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Nintendo Switch 2 Gains Docked VRR in v23.0.0 Update

The change could cut screen tearing and stutter for docked play on compatible TVs.

Overview

  • The Switch 2 system update v23.0.0, released Thursday, September 10, 2026, adds Variable Refresh Rate support when the console is docked.
  • To enable docked VRR users must update the Switch 2 Dock firmware from HOME Menu → Settings → System → Dock Update and then turn on VRR in Display settings.
  • Nintendo updated the Welcome Tour tech demo to Ver. 1.1.0 so its VRR Slider can run in TV mode, but the demo requires the dock firmware update and a VRR‑compatible screen to work.
  • The patch also introduces Complete Data Transfer between two Switch 2 consoles and lets users control background music in the Mii editor, and Nintendo lists several other unspecified gameplay fixes in the full patch notes.
  • Variable Refresh Rate synchronizes a game's frame output with a TV to reduce tearing and stutter, yet it will only help players if both the TV and the individual game support VRR, a limit that may prompt more developers to add compatibility for smoother docked play.