New Nintendo Switch 2 Updates Have Appeared!

Summary

The Nintendo Switch 2 is raising questions ahead of its launch, with two key issues making waves online. Firstly, the removal of the Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) feature from official documents for docked play has left fans wondering if the feature will be available at launch or delivered through a future update. Secondly, while backwards compatibility for Switch games is a priority, some titles are still facing compatibility issues, with developers working on fixes. While most first-party games are set to be fully compatible, users can expect some hiccups at launch, leaving room for updates and improvements as the release date approaches.

Takeaways

• 😀 VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) has been mysteriously removed from Nintendo Switch 2's official docked play pages after April 17th, creating uncertainty around its availability at launch.
• 😀 VRR is important for smoother gameplay and reducing screen tearing, but it's unclear whether the feature will be available immediately at launch for docked play.
• 😀 While VRR has been removed from the docked play description, it remains listed for handheld play, suggesting it may still be supported in that mode.
• 😀 The omission of VRR for docked play raises questions about potential compatibility issues with displays or whether a future software update is required.
• 😀 The Switch 2 supports 4K resolution, HDR, and frame rates up to 120 FPS in docked play, but VRR’s absence has led to speculation about the feature's availability at launch.
• 😀 Backwards compatibility for Switch 1 games on Switch 2 is a priority for Nintendo, though it won’t be fully seamless at launch, with some games requiring updates or further testing.
• 😀 First-party Nintendo games are almost entirely compatible with Switch 2 from the get-go, with only a few issues (e.g., Nintendo Labo) remaining.
• 😀 Many third-party games have not yet been verified for full compatibility, with a portion requiring updates to function properly on Switch 2.
• 😀 A hybrid method between software emulation and hardware compatibility is being used to ensure Switch 1 games run on Switch 2 without draining the battery excessively.
• 😀 Some games are listed as having startup issues or in-game compatibility problems, but these are expected to be addressed in future updates, with Nintendo actively working with developers to resolve them.

Q & A

Why was VRR support for docked play removed from the Nintendo Switch 2's official documentation?

Nintendo has removed the mention of VRR support for docked play from their official documentation after April 17th. While it could be due to compatibility issues with certain TVs or displays, it's speculated that Nintendo may need to release a software update to fully enable this feature at launch.

What is VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and why is it important for gameplay?

VRR helps reduce screen tearing and provides a smoother gameplay experience by adjusting the refresh rate of the display based on the game's frame rate. It is important for preventing stutter and lag, especially in fast-paced or graphically intensive games.

Is VRR still available for handheld play on the Nintendo Switch 2?

Yes, VRR is still available for handheld play on the Nintendo Switch 2. The feature is baked into the handheld display, so it will not be affected by the missing VRR support in docked play.

What could be the reason behind Nintendo removing VRR support for docked play from the official pages?

It is possible that Nintendo removed VRR support from docked play because the feature may require a software update to work properly on a wide range of displays. It's also possible that VRR isn't fully compatible with all TVs at launch, prompting Nintendo to delay its advertising.

Does VRR require HDMI 2.1 support on displays?

Yes, VRR requires HDMI 2.1, a specific standard for TVs and monitors. This could be a factor in why VRR support for docked play is not being fully advertised, as not all TVs support HDMI 2.1.

How is backward compatibility being achieved on the Nintendo Switch 2?

The Nintendo Switch 2 uses a hybrid approach that combines elements of software emulation and hardware compatibility. This allows Switch 1 games to run on Switch 2 without overtaxing the system's resources, ensuring better performance while preserving battery life.

Are all Nintendo Switch 1 games fully compatible with the Switch 2?

No, not all Switch 1 games are fully compatible with the Switch 2. While most first-party Nintendo games are compatible, some third-party games are experiencing issues, such as startup problems or in-game compatibility issues. Nintendo is actively working to resolve these problems.

What is the current status of third-party game compatibility on the Switch 2?

Currently, about 25% of third-party games are reported to be fully compatible with no issues. The majority of games are still undergoing further testing, and some may require updates to resolve compatibility issues.

Which types of issues are third-party games experiencing with the Switch 2?

Some third-party games are experiencing startup issues, while others have in-game compatibility problems. A few titles, such as NBA 2K18 and Star Wars Episode 1 Racer, have been identified with these issues, but Nintendo is working on solutions.

How is Nintendo addressing compatibility issues with third-party games on the Switch 2?

Nintendo is collaborating with developers to release updates that will address compatibility issues with third-party games. These updates are expected to resolve in-game problems and improve overall performance, ensuring these games will run smoothly on the Switch 2.