Nintendo Switch 2 Embraces 4K HDR, But Third-Party Support Lags
The Nintendo Switch 2, released last month, is finally bringing High Dynamic Range (HDR) visuals to the Nintendo ecosystem – a feature commonplace in the broader audiovisual landscape for over a decade. While Nintendo often adopts new technologies at its own pace, the Switch 2’s capabilities, including 4K HDR output in docked mode, represent a significant leap forward for the console.
Nintendo’s latest console supports a range of visual enhancements beyond 4K HDR, such as 1440p (2K) output, a 120Hz refresh rate, and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) in handheld mode, alongside full-HD HDR. Audio improvements include 5.1-Surround sound via PCM, virtualized 3D-Surround sound, and noise reduction for the built-in microphone. However, despite industry pressure for Nintendo to embrace cutting-edge formats, the company historically prioritizes its own implementation and optimization of new features.
The Switch 2 launched with a limited selection of HDR-compatible games, primarily first-party titles. Third-party releases, with exceptions like Civilization VII and Cyberpunk 2077, have largely overlooked the opportunity to leverage the new hardware. “HDR provides the possibility of a wider range of lights and colors, as well as a more varied expression of intensity and bright and dark areas,” explained a Nintendo spokesperson.
Ironically, the Switch 2 is the first Nintendo console to offer universal HDR support, enabled by its LCD screen even in handheld mode. This makes the visual difference between Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) and HDR games immediately apparent, with SDR games appearing dimmer in comparison. One analyst noted that colorful titles like Sonic X Shadow Generations would particularly benefit from the enhanced visual fidelity. To fully appreciate the HDR capabilities, a compatible screen is, of course, required.
Automatic HDR and Performance Enhancements
While awaiting updates for more titles, users can enable an automatic “fake” HDR setting, which improves visuals even in games not natively designed for HDR. Testing has shown that titles like Street Fighter 6 and Disney Dreamlight Valley exhibit noticeable improvements with this system-wide HDR enhancement.
HDR-Compatible Games on Nintendo Switch 2
Below is a current list of Nintendo Switch 2 titles confirmed to support Native High Dynamic Range, along with their release dates:
- Arms (Free Update from Nintendo Switch)
- Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (Free Update from Nintendo Switch)
- Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition (June 5, 2025)
- Donkey Kong Bananza (July 17, 2025)
- Drag x Drive (August 14, 2025)
- Fast Fusion (June 5, 2025)
- Mario Map World (June 5, 2025)
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (2025)
- Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour (June 5, 2025)
- Sid Meier’s Civilization VII (June 5, 2025)
- Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury (Bowser’s Fury portion only) (Free Update from Nintendo Switch)
- Super Mario Odyssey (Free Update from Nintendo Switch)
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (June 5, 2025)
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (Free Update from Nintendo Switch)
- The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (Free Update from Nintendo Switch)
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (June 5, 2025)
- Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3+4 (July 11, 2025)
Notably, several upcoming Nintendo-published titles, such as Pokémon Legends: ZA (October 16, 2025) and Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + The Astral World (August 28, 2025), currently lack HDR support, suggesting potential challenges in adapting existing codebases to the new hardware.
