Nintendo admits Switch 2 will be missing a major technical feature at launch
After publishing 'incorrect' information about a Switch 2 feature on its website, Nintendo has issued an apology.
While we know most things about the Switch 2, following last month's blowout, a lot of the finer details took a long time to seep out, via various updates and awkwardly added small print.
Nintendo previously published the console's full specs on its website, which includes HDR10 and 4K support, but last month some people noticed an alteration to the text in relation to its VRR (variable refresh rate) functionality.
This feature, which helps eliminate screen tearing without any knocks to the performance, was originally listed as being supported on Switch 2 in either docked or handheld mode. However, a few weeks later, the VRR support for TV play was removed from Nintendo's website.
Now, almost a month later, Nintendo has confirmed the Switch 2 will not support VRR when the console is docked.
'Nintendo Switch 2 supports VRR in handheld mode only,' a statement from Nintendo reads (via Nintendo Life). 'The incorrect information was initially published on the Nintendo Switch 2 website, and we apologise for the error.'
When asked about the possibility of VRR support for docked mode being added in a future firmware update, Nintendo added: 'We have nothing to announce on this topic.'
While it does seem possible to add the feature later as an update, it's still a disappointing hiccup for the Switch 2's launch, if you mostly play through the TV.
It's unclear why VRR support wouldn't function across both handheld and docked, but many have speculated it could be related to the difficulty in transferring VRR support through the HDMI converter in the dock. If true, any solutions to the issue might need to come from a future hardware refresh, and not just a minor firmware update.
If you want some positive news about the Switch 2's capabilities, however, Nintendo has outlined the details when it comes to free upgrades for original Switch games.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, which were marred by performance issues and bugs on the original Switch, will receive 'optimised' visuals on the Switch 2 display and high resolution TVs, along with an 'improved' frame rate for 'smoother movement'. More Trending
Several games, like Zelda: Link's Awakening, Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom, and ARMS, will receive HDR support, along with visual improvements (although no frame rate boosts for Link's Awakening, sadly).
Super Mario Odyssey, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, 51 Worldwide Games, and Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain will all receive GameShare functionality, along with other visual improvements. Game Builder Garage, meanwhile, is the only title to get mouse support.
Surprisingly, the most improved title is Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, which will receive optimised visuals, a better frame rate (Bower's Fury had some problems in that area), HDR support, and GameShare compatibility. You can check out the full list of updates here.
The Switch 2 is set to launch worldwide on June 5, 2025, alongside first party games Mario Kart World and Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour.
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