The Switch 2 is Nintendo’s first console to support HDR, but the implementation of the feature leaves much to be desired. Here is a look at why games on the Switch 2 can wind up looking worse in HDR–and what to do to fix it.
YouTuber HDTVTest has done a deep dive into the Switch 2’s HDR capabilities and settings, to discover why HDR is leaving so many players’ games looking washed out. He identified a number of issues with the way Nintendo has implemented its HDR, mostly coming down to confusing UI and a lack of clear instruction.
The first issues come from the settings menu that prompts you to calibrate HDR for a new display. In a familiar screen showing two identical icons, players are asked to adjust a setting until one disappears and the other stays visible–which will set the maximum tone map luminance or MaxTML. HDTVTest has discovered that this setting only works as designed for displays that support HGIG tone mapping, with results on non-HGIG supported devices prone to blowing out.
The way this setting has been implemented is also not ideal, HDTVTest points out, with too many minor increments to choose from. Because the difference between each step is so minor, it leaves players without a clear choice on which of hundreds of brightness steps is the right one for their display.
HDTVTest also picks up on the somewhat tricky to find paper white setting in the next stage of configuration, which requires players to press an extra button to adjust. This wouldn’t be as much of an issue if the default configuration wasn’t set way too high, which can leave images looking flat. The way this setting is configured also changes depending on what you selected in the previous screen, making it more difficult to properly configure your Switch 2 for HDR.
So what can you do to fix these issues if you’re having them? First, make sure you have HGIG enabled if your display supports it. Setting the paper white level to its optimal setting will require some legwork, so if you’re a purist you can check out HDTVTest’s video for instructions. Even if you’re not fused about getting paper white to the exact right level, it most likely will need to be set lower than Nintendo’s default for the Switch 2.
And what about if you don’t have HGIG? HDTVTest recommends setting the MaxTML to 1000 nits and the paper white to 200 nits–though this is easier said than done if you don’t have a way to view these values. Commenters on the video have pointed out that Cyberpunk 2077 will display your MaxTML and paper white values in its in-game settings–though if you don’t already own the game, it’s an expensive way to calibrate your display.
HDTVTest also recommends a few other settings to improve the HDR experience, including switching to dark mode, setting HDR to only kick in with compatible software, and disabling screen burn-in protection.
