Nintendo Switch 2 Releases Brand-New Console Update for September 2026

Nintendo Switch 2 users have a new firmware update to download and install, as version 23.0.0 includes support for variable refresh rate (VRR) in docked mode along with other new features.

Nintendo Switch 2 Finally Adds Docked VRR Support

Months after the previous version 22.5.0 firmware update was released, Switch 2 users have some new features waiting for them after downloading and installing the new 22.3.0 update. Although the Switch 2 did not initially support VRR in docked mode, version 23.0.0 has now made that possible in supported titles. As of this writing, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is the only Switch 2 title that supports VRR in docked mode, though that list will obviously grow over time. VRR support also requires a Switch 2 to be connected to a compatible display via HDMI, along with a separate Switch 2 dock update that can be done via the System Settings menu. Additionally, audio settings can now be saved separately for each connected display and Dock Output Information has been renamed to Video Output Information within the System Settings.

Nintendo Switch 2 Firmware Version 23.0.0 Patch Notes (September 10, 2026)

• The following updates have been made to GameChat:
  • The list of chats you can join now shows chats you have previously joined.
  • When starting a new chat, you can now enter without inviting any friends.
  • Added an option to the menu that appears when you press the C Button during a chat that lets you change the screen size.
• Added a settings option to Virtual Game Cards on the HOME Menu.
  • Here you can review and edit which of your consoles can use virtual game cards, among other options.
• Added support for VRR (variable refresh rate) in TV mode.
  • If supported by both the software and your TV, the refresh rate output will be adjusted based on the software’s performance.
  • A Nintendo Switch 2 dock update is required to enable this feature.
• Added the ability to perform a system transfer from a Nintendo Switch 2 console to another Nintendo Switch 2 console.
• The following updates have been made under Accessibility in System Settings:
  • Added Portuguese (Brazil) to the available text to speech languages.
  • Added Portuguese (Brazil) to the GameChat “Display Speech as Text” languages.
• The following updates have been made under Audio in System Settings:
  • Added the option to save settings separately for each connected TV.
• The following updates have been made under Display in System Settings:
  • Renamed “Dock Output Information” to “Video Output Information”, which now includes details about connected TV outputs.
  • Added settings for VRR.
• The following updates have been made under Mii in System Settings:
  • Added a feature that lets you create a QR Code for a Mii and share it with other users.
• The following updates have been made under Sleep Mode in System Settings:
  • Choosing the volume for Play Console Wake-Up Sound in TV Mode now causes the sound to play immediately so that you can check the volume level.
  • Added the ability to enable or disable “Handheld Mode Boost” under Quick Settings.
• System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2 has been added under System Settings > System.
• When starting software, if a virtual game card cannot be ejected from another console because it is powered off or otherwise not connected to the internet, there will be a prompt to start the software using an online license.
  • Only the user who purchased the software can play it using the online license.
• Music can now be played while creating or editing a Mii.
  • You can change or stop the music using the Music Settings in the top corner of the screen.
• You can now use other controllers during Handheld Mode Boost while Joy-Con 2 controllers are attached to the console.
• Play activity, found under Profile on your user page, now combines play time for the same software across multiple consoles.
  • The combined times will be displayed in order, starting with software played after the update.
• General system stability improvements have been made to enhance the user’s experience.

Nintendo Switch Firmware Version 23.0.0 Patch Notes (September 10, 2026)

• Added a settings option to Virtual Game Cards on the HOME Menu.
  • Here you can review and edit which of your consoles can use virtual game cards, among other options.
• When starting software, if a virtual game card cannot be ejected from another console because it is powered off or otherwise not connected to the internet, there will be a prompt to start the software using an online license.
  • Only the user who purchased the software can play it using the online license.
• General system stability improvements have been made to enhance the user’s experience.