120 FPS on Switch 2: which games support it and what you need
By Daniel del Moral Hernández · Updated October 7, 2026
The Switch 2 can display up to 120 frames per second, both on its own screen and on a TV. Very few games use it so far, and seeing it on a TV needs the right setup. Here is what you need to know.
What the hardware can do
| Mode | 120 Hz support |
|---|---|
| Handheld (built-in screen) | Yes, at 1080p |
| TV mode | Yes, at up to 1440p, on a TV that supports 120 Hz |
A game has to be made to run at 120 FPS. The console does not raise the frame rate of games on its own.
Games that run at 120 FPS
In the GameSpecsDB database, four games have a sourced 120 FPS mode in October 2026:
| Game | How it reaches 120 FPS |
|---|---|
| Metroid Prime 4: Beyond | Performance mode: 1080p at 120 FPS on a TV, 720p at 120 FPS handheld. Quality mode runs at 4K or 1080p at 60 FPS. |
| Hades II | 1080p at 120 FPS in TV mode; 60 FPS in handheld mode |
| Hollow Knight: Silksong | 120 Hz mode on a 120 Hz TV, at a reduced resolution |
| Ys X: Proud Nordics | Optional Performance mode at 120 FPS; 60 FPS by default |
Out of 55 games with a sourced frame rate, that is fewer than one in ten. Most Switch 2 games target 60 FPS, and many larger ones 30 FPS. See the full 120 FPS list and the 60 FPS list, which are updated as new figures are published.
What you need on a TV
- A TV or monitor that supports 120 Hz through HDMI. Many recent mid-range and high-end TVs do, but often only on some HDMI ports, usually marked “4K 120” or “HDMI 2.1”.
- The right port and cable. Use the 120 Hz-capable port and the HDMI cable that came with the console or a certified high-speed one.
- The console set to 120 Hz. Check the TV output settings in System Settings.
- The game’s 120 FPS mode turned on, if it has a separate mode, as in Metroid Prime 4 and Ys X.
If any of these is missing, the game falls back to 60 FPS. In handheld mode none of this applies: the built-in screen supports 120 Hz on its own.
Is 120 FPS worth it?
It depends on the game:
- Fast action games and shooters benefit the most: motion looks clearer and controls feel more responsive. Metroid Prime 4 is the best example on Switch 2.
- Slower games gain little, and the 120 FPS mode usually costs resolution. In Metroid Prime 4, Performance mode drops from 4K to 1080p on a TV.
- Battery life in handheld mode can be shorter when a game runs at a higher frame rate.
If your TV only supports 60 Hz, choose the mode with the higher resolution: you will not see the extra frames anyway.
120 FPS vs frame generation
Some games show a smoother image than they actually render, using frame generation. That is not the same as running at 120 FPS: it does not make the game respond faster to your input. The games in the table above render their frames for real. More about this in TV mode vs handheld performance.
Common questions
Can Switch 1 games run at 120 FPS on Switch 2? Only if they get a Switch 2 update or Edition that adds it. Hades II and Hollow Knight: Silksong are examples of Switch 2 Editions that do.
Sources: performance sources are linked on each game page (Nintendo, Comicbook, RPG Site, Nintendo Life, Nintendo Everything). Nintendo Switch 2 hardware (Wikipedia). Data: GameSpecsDB database, October 2026.