The Nintendo Switch 2 will support text-to-speech in GameChat, with VRR support limited to handheld mode

 

Weeks before its release, the Nintendo Switch 2 has been verified to have a few accessibility features. The hybrid console will have text-to-speech and live captioning for its GameChat feature, which allows for in-game conversation. Nintendo has also confirmed that variable refresh rate functionality for Switch will only be accessible in handheld mode.

Text-to-speech on Switch 2
A gameplay video demonstrating the new GameChat feature (via OatmealDome on Bluesky) includes text-to-speech capability. As shown in the video, users will be able to write their message into GameChat and have it read out by the Switch 2 system. According to the Bluesky article, the Switch will most likely accept USB keyboards for text input, as did the first Switch.

[Switch 2] GameChat supports text-to-speech. If enabled, you can type in text and the system will read it for you. While not explicitly confirmed, USB keyboards should be supported too (the Switch 1 already supports them for text input).

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— OatmealDome (@oatmealdome.bsky.social) May 16, 2025 at 8:49 PM

In a separate video, the user shows that the Switch 2 supports live captions in GameChat. A chat window on the right side of the screen will show transcripts of what other players say in GameChat.

VRR Support for Switch 2

Meanwhile, Nintendo has emphasized that the Switch 2 will not allow changing refresh rates while docked. The business confirmed in a statement to NintendoLife that VRR will only be accessible in portable form.

"The Nintendo Switch 2 only supports VRR in handheld mode." The wrong information was first provided on the Nintendo Switch 2 website, and we sincerely apologize for the error," the firm stated. However, Nintendo declined to confirm or deny if VRR compatibility will be added to docked mode in a future firmware update.

Nintendo initially advertised VRR functionality for the Switch 2 in docked mode on its website, however such references were eventually deleted. When connected to compatible TVs, the hybrid console supports 4K resolution, HDR, and framerates of up to 120fps.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is slated to be released on June 5. The console begins at $449.99 in the United States. Nintendo aims to sell 15 million Switch 2 devices during the current fiscal year.