The Switch 2 dock is what makes 4K, HDR and high refresh rates possible on a TV: Nintendo's specifications list docked output up to 3840 x 2160 at 60 fps, or 120 fps at 1080p or 1440p, with HDR10 and variable refresh rate. To use them you need an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable, the NGN-01 adapter or at least 54W, a TV that supports the mode, and the console's Display settings set to match: HDR Output on, TV Resolution Automatic or 2160p, and Video Output Information to confirm what is in use. If the picture drops, turn VRR off on the TV.
Differential
Likely causes of “Nintendo Switch 2 dock HDR, 4K, 120 Hz or VRR is not available”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A cable that cannot carry 4K or 120 Hz
What separates it The picture is limited to 1080p or drops out
How to confirm Use an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable printed as such; the original Switch's cable does not work
- 2
TV Resolution set low or on a mode the TV rejects
What separates it The picture is soft or blank after choosing 2160p or 1440p
How to confirm Set TV Resolution to Automatic and read Video Output Information to see what the TV accepts
- 3
HDR Output off or the TV not in HDR mode
What separates it HDR games look flat because HDR Output is off or the TV is not in HDR mode
How to confirm Turn on HDR Output under System Settings, Display and enable the TV's HDR mode
- 4
VRR clashing with the TV
What separates it The picture disappears in TV mode on one TV only
How to confirm Try turning Variable Refresh Rate off in the TV's settings
- 5
An underpowered adapter
What separates it The dock does not run TV mode properly because of an underpowered adapter
How to confirm Use the NGN-01 or another adapter of at least 54W
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The TV model, HDMI port and whether it supports HDMI 2.1, HDR10 and VRR
- The cable's printed rating and any splitter or receiver
- The TV Resolution, HDR Output and RGB Range settings
- What Video Output Information reports on the console
Try in this order
0 of 9 completedUse the right hardware
ReversibleAn Ultra High Speed HDMI cable and the NGN-01 adapter, or another adapter of at least 54W, with the console in the Switch 2 dock.
Connect directly to the TV
ReversiblePlug the dock's HDMI cable straight into the TV and remove any splitter, soundbar or receiver while testing.
Open the display settings
ReversibleFrom the HOME Menu open System Settings and scroll to Display. Set TV Resolution to Automatic, or 720p, 1080p, 1440p or 2160p as the TV supports.
Turn on HDR Output
ReversibleToggle HDR Output on for compatible software and enable HDR on the TV's HDMI input.
Read Video Output Information
ReversibleIt shows the video signal the console and the TV are using, which confirms whether 4K, HDR or 120 Hz is active.
Set RGB Range and screen size
ReversibleSet RGB Range to Automatic, Full Range or Limited Range to suit the TV, and use Adjust Screen Size while docked to fit the picture.
Try VRR off
ReversibleIf there is no output, turn Variable Refresh Rate off in the TV's settings and try again.
Keep the dock cool
ReversibleThe dock has a fan that runs in TV mode. Keep its vent clear so it can sustain 4K and 120 fps play without overheating.
Note the settings you change
ReversibleWrite down each Display setting you change and the result. TV Resolution, HDR Output and the TV's own HDR and VRR options interact, and a note lets you undo a change that blanks the picture.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Docked output
- Up to 3840 x 2160 at 60 fps, or 120 fps at 1080p or 1440p, with HDR10 and VRR for compatible software and TVs, per Nintendo's specification for the Switch 2 and its dock.
- TV Resolution options
- Automatic, 720p (HD), 1080p (Full HD), 1440p (WQHD) and 2160p (4K).
- Tools and supplies
- An Ultra High Speed HDMI cable, the TV manual and remote.
- What to tell the TV maker
- The TV model, HDMI port and settings tried, with the dock model BEE-005; not a part number.
- Repair cost
- Nintendo's out-of-warranty price for a Switch 2 dock, as reported by Engadget, is $66, against $179 for a Switch 2 console and $18 for an AC adapter.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If 4K or 120 fps fails on a TV that supports it with the supplied cable and the NGN-01, contact the TV manufacturer, then Nintendo
- !If VRR off does not restore the picture, the dock may need service
- !If the console screen stays on while docked, the dock needs service
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. The resolution and refresh rate figures are Nintendo's published specifications.
HDR Output, TV Resolution and Video Output Information.
Ultra High Speed cable, adapter and VRR.
Cable requirements for TV mode.
Exact questions
Common questions
Does the Switch 2 dock do 4K?+
Yes. Nintendo's specification lists docked output up to 3840 x 2160 at 60 fps, or up to 120 fps at 1080p or 1440p.
What cable do I need?+
An Ultra High Speed HDMI cable, such as the one included with the Switch 2.
How do I turn on HDR?+
System Settings, Display, HDR Output on, and turn on HDR for the TV's input.
What is Video Output Information?+
A Display setting that shows the video signal the system and the connected TV are using.
Why does the picture drop with VRR on?+
Some TVs clash with it in TV mode. Nintendo suggests turning Variable Refresh Rate off in the TV's settings.
Does the original Switch dock do 4K?+
No. It outputs up to 1080p and cannot drive a Switch 2 to a TV.
Do all games use 4K or 120 fps?+
No. Nintendo's specification lists the maximum the dock can output; each game chooses what it uses, and HDR and VRR need compatible software and a compatible TV.
What if my TV only has HDMI 2.0?+
Choose a resolution and refresh rate the TV accepts in Display settings; Video Output Information shows what is actually being used.
Does Match TV Power State matter for picture problems?+
Nintendo says it turns the TV on with the console and puts the console to sleep when the TV is turned off; it needs HDMI control enabled on the TV and some TVs cannot use it.