Split Fiction: 30ps docked, higher handheld. Please add FPS unlock for docked!

Hey tubular1450​,

Is your TV a 4K 120Hz TV by any chance? 

Yes, it is! Why do you ask? Should the game be running in a 40fps mode with a 120Hz capable TV?

HeyEA_Leeuw​, just wanted to follow up on this - I’m curious if you were wondering about my TV in the event that can make a difference!

I even dropped the system resolution to 1080p in the Switch 2’s system settings and Split Fiction did not activate a 40fps mode - still 30fps.

But I’d like to know what your line of thinking is!

Hi tubular1450​,

Thanks for following up! I checked in with the team, and here is what they shared about the framerate differences between handheld and docked modes on Switch 2.

By design, the game is locked at 30 frames per second in docked mode. The Switch 2 does not support Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) in docked mode, meaning unlocking the framerate would cause noticeable stuttering on most TVs. That is why it is capped at a steady 30 frames per second for a smoother, more consistent experience.

In handheld mode, the game does take advantage of VRR, which is why it can run at variable framerates, usually in the 30 to 45 frames per second range, without visible issues.

It was also mentioned that the 40 frames per second mode in docked would not solve this because some areas of the game would still dip below that, causing visible stutters without VRR.

Right now, there don't seem to be any plans to add alternate framerate modes for docked play, as this would likely cause more problems than benefits on current hardware.

I hope this helps clarify things.

Hey EA_Leeuw​, sorry for my delay in getting back to you. Thanks for checking with the team!

I had wondered if the lack of VRR in docked mode had something to do with it - what a bummer (come on, Nintendo, figure that out please!).

Definitely understand the team's decision to stick to a stable 30 in that case. I don't know if they would consider a toggle to optionally unlock the framerate for those who don't mind the instability and/or to futureproof the docked mode for if/when Nintendo (hopefully!) implements VRR - that would be pretty great if they were open to it! :)

Regardless, thank you again for your insight here. It's great to know the reason why straight from the team. I hope you have a great week!