Nintendo has rolled out a new firmware update for the Switch 2 that adds variable refresh rate (VRR) functionality when the console is docked and used in TV mode. The update, labeled version 23.0.0, arrives months after the system’s launch, during which Nintendo had advertised VRR as a forthcoming feature but did not include it at release.

VRR works by adjusting the refresh rate of a connected display to match the frame rate output of a game, which helps reduce screen tearing and stutter. For creators who stream or record gameplay, this can result in a cleaner visual output that is easier to capture and more pleasant for viewers to watch. The improvement is most noticeable in titles that fluctuate between frame rates, where a fixed refresh rate might otherwise cause visual artifacts.

The VRR option is accessible through the system settings when the Switch 2 is connected to a TV or monitor via its dock. It does not affect handheld mode, so creators who primarily play on the go will not see a change unless they dock the device. To take advantage of the feature, the external display must itself support VRR; otherwise the setting will remain inactive.

For content creators, the addition means that recorded footage can exhibit fewer visual inconsistencies, potentially reducing the need for post‑processing to mask tearing. Streamers may also notice a more stable picture when broadcasting live, which can help maintain audience engagement during fast‑paced segments. The update addresses a gap that had been noted since the console’s debut, showing Nintendo’s responsiveness to creator feedback.

Creators who own a Switch 2 and a VRR‑compatible TV or monitor should check for the 23.0.0 update in the system menu and enable the feature in the display settings. Testing with a variety of games will help determine the extent of the improvement, though the core benefit remains a smoother, tear‑free experience when the console is docked for TV play.