As previously hinted by Nintendo, Nvidia has now shed some light on the custom GPU driving the Nintendo Switch 2, though it didn't delve as deeply into the technical specifics as many tech enthusiasts had hoped. In a recent blog post, Nvidia corroborated IGN's earlier report from Nintendo, confirming that the GPU supports AI upscaling via DLSS and ray tracing technologies.
Nvidia's DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is an innovative AI-powered technology that leverages machine learning to upscale lower-resolution images in real-time, significantly enhancing both performance and visual quality in games. Nvidia provided a bit more insight into the Switch 2's GPU, describing it as a "custom Nvidia processor featuring an Nvidia GPU with dedicated RT Cores and Tensor Cores for stunning visuals and AI-driven enhancements."
Nvidia emphasized the extensive effort behind the console, stating, "With 1,000 engineer-years of effort across every element — from system and chip design to a custom GPU, APIs and world-class development tools — the Nintendo Switch 2 brings major upgrades." These upgrades include capabilities for up to 4K gaming in TV mode and up to 120 FPS at 1080p in handheld mode. The Switch 2 also supports HDR and AI upscaling "to sharpen visuals and smooth gameplay."
The new RT Cores introduce real-time ray tracing, which Nvidia says will deliver "lifelike lighting, reflections and shadows for more immersive worlds." Meanwhile, the Tensor Cores enhance AI-driven features like DLSS, "boosting resolution for sharper details without sacrificing image quality." Nvidia also noted that the Tensor Cores enable AI-powered face tracking and background removal in video chat use cases, "enhancing social gaming and streaming."
During the Nintendo Direct, Nintendo introduced the C button, a new feature for chat functionality that uses an external camera and the Switch 2's built-in microphone. The company emphasized that the technology can distinguish the player's voice and filter out background noise effectively.
Nvidia made a bold claim about the Switch 2's performance, stating, "With 10x the graphics performance of the Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch 2 delivers smoother gameplay and sharper visuals." However, they did not provide details on how this performance metric was calculated. It will likely be up to experts like Digital Foundry to analyze these claims once the Switch 2 is released in June.
Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery
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Nvidia further highlighted that the Tensor Cores "boost AI-powered graphics while keeping power consumption efficient," and the RT Cores "enhance in-game realism with dynamic lighting and natural reflections." Additionally, the Switch 2 supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) via Nvidia G-SYNC in handheld mode, "ensuring ultra-smooth, tear-free gameplay."
In a hardware-focused roundtable Q&A in New York, attended by IGN, Nintendo representatives confirmed that the Switch 2 uses DLSS but did not specify which version or if it had been customized for the console. They also confirmed the GPU's ray tracing capabilities, but remained vague on details. Tetsuya Sasaki, General Manager at Nintendo’s Technology Development Division and Senior Director at its Technology Development Department, explained, "Nintendo doesn't share too much on the hardware spec. What we really like to focus on is the value that we can provide to our consumers. But I do believe that our partner Nvidia will be sharing some information."
AnswerSee ResultsIn January, a patent surfaced that was filed in July 2023 and published earlier this year, describing AI image upscaling technology aimed at maintaining small game download sizes suitable for physical cartridges while delivering up to 4K textures.
For more information, explore everything announced at the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct, and learn what the experts have to say about the Switch 2 price and Mario Kart World’s $80 price tag.
