Summary
- The Nintendo Switch 2 may have a 120hz refresh rate, as well as VRR and HDR capabilities.
- These features would enhance gameplay with smoother animations and more vibrant colors.
- The Switch 2 will also feature AI-based upscaling tech according to a recent patent.
According to a rumor circulating across social media, the screen of the Nintendo Switch 2 could have a 120hz refresh rate and support technologies like variable refresh rate (VRR) and high dynamic range (HDR). Although claims of the 120hz refresh rate of the Nintendo Switch 2 have been posted before, the rumored VRR and HDR capabilities would give developers more features to work with.
The Switch 2 has been Nintendo’s worst-kept secret since its January 2025 reveal, as rumors about the upcoming console have circulated during its early production stages. The Nintendo Switch 2 will feature a larger screen than the current Switch lineup and improved Joy-Con controllers that can be used like a mouse in supported games and apps. Although the Switch 2’s release date is still unknown, industry analysts stated that Nintendo’s new system will still sell well despite a potential price increase over the original Switch.
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Though all rumors must be taken with a fine grain of salt, the screen of the Switch 2 may be more powerful than expected. According to a post by Reddit user Icy-ConcentrationC on the r/GamingLeaksAndRumours subreddit, the Switch 2 is stated to have an LCD screen with a 120hz refresh rate alongside support for VRR and HDR technologies. Icy-Concentration cited Famiboards user SecretBoy as their source. VRR would allow games to scale between a range of refresh rates, up to the proposed 120hz refresh rate cap in the Switch 2’s case. Compared to a fixed refresh rate, VRR would allow displays to match a game’s frames per second (FPS) and provide smoother animations.
- Famiboards user Secretboy stated that the Switch 2’s LCD screen will have a 120hz refresh rate.
- The Switch 2 may also feature variable refresh rate (VRR) and high dynamic range (HDR) support.
- Both technologies would allow games to have smoother animations and more vibrant colors.
- More information about the Switch 2 will be revealed on April 2.
By comparison, HDR video output would give games brighter and more saturated colors, including deeper black tones. However, HDR on PCs and current consoles requires a compatible display to work. Both of the rumored features of the Switch 2 could be used in Handheld Mode, though it remains to be seen if that will be the case.
The Switch 2’s handheld capabilities are not the only feature making the rounds. According to a USPTO patent, the Switch 2 will also utilize AI-based upscaling technologies that will allow games rendered at 540p to be displayed at 1080p in Handheld Mode with improved performance compared to a native 1080p rendering.
Between the rumored VRR and HDR support, and the potential for games to utilize upscaling, the Switch 2 may be more powerful than at first glance. More details about the Switch 2 will be revealed during the April 2 Nintendo Direct.
