Nintendo Switch 2 Docked VRR Leapfrogs PS5, but the Catch Falls Squarely on Game Developers

Key Points:

• Nintendo Switch 2 has received docked Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support 16 months after its launch, enhancing game performance by allowing developers to implement 40 FPS modes or unlocked framerates.
• Early tests by Digital Foundry's John Linneman show the system matches Xbox Series X|S performance and outperforms PlayStation 5 in VRR capabilities, though only the game Welcome Tour currently supports VRR.
• The system supports full Low Framerate Compensation (LFC) in 120Hz mode and between 40-60Hz in 60Hz mode, offering better VRR range than the PS5's 48-60Hz support.
• A minor issue with the docked VRR feature is that it forces VRR on whenever enabled, requiring users to manually disable it in display settings if the game does not support VRR or if black frame insertion is preferred.
• This VRR update is expected to benefit future Nintendo Switch 2 games, especially fast-paced titles like the upcoming Metroid Ravenous, improving gaming experiences in both docked and handheld modes.