A useful update for the dock
Nintendo’s version 23.0.0 release notes add variable refresh rate support in TV mode. When the software and television support it, the display refresh output can follow the game’s performance.
The Australian support page dates the release September 10. This is an existing September update worth checking for, not a feature announced today.
Check the whole chain
Start with the console version in System Settings, then System. Nintendo provides a System Update option there. After updating, check the television’s relevant input settings and the game’s support rather than assuming every title will behave differently.
VRR can help a compatible display follow varying frame delivery. It does not create additional rendered frames or make every game run at a fixed higher frame rate. A change in smoothness and a change in maximum frame rate are different claims.
Use one game as your comparison
Choose a game and scene you know well. Keep the same display mode and compare the behavior after confirming support. Changing several TV settings at once makes it harder to tell what helped.
The update also includes GameChat and Virtual Game Card changes, but docked VRR is the feature to investigate if television play is your priority. Our image shows the hardware; it is not a measurement of a game’s frame pacing.
Source published 2026-09-10. Coverage is based on the maker’s announcement and demonstration.