Nintendo has released firmware update 23.0.0 for the Switch 2, finally adding VRR (variable refresh rate) support in docked/TV mode. The feature had originally been suggested as a launch feature but was pulled before release, with Nintendo confirming VRR would only work in handheld mode. A job listing in July hinted the company was still working on a docked implementation, and it has now arrived alongside a broader set of system updates. Enabling the feature requires an update to the Nintendo Switch 2 Dock itself.
According to early testing by Digital Foundry's John Linneman, shared on Bluesky, the Switch 2's docked VRR implementation performs on par with the Xbox Series X|S and better than the PlayStation 5. Linneman said the system supports full LFC (low framerate compensation) in 120Hz mode, and in 60Hz mode supports a range of 40-60Hz, which he noted is better than the PS5's 48-60Hz support. He said the Switch 2's screen also supports VRR, and that "most games should have it going forward."
Currently, only Welcome Tour supports the new docked VRR feature, since other games will need to be patched to take advantage of it. Linneman flagged one quirk: the system forces VRR on at all times when enabled in the settings menu, even for software that doesn't support it. He noted this could be a problem for users who rely on black frame insertion, as it may require manually toggling the display setting off and on depending on the game being played.
The VRR addition is expected to enable smoother performance options going forward, including 40 FPS modes or unlocked framerates, rather than restricting developers to fixed 30 or 60 FPS targets. Upcoming fast-paced titles such as Metroid Ravenous, announced during a recent Nintendo Direct alongside a Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, are seen as candidates that could benefit from the new capability.
Beyond VRR, firmware 23.0.0 includes a range of other changes. These include updates to the "game chat" feature, such as displaying previously joined chats and adding a screen-size adjustment button; a new "Settings" option under Virtual Game Card; support for "complete data transfer" of all data, including saves and screenshots, between two Switch 2 consoles; and new accessibility support for Portuguese (Brazil) in text-to-speech and voice-to-text features.
Additional changes include saving TV sound settings per connected television, renaming "Dock Output Information" to "Video Output Information" with more detailed signal data, a new "VRR Settings" option under Display, a Mii QR code sharing feature, the ability to test sleep wake-up sound volume directly, a toggle for Handheld Mode Boost in the Quick Settings menu, support for using other controllers while Joy-Con 2s remain attached, aggregated play-time tracking across multiple consoles for the same game, and general stability fixes.