Nintendo Switch 2 VRR Support Limited to Handheld Mode, Confirms Nintendo

Nintendo has provided new details on the variable refresh rate (VRR) support for its highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, scheduled to launch globally on June 5, 2025.

After earlier reports suggested broader support for VRR, the gaming giant has clarified that this feature will be available exclusively in Handheld Mode on the upcoming console. VRR technology synchronizes the refresh rate of the display with the frame rate of the game to deliver smoother and more responsive gameplay, reducing visual artifacts such as screen tearing.

On Tuesday, a Nintendo spokesperson explained to Nintendo Life that, "Nintendo Switch 2 will support Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) only when used in handheld mode.

Information stating otherwise was mistakenly published on the official Nintendo Switch 2 website, and we apologize for the oversight." This statement clarifies any confusion stemming from earlier updates on Nintendo's website, which had suggested that VRR would be available while playing the Switch 2 in both handheld and TV modes.

The correction ensures players can set expectations regarding the platform's video features at launch. When asked whether VRR might be extended to TV Mode through a future system update, Nintendo responded that there are no announcements to make on this subject at this time.

This implies that, at launch, users should not expect VRR support when their Nintendo Switch 2 is docked and connected to a television. The Nintendo Switch 2 is set for worldwide release on June 5, 2025.

Pricing for the new system is confirmed at £395.99 in the United Kingdom, €469.99 across Europe, and $449.99 in the United States.

Following the success of the original Nintendo Switch, which has sold over 125 million units worldwide since its debut in 2017, expectations for the Switch 2 remain high among gamers, industry analysts, and developers alike. The introduction of VRR in handheld mode represents Nintendo's ongoing commitment to enhancing the portable gaming experience.

However, this feature distinction also underscores Nintendo's careful approach to hardware capabilities, especially when compared to competing platforms where VRR is typically a standard feature in both handheld and TV modes. As the Nintendo Switch 2 prepares to launch, further details about its technical specifications, exclusive games, and expanded eShop capabilities are expected via upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations and official announcements.

For now, Nintendo's confirmation sets the record straight on VRR support, as fans and retailers prepare for the next generation of Nintendo hardware.

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