Well now I went and checked.

So apparently devs can retain the memory bandwidth from docked but not the GPU clock. They can however downclock the docked mode so handheld and docked mode run with the same shitty clock.

Since the dock includes extra cooling, it won't reach maximum power unless docked. I don't think Nintendo would add a 3rd extra mode for "dockless but charging" since it would be too much hassle for devs.

No, because that doesn't make any sense, developers in that case would need to make game working at downclocked portable mode, full clocked portable mode, and in docked mode on 1080p TV.

I'm really hoping that simply connecting a usb power lead allows full docked performance because I think for the VR visor to work well and create VR versions of last generation games its needs that 384 gflops performance. Without it VR games will be more basic probably somewhere between wii and wii u and VR ports of classic 360/ps3 games will have to be downgraded because its going to need something like a 70 to 75fps locked frame rate. I just feel they will have to downgrade the graphics slightly, reduce texture quality, effects etc. We will end up with skyrim VR looking something like this if its restricted to 150 gflops.

I see no reason why the tablet needs the dock for cooling if it has a built in fan so see no technical reason why you shouldn't have docked performance when powered off USB.

Thanks for the fact checking!

So they can get parity between the two modes, but not in a good way.... Weird, it seems pretty useless.

I don't see the point of that unless you are plugging it into a bigger display. It would be adding power for the sake of adding power, without actually achieving anything meaningful on the handheld display.

Remember that not all usb gives the same amount of power. Most usbs out there will be usb 2/3 which most likely wont provide the necessary power required. But if plugged into a wall outlet, it should be possible as long as Nvidia/Nintendo allows it.

You could be right. 5V at 0.5A is only 2.5W, 1A is 5W, 2A is 10W and 3A is 15W. I'd guess 1A is the minimum to power it for docked performance and more would allow the built in li-ion battery to charge too but can't see 0.5A being enough.

However in the UK you can get 1A output usb plugs for about 99p and even 3A models are sub £5. The 0.5A limit is probably just from computer usb ports.

My guess would be that "docked" literally just means plugged in, though if the fan is too loud when "docked" then there may be a separate trigger so that it only goes into "docked" mode when actually within a dock so that sound is lessened.

It uses USB-C not HDMI to the device and the system has active cooling which is why when docked it will remain cool. (kicks the fan on which is inside the tablet device)

The point of OP question is, if it is plugged in then what reason would it NOT be running in "docked" mode? aka - fan kicks on and everything is pushing the highest power while still charging the battery, all of which is what happens when it is docked.

Adding to my post above... would it really matter considering that the screen is 6.2" and 720p?