Nintendo has made some unexpected changes to its official Switch 2 promotional materials, raising questions about the upcoming console's technical capabilities just weeks after its initial announcement. The company appears to be walking back some previously advertised features, particularly regarding Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support when the console is docked.
VRR Support Quietly Removed from Multiple Regional Websites
In what appears to be a deliberate change, Nintendo has quietly modified the description of the Switch 2's capabilities on several of its regional websites. The US, Canadian, and Japanese websites no longer mention VRR support for the console when connected to a TV. Previously, these sites stated that the system would support HDR, VRR, and frame rates up to 120 fps on compatible TVs when docked. The updated text now omits any reference to VRR, simply stating the console supports HDR and frame rates up to 120 fps on compatible TVs.
Inconsistency Across Regional Sites Creates Confusion
Adding to the confusion, the UK website still displays the original description that includes VRR support as of this writing. This inconsistency across regional Nintendo websites has left consumers uncertain about what features will actually be available when the Switch 2 launches on June 5, 2025. Industry observers, including Digital Foundry's Oliver Mackenzie, have noted these changes and speculated about their implications for the final product.
Technical Limitations May Explain the Change
Technical experts suggest the issue might stem from the conversion between display standards. The Switch 2 in handheld mode will reportedly feature NVIDIA G-SYNC through a native DisplayPort 1.4 connection, ensuring smooth gameplay without screen tearing. However, the docked mode requires conversion to HDMI output for TV connectivity, which may be causing complications with implementing VRR support. This technical limitation could explain Nintendo's decision to quietly remove the feature from its marketing materials.
Cloud Save Concerns for Zelda Titles
In another potentially concerning development for Nintendo fans, both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom's Switch 2 editions appear to have limitations regarding cloud save functionality. According to disclaimers that have appeared on some regional Nintendo websites, these enhanced versions do not support the Nintendo Switch Online paid membership's Save Data Cloud backup feature.
Save Transfer Options Still Available
Despite the cloud save limitations, Nintendo has confirmed that players will be able to transfer their existing save files from the original Switch versions of these Zelda titles to the Switch 2 editions. The company notes that each Switch 2 edition will include an additional save slot where players can either start a new journey or continue with their existing save data. However, save data created specifically in the Switch 2 versions cannot be transferred back to the original Switch versions of these games.
Nintendo Switch 2 Key Details
- Release Date: June 5, 2025
- Price: USD $449.99 / GBP £395.99 (standard), USD $499.99 / GBP £429.99 (Mario Kart World bundle)
- Screen Size: Increased from 6.2 inches to 7.9 inches
- Storage: 256GB internal
- Display Support: Up to 4K resolution, HDR, and frame rates up to 120fps
- Features: Magnetic Joy-Con controllers with mouse function
- Enhanced Versions: Will offer upgraded versions of select Switch 1 titles
Switch 2 Launch Details
The Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled to launch on June 5, 2025, with a price tag of USD $449.99 / GBP £395.99 for the standard edition, or USD $499.99 / GBP £429.99 for a bundle that includes Mario Kart World. Pre-orders are currently available in the UK, while US and Canadian pre-orders have been delayed as Nintendo assesses the potential impact of tariffs.