Is Switch 30 or 60 fps?
To provide a clear answer – the Nintendo Switch typically runs games at 60 frames per second (fps) when docked and connected to a TV at up to 1080p resolution. In handheld mode, resolutions are lowered to 720p and frame rates are capped at 30 fps to conserve battery life. However, some games employ dynamic resolution scaling to hit 60 fps or very close to it in handheld mode.
Docked vs Handheld Performance
When docked, the Switch is able to tap into more sustained CPU/GPU clock speeds which allow games to hit up to 1080p resolution and 60 fps, even for demanding titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Digital Foundry‘s analysis shows Breath of the Wild running at a native 1080p and averaging 59-60 fps when docked.
However in handheld mode, Breath of the Wild drops down to 720p resolution and averages around 30-32 fps. The frame rate is capped by Nintendo to prevent further reduction, as unsustained clock speeds while running off battery can cause fluctuations. Without the fps cap, performance could dip even lower during intense moments of gameplay.
Super Mario Odyssey is another example of performance differences between docked and handheld. When docked, Mario Odyssey also maintains a 1080p resolution, averaging 58-60 fps according to Digital Foundry. In handheld, resolution drops to 720p, but it sustains performance closer to 60 fps than Zelda, showing superior optimization.
So while 30 fps is common in handheld, the Switch is capable of hitting 60 fps portably depending on the game engine and complexity of visuals. Simpler 2D indie games easily sustain 60 fps handheld.
Factors Affecting Performance
The key factor affecting Switch performance and frame rates is the graphical demands of the game coupled with the complexity of the game engine. 3D open world games strain the mobile CPU/GPU more as they render expansive environments.
According to Switch teardowns by AnandTech, the custom Tegra processor uses an older 20nm manufacturing process, which carries limitations in efficiency and clock speeds. When docked, the Switch can tap into sustained speeds up to 768 MHz GPU and 1020 MHz CPU. But in handheld these speeds average around 307 MHz GPU and 384 MHz CPU according to tests.
The lower processing speeds handheld are intentionally throttled by Nintendo to conserve battery life. But developers can optimize engines to run more efficiently within these constraints. Nintendo‘s own game engines are highly optimized to run smoothly at 30 fps or 60 fps in handheld mode despite underpowered Tegra silicon.
Games Running at 60fps on Switch
Here is a comparison of resolution and fps across several popular Switch games:
| Game Title | Docked Resolution | Docked FPS | Handheld Resolution | Handheld FPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mario Kart 8 | 1080p | 60 fps | 720p | 59-60 fps |
| Super Smash Bros | 1080p | 60 fps | 720p | 60 fps |
| Splatoon 2 | 1080p | 60 fps | 720p | 30 fps |
| Super Mario Odyssey | 1080p | 58-60 fps | 720p | 55-60 fps |
| Zelda: Breath of the Wild | 1080p | 59-60 fps | 720p | 30-32 fps |
| Fire Emblem: Three Houses | 1080p | 60 fps | 720p | 30 fps |
As shown in the table, first party Nintendo games like Mario Kart, Smash Bros, and Super Mario Odyssey are able to sustain 60 fps in handheld mode via dynamic resolution scaling. Games like Zelda see larger performance hits handheld.
Will a Switch Pro Improve Frame Rates?
Rumors have swirled for over a year now about a potential Switch Pro model. Respected industry insiders like Bloomberg‘s Takashi Mochizuki and VentureBeat‘s Jeff Grubb have spoken about a new Nintendo Switch with 4K graphical capabilities when docked, and improved performance for handheld play.
This Switch Pro is rumored to use Nvidia‘s updated Tegra Orin chip, offeringDLSS 2.0 support for 4K upscaling. An improved CPU/GPU and extra RAM could also allow games to sustain higher frame rates in handheld mode. Some rumors even point to 120 fps targets for certain titles.
Insider and leaker Emilien Gaultier claims the Switch Pro could ship with an upgraded 720p OLED screen while still using a form factor similar to the original Switch. The screen could have a 120Hz refresh rate for even smoother 120 fps gameplay. The Tegra Orin is theoretically capable of driving 4K 60fps graphics when docked to a TV according to Nvidia‘s own demos.
If these rumors hold weight, an official New Nintendo Switch or Switch Pro model could bring noticeable performance gains. We may finally see many Switch games hitting 60 fps consistently in both docked and mobile play. Not only will AAA titles benefit, but the extra headroom could make 120 fps a reality.
