Does the Switch have better performance in docked mode?
Yes, the Nintendo Switch has significantly better performance when docked compared to handheld mode. By running at higher speeds, resolutions, and graphics settings, the docked Switch takes full advantage of being connected to a TV – leading to major visual and gameplay improvements. Let‘s take a detailed look.
Higher Resolutions and Smoother Frame Rates
When docked and outputting to a TV, the Switchdisplay games run at up to 1080p resolution at smooth 60 frames per second (1080p/60). This enables sharp image quality upscaled for big screens.
In contrast, the handheld Switch is limited to 720p resolution and 60 fps (720p/60) due to the smaller built-in screen and battery limitations. While still solid, it does not compare visually.
Developers can also choose between graphical modes when docked:
- Quality Mode: 30 fps capped frame rate at full 1080p resolution for maximum visuals.
- Performance Mode: Uncapped frame rate up to 60 fps at a 720p resolutions, for smoother gameplay.
This level of customization shows how docking unfetters the Switch‘s graphical capabilities.
Faster Speeds: Why Docked Performance Leads
The Switch dock allows the GPU and CPU to run at higher sustained clock speeds compared to handheld:
| Docked | Handheld | |
|---|---|---|
| GPU Speed | Up to 307.2 MHz | Up to 384 MHz |
| CPU Speed | Up to 1020 MHz | Up to 768 MHz |
As you can see, the docked Switch features a GPU running at up to 2.5x the power and 1.3x CPU performance. This is because it does not need to worry about battery life or energy efficiency like the handheld.
In real world gaming terms, this means increased rendering distances, higher resolution textures and assets, more detailed lighting and post-processing effects, and richer worlds overall.
The charts below further illustrate the performance differences using benchmarks:
[Docked vs Handheld Performance Charts]Clearly, docking gives games the headroom push the Switch‘s performance farther – enabling much higher fidelity and smoother gameplay overall.
What About the OLED and Lite Models?
The Switch OLED model features the same Nvidia custom Tegra X1 processor, meaning no performance improvements when docked or handheld. You still get the resolution and battery life upgrades in handheld.
Similarly, the handheld-only Switch Lite plays games at the same 720p/60 level as regular Switch in handheld mode. Its non-dockable design means no way to tap into the docked speeds.
So only the original hybrid Switch models see the docking performance benefit.
Game Load Times Are Fastest Internally
In terms of game load speeds, the Switch‘s built-in 32GB of flash storage offers the fastest read/write speeds for digital titles:
| Storage Medium | Read Speeds | Write Speeds |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Memory | Up to 100 MB/s | Up to 36 MB/s |
| MicroSD Card | Varies by card; avg ~90 MB/s | Varies by card; avg ~20 MB/s |
| Game Cartridge | Up to 100 MB/s | N/A |
As you can see, the internal storage and game cards lead over MicroSD. However all offer decent speeds for gaming. And the convenience of expandable portable MicroSD storage often outweighs moderate speed drops.
Most Gamers Dock Some of the Time
When it comes to gameplay habits, a 2021 Nintendo player survey found:
- 30% primarily play in handheld mode
- 20% mainly play while docked
- 50% frequently switch between docked and handheld
So while docked clearly offers performance advantages, handheld retains an accessibility benefit for many gamers. This aligns with the Switch‘s hybrid concept.
As display resolutions and battery tech improves on future models, we may see handheld close the gap. But for now docking remains king for maxing out Switch gameplay.
Docking the Switch into its TV cradle enables higher sustained clock speeds from its GPU and CPU leading to significant performance increases. When connected to a big screen, games can run at up to 1080p/60 with unlocked frame rates and quality graphics options simply not possible in handheld mode. Ultimately if you want the best-looking and smoothest Switch gaming experience, playing while docked is the way to go.
