We tested the Switch 2 display - is it really that slow?

Switch 2's display is slower than its predecessor, affecting motion clarity despite HDR claims.

: The Nintendo Switch 2's display has been criticized for its poor motion performance and inadequate HDR capabilities despite marketing claims. Testing revealed the screen has an average response time of 33ms, significantly slower than the original Switch's 21ms, making it the slowest among 165 tested displays. The screen brightness has improved to 430 nits, and it supports a wider color gamut, offering 98% DCI-P3 coverage. However, it falls short of true HDR standards due to a lack of local dimming and insufficient contrast ratio.

The Nintendo Switch 2’s display, while boasting improved resolution and brightness over its predecessor, has raised concerns about its response time. Though the screen supports a native 1080p resolution at 120 Hz, real-world testing shows an average grey-to-grey pixel response of around 33 milliseconds. This is notably slower than the original Switch’s 21 ms and falls far behind typical modern LCD gaming displays which often achieve 5–8 ms. This results in noticeable motion blur and ghosting during fast-moving scenes.

Nintendo appears to have made deliberate design choices prioritizing battery efficiency over display responsiveness. The Switch 2 omits common features like overdrive, which could have improved response times by increasing voltage during transitions. By avoiding such methods, the device saves power but sacrifices motion clarity. This aligns with Nintendo’s longstanding handheld-first design philosophy where battery life takes precedence over cutting-edge performance metrics.

Tests conducted by outlets such as TechSpot and Hardware Unboxed confirm these measurements using pursuit camera techniques. Their tests show ghost trails on moving objects, especially in games with fast camera panning. At 60 Hz refresh rates (typical for most games), the 33 ms response time means pixel transitions often span more than one refresh frame, creating smeared visuals and trailing effects that degrade perceived fluidity.

Despite the slow response, the Switch 2 display delivers better static image quality than its predecessor. It has higher peak brightness (around 430 nits), excellent color accuracy (98% DCI-P3), and improved viewing angles. HDR10 support is present, but without local dimming or OLED-level contrast, it’s limited in practice. Dark scenes still suffer from washed-out blacks, limiting the immersive benefits HDR is supposed to offer.

In conclusion, while the Switch 2 offers meaningful upgrades in sharpness, color, and brightness, its poor pixel response hampers the experience for action-heavy or competitive games. Nintendo may improve this in future OLED models, but for now, gamers seeking high responsiveness in handheld mode may find the display underwhelming. The decision reflects Nintendo’s balance between power efficiency and image quality, but it does leave room for improvement.

Sources: TechSpot, Hardware Unboxed, Gamespot, PC Gamer, Tom’s Hardware

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