Switch 2 Firmware Update 23.0.0 Restores Mii Music and Delivers Long-Awaited Docked VRR

Key points

• Firmware 23.0.0 adds docked VRR support, requiring a separate update to the Switch 2 Dock.
• The Mii Maker now includes background music from the Wii, 3DS, and Wii U eras, with a toggle to switch tracks.
• A new handheld boost mode toggle and support for variable refresh rate in handheld mode are included.
• Users can now transfer their entire system data to another Switch 2 console.
• VRR in docked mode is currently limited to specific games, with only Welcome Tour supporting it at launch.

Background

This update follows a period of silence regarding the Switch 2's menu aesthetics, with fans criticizing the lack of music and visual themes since the console's launch. Previous updates, such as the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe patch in September 2026, added features like eight-player split-screen and CameraPlay support. The VRR feature was initially announced for launch but later dropped, with Nintendo confirming in July 2026 that it was still in development. The update also coincides with the upcoming release of a 40th-anniversary Zelda-themed Switch 2 console.

How outlets are covering it

GameSpot highlights the return of Mii Maker music as a nostalgic gesture, noting that while the eShop remains silent, the update adds personality to the system. Engadget emphasizes the long-awaited docked VRR support, noting that Nintendo had previously dropped the feature after its initial announcement. Wccftech, citing Digital Foundry's John Linneman, praises the VRR implementation for outperforming the PlayStation 5, supporting 40-60Hz in 60Hz mode compared to PS5's 48-60Hz, but notes that it forces VRR on even when unsupported, which may require users to disable it in display settings for games that do not support it. All sources agree that the update is a significant step for the Switch 2, but differ in their emphasis on the nostalgic aspects versus the technical improvements.

Why it matters

The update addresses long-standing fan complaints about the Switch 2's lack of menu music and visual themes, while also delivering a key technical feature that was previously dropped. The docked VRR support, though limited to specific games at launch, is a significant improvement for performance and could encourage developers to adopt the feature in future titles. The ability to transfer system data and the new handheld boost mode toggle also enhance the user experience, making the Switch 2 more versatile and user-friendly.

What to watch

Nintendo is expected to release a 40th-anniversary Zelda-themed Switch 2 console next month. Developers are likely to patch existing games to support docked VRR, and new titles, such as Metroid Ravenous, are expected to take advantage of the feature. The company may also consider adding more menu music and visual themes in future updates, given the positive reception of the Mii Maker music update.