.

Initially, the official Switch 2 website listed VRR as a feature for both handheld and docked TV play modes.

However, Nintendo has since clarified that this information was incorrect, and confirmed VRR compatibility is exclusive to handheld gaming on the next-generation system. The misunderstanding surfaced shortly after the full reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2, when platform specifications for VRR support varied across regional versions of Nintendo's website.

For instance, the European product page continued to claim the system enables HDR, VRR, and high frame rates up to 120 fps via compatible televisions.

Meanwhile, North American and Japanese sites removed any mention of VRR support for TV output. In an official statement provided to the press on May 16, 2025, Nintendo apologized for the error, stating that 'VRR is supported only in handheld mode' and acknowledging that the earlier inclusion of TV support was a mistake.

The company added, 'We apologize for the initial publication of incorrect information on the Nintendo Switch 2 website.' Digital Foundry’s technology expert Oliver Mackenzie played a key role in spotting the inconsistencies, highlighting on social media that mentions of 'VRR support for TV play' were removed from Nintendo’s websites in the US, Canada, and Japan.

The company’s updated Tech Specs page now lists 'VRR up to 120 Hz' specifically for the Switch 2’s built-in display, aligning with Nintendo’s clarification. When pressed about the possibility of future VRR support for docked mode via firmware updates, Nintendo maintained its typical stance, saying, 'We have nothing to announce on this topic.' This leaves room for potential future updates, but currently, VRR remains a handheld-only feature. This development follows months of anticipation around the Nintendo Switch 2, which promises enhanced hardware capabilities, a higher refresh rate display, and continued support for the Nintendo eShop and upcoming first-party releases.

The Switch 2 is scheduled to launch later this year, aiming to build on the massive commercial success of its predecessor — the original Nintendo Switch, which has sold over 130 million units worldwide since its 2017 debut. With global interest spiking after the latest Nintendo Direct presentations and a steady stream of updates for flagship franchises, clarity on hardware features like VRR is critical for core gamers and industry observers.

Nintendo's swift response to correct this information underscores the importance of precise specification details as the Switch 2 heads toward release. For the latest verified news on Nintendo Switch 2 features, upcoming releases, and comprehensive coverage of Nintendo Direct and eShop updates, stay tuned to this site.

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