Tag: VRR

  • ROG Xbox Ally Handheld: No OLED Screen, Focus on VRR

    ROG Xbox Ally Handheld: No OLED Screen, Focus on VRR

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft revealed the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming devices with a 7-inch 1080p IPS display, despite some gamers wanting an OLED option.
    2. Asus faced development challenges with OLED screens due to high power consumption and production costs, prioritizing battery life for Windows-based handhelds.
    3. Whitson Gordon emphasizes the importance of Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for handheld gaming to prevent screen tearing and improve visuals.
    4. The decision to use an IPS screen over an OLED was influenced by pricing concerns, as adding OLED and VRR would increase costs beyond many buyers’ willingness to pay.
    5. The polished Xbox UI on the ROG Ally may be available on other Windows handhelds in the future, with alternatives like the Lenovo Legion Go 2 potentially featuring an OLED display.

    Many rumors about a new Xbox handheld turned out to be true when Microsoft revealed the device during its latest showcase. However, some gamers were still wishing for an OLED screen option, even if it meant paying a higher price. Instead, both the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X come with a 7-inch 1080p IPS display. Whitson Gordon, a Senior Manager of Content Marketing at Asus, discussed this topic on a YouTube podcast. He thinks that VRR is more vital for a handheld gaming PC compared to having an OLED screen.

    Development Challenges

    Asus experimented with prototypes that had an OLED screen while creating the Xbox handheld versions of the ROG Ally. Unfortunately, these devices consumed too much power and would have been pricier to produce. Since battery life is often a concern for Windows-based handhelds, Asus aimed to avoid making this issue worse. The company understands that the price will be a consideration for many buyers, as it will likely serve as a secondary gaming option for them. Gamers are still on the lookout for confirmed pricing details on the new ROG Xbox Ally models.

    Importance of VRR

    Whitson is a big supporter of VRR, which he insists should be available on every modern gaming console. Variable Refresh Rate ensures that the refresh rate of the display matches the frame rate of the game. If not, fast-paced action can lead to screen tearing, causing the visuals to seem choppy. An OLED display with VRR would have raised the price of the Xbox handheld beyond what many buyers would be willing to pay.

    While not all gamers are happy about the choice of an IPS screen, it’s important to recognize that OLED technology offers much deeper blacks and better viewing angles. Nevertheless, the polished Xbox UI on the upcoming ROG Ally may also appear on other Windows handheld gaming PCs in the future. By then, consumers will have more alternatives, like the Lenovo Legion Go 2, which could come equipped with an 8.8-inch OLED display.

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  • Nintendo Confirms Switch 2 Specs Lack VRR in Docked Mode

    Nintendo Confirms Switch 2 Specs Lack VRR in Docked Mode

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nintendo has confirmed that VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) will only be available in handheld mode for the Switch 2, not in docked mode.
    2. The initial incorrect information about VRR on the Nintendo Switch 2 website has been acknowledged and apologized for by the company.
    3. The limitations in VRR support are attributed to the Switch 2 dock’s specifications and its adapter connections.
    4. VRR is a crucial feature for modern gaming, enhancing performance by synchronizing display refresh rates with video output frame rates.
    5. Competitors like Xbox Series X and PS5 offer VRR support, highlighting the Switch 2’s limitations in comparison.

    As the launch of the Switch 2 approaches, Nintendo is finally addressing some of the questions surrounding the new handheld console. After some conflicting details appeared on its website, it has now been clarified that VRR will not be available in docked mode. Nintendo Life has confirmed this directly from the company, leaving many gamers disappointed who intended to use the Switch 2 both at home and on the go.

    Nintendo’s Clarification on VRR

    In their statement, Nintendo clarified the confusion: “Nintendo Switch 2 supports VRR in handheld mode only. The incorrect information was initially published on the Nintendo Switch 2 website, and we apologise for the error.” When further inquiries about the possibility of a firmware update to enable the feature were made, the company chose not to provide additional comments.

    Limited VRR Implementation

    While it’s unfortunate for users, the limited support for VRR isn’t exactly shocking. Digital Foundry has shared the full specifications of the Switch 2, detailing the capabilities of its Nvidia T239 chip and how it utilizes memory. The report indicated that the Switch 2 dock does not support VRR when linked to TVs or monitors. The assumption is that the DisplayPort v1.4 to HDMI 2.1 adapter may be the reason for this limitation.

    VRR has become an essential feature for modern graphics cards, monitors, TVs, and consoles. It synchronizes the refresh rate of a display with the frame rate of the video output, which is especially beneficial for competitive gaming at high refresh rates, helping to minimize screen tearing and input lag. The Switch 2 is capable of reaching up to 120 fps at 1440p in handheld mode, meaning some games may experience fluctuating frame rates. Even if gamers primarily use the dock for 4K at 60 fps, there are still benefits to having VRR.

    Competition and Similar Limitations

    Both the Xbox Series X and PS5 offer VRR support, with Sony integrating this feature into its console in 2022. However, docks for other handheld devices, like the Asus ROG Ally, are also facing similar restrictions with HDMI connections.

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    Nintendo Confirms Switch 2 Specs Lack VRR in Docked Mode

     

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