Nintendo Switch 2 finally gets docked VRR with system update 23.0.0

The useful part

Nintendo has released system update 23.0.0 for Switch and Switch 2, with the newer console getting a nice bundle of features including long-overdue support for variable refresh rates (VRR) when docked. VRR was a bullet-point feature ahead of the Switch 2 launch, which Nintendo had to admit wasn't actually possible at the time. The in-built screen of the Switch 2 does support variable refresh rates, but output via the dock has not up until this point – something which could make handheld gaming feel significantly smoother than TV play.

How it works

• Elsewhere, Handheld Boost Mode can be added as a toggle in the quick settings, there's updates to the Mii editor, and you can now transfer data between Switch 2 consoles – this was previously limited to...
• Switch 2 version 23.0.0 We took the following actions in the "GameChat":
• We've added a feature that displays chats you've previously participated in, in the list of chats you can join.
• We've added a button to change the screen size in the menu that appears when you press the C button during a chat.
• You can check the registration status of the device using the virtual game card.

What to take from it

When both the software and the TV support it, the video will be output at a refresh rate that matches the game's processing speed. An update to the Nintendo Switch 2 Dock is required to enable this feature.

Details worth keeping

Adding VRR for docked play is great to see, as it can help to mitigate screen tearing and swings in frame rate, though it's not a cure-all solution for VRR output can now be enabled in the TV Mode settings – you might have to update the dock's firmware first, though, and will need to be connected to a TV to adjust them. We've made it possible to join a new chat without selecting any friends. We've added a "Settings" option to the "Virtual Game Card" list screen.