Digital Foundry Talks Nintendo Switch 2 Docked VRR and 40 FPS Issues
Digital Foundry has looked into it and says while it's not out of the realm of possibility for the Nintendo Switch 2 in docked mode to have Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), there are big barriers that could stop it from being smooth and easy to use like gamers expect.
The Technical Issues with Docked VRR
In a recent podcast, the tech pros at Digital Foundry talked about VRR. They said the dock's chip that checks if it's okay is not the problem. They showed that this check happens before the video even starts.
The real trouble, according to Digital Foundry, is likely from changing the DisplayPort to HDMI through the USB-C connection. This change makes it hard to use VRR, a hitch seen with other devices like the Steam Deck, too. Though new info points out the Switch 2 dock might handle VRR technically, Digital Foundry thinks the hurdles to make it easy for users are too big for Nintendo to add it as a normal thing.
The Future of 40 FPS Modes
The Digital Foundry crew also spoke about how few of the launch games for Nintendo Switch 2 use a 40 FPS mode, although the console's 120Hz panel could allow it.
They noted that at start, not many games would really gain from such a mode. Yet, seeing a 40 FPS mode in some games like Cyberpunk 2077 shows that more games might use it later on. The big issue here connects back to VRR; without VRR to even out the game's flow, keeping a game solid at 40 FPS for a good play experience is tough for game makers.