Unpacking the Controversy: Why Some Gamers Are Disappointed with the Switch 2’s Screen Quality

Ever since we found out that the Nintendo Switch 2 would have an LCD screen instead of a fancy OLED one, opinions have been mixed. When people finally got their hands on it, the Switch 2 surprised many with its bright and vibrant display. It may not match the quality of OLED, but a good LCD can still look great in 2025.

Recently, a new debate popped up about the Switch 2’s screen. Terms like “ghosting” and “refresh rate” are floating around, with some claiming that fast-paced games appear blurry. Others ask if the HDR (High Dynamic Range) feature is genuinely HDR. Are these criticisms fair? Well, there’s some truth to them, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your console.

Understanding Refresh Rates and Response Times
Games are a series of images shown quickly enough to create motion. The smoother this process, the better your gaming experience. This smoothness relies on how fast the graphics processing unit (GPU) produces images and how often the monitor refreshes, measured in Hertz (Hz). If they’re not in sync, you get tearing, which looks odd.

The Switch 2 boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, which is good for gaming. However, the screen’s millisecond response time—a measure of how fast pixels change color—is slower than those of other gaming displays. Testing has shown numbers ranging from 17.1 ms to 33.3 ms, while optimal response times for gaming should ideally be below 10 ms.

This limitation isn’t just a minor detail; it’s noticeable. However, enjoying the games can outweigh this shortcoming, especially when the fun factor is high.

What’s the Deal with HDR?
By now, many gamers understand HDR. It enhances the brightness and color range, making images more vivid. The Switch 2 offers a "High-er Dynamic Range," but it doesn’t reach true HDR levels, which require a brightness of over 1,000 nits. So, while it looks better than standard dynamic range (SDR), it’s not quite the full experience.

Is the Switch 2 Worth It?
If you’re a detail-focused gamer, the display may not meet your high expectations. Still, the screen looks fantastic in normal play. Colors pop, and games shine. Plus, it’s important to remember that lower specs don’t always detract from enjoyment. People often have great experiences playing on simpler or older tech.

So, while the Switch 2 has its limitations, it still provides a fun gaming experience. Tune out the noise from critics and just enjoy another round of your favorite game. After all, gaming is about having fun, not just numbers!

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Television technology, Nintendo, Computer monitor, Nintendo Switch 2, Mario, Home video game consoles, Display technology, Technology, Internet, Multi-exposure HDR capture, OLED, High-dynamic-range television, CRT, Will Greenwald, Handheld game consoles, High dynamic range, Liquid-crystal display, Nintendo Switch, Kotaku