The recent performance assessments of the Nintendo Switch 2 have painted a troubling picture regarding its LCD display. According to independent testing performed by the YouTube channel Monitors Unboxed, the Switch 2’s screen exhibits a pixel response time that falls considerably short of expectations. An average of 33 ms at 60 Hz was recorded, revealing it to be significantly slower than the original Switch’s LCD, which managed 21 ms, not to mention the superior speed of OLED panels that typically showcase response times of around 0.3 ms.

The testing draws attention to how the display technology in the Switch 2 fails to measure up against both the latest monitors and last year’s models, marking a notable step back in device capability.

“This display performance does not merely hinder gameplay; it dramatically diminishes the gaming experience for a generation demanding greater visual fidelity.” — Monitors Unboxed

Given the significance of such metrics, it raises the question of whether Nintendo has intentionally limited the overdrive function of the display—a technique to enhance pixel response times—to conserve battery life. Thus, users who prioritize gaming speed should perhaps hold off for an anticipated OLED refresh of the Switch 2.