There’s some new confusion regarding a Switch 2 feature after fans discover a change in Nintendo’s website.
As reported by GoNintendo, this line in the Nintendo website:
“Take in all the detail with screen resolutions up to 4K when you connect the Nintendo Switch 2 system to a compatible TV using the dedicated dock. The system also supports HDR, VRR, and frame rates up to 120 fps on compatible TVs.”
Has been changed to this:
“Take in all the detail with screen resolutions up to 4K when you connect the Nintendo Switch 2 system to a compatible TV using the dedicated dock. The system also supports HDR, and frame rates up to 120 fps on compatible TVs.”
Just to stem any possible misinformation, this change implies that the Switch 2 may not have VRR if the console is docked. It doesn’t say anything about the Switch 2 having VRR in its built-in 120Hz screen. And as we reported shortly after the Switch 2 Direct, Nvidia proclaimed that the Switch 2 uses G-Sync. So, it’s very useful to return to the actual language Nvidia used on their website:
“Variable refresh rate via NVIDIA G-SYNC in handheld mode ensures ultra-smooth, tear-free gameplay.”
Perhaps this was an oversight on our part, but Nvidia did confirm G-Sync will be on the Switch 2 at launch in handheld mode, as it uses the built in-screen.
GoNintendo also noted that Hamster mentioned that their upcoming Arcade Archives 2 release, the 1993 arcade classic Ridge Racer, would have VRR. To quote said press release:
“Furthermore, VRR support has been added, enabling more accurate reproduction of the original arcade game’s experience.”
So we have at least one game developer, and a third party studio to boot, confirming that they have added VRR support to their game. And we did check on the official Arcade Archives website to confirm that it is a Switch 2 exclusive. Hamster’s press release does not mention anything about handheld or docked modes.
At least for now, it looks like VRR is only on the Switch 2 screen, but we have to bring up one last caveat we did find. While some fans found this language was changed in the US and Japan Switch 2 websites, ResetEra user KanjoBazooie shared a sceenshot showing that it’s still mentioned in the Nintendo UK website.
If we were to wager a guess, the Switch 2 hardware is capable of running Gsync, Nvidia’s VRR technology, in docked mode as well as handheld mode. But there may have been a mix-up in communication, partly because not all games will support VRR, and partly because there’s concern about how easy it will be for consumers to find G-Sync compatible TVs and screens.
GoNintendo have indicated that they’re seeking clarification on this matter from Nintendo, so we’ll see if this turns out to be a false alarm or if it’s another case where Nintendo still made some mistakes in their communications.
