As hinted by Nintendo, Nvidia has shed some light on the custom GPU powering the Nintendo Switch 2. Although the details didn't satisfy the tech enthusiasts' thirst for specifics, Nvidia confirmed the GPU's capabilities, including AI upscaling via DLSS and ray tracing.
Nvidia's DLSS, or Deep Learning Super Sampling, leverages AI and machine learning to upscale lower-resolution images in real-time, boosting both performance and visual quality in games. Nvidia describes the Switch 2's GPU as a "custom Nvidia processor featuring an Nvidia GPU with dedicated RT Cores and Tensor Cores for stunning visuals and AI-driven enhancements."
Nvidia highlighted the extensive development effort behind the Switch 2, 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 the ability to play games at up to 4K resolution in TV mode and up to 120 FPS at 1080p in handheld mode. The console also supports HDR and AI upscaling, which enhances visuals and gameplay smoothness.
The new RT Cores enable real-time ray tracing, which adds lifelike lighting, reflections, and shadows to games, enhancing immersion. Meanwhile, Tensor Cores power AI-driven features like DLSS, which boosts resolution for sharper details without compromising image quality. Interestingly, Tensor Cores also support AI-powered face tracking and background removal in video chat scenarios, improving social gaming and streaming experiences.
During the Nintendo Direct, Nintendo introduced the C button, which facilitates new chat functionality using an external camera and the Switch 2's built-in microphone. The technology is designed to focus on the player’s voice while filtering out background noise.
Nvidia boldly claims that the Nintendo Switch 2 offers "10x the graphics performance of the Nintendo Switch," promising smoother gameplay and sharper visuals. However, the specifics of this claim remain undisclosed, leaving it to experts like Digital Foundry to analyze once the Switch 2 launches in June.
Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery
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Nvidia also noted that Tensor Cores enhance AI-powered graphics while maintaining efficient power consumption, and RT Cores improve in-game realism with dynamic lighting and natural reflections. Additionally, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) via Nvidia G-SYNC in handheld mode ensures ultra-smooth, tear-free gameplay.
In a hardware-focused roundtable Q&A in New York, attended by IGN, Nintendo confirmed the use of DLSS in the Switch 2 but remained vague about the specific version or any customizations. Similarly, they acknowledged the GPU's ray tracing capabilities without delving into details. Tetsuya Sasaki, General Manager at Nintendo’s Technology Development Division, emphasized Nintendo's focus on consumer value over hardware specifics, suggesting that Nvidia would provide more information.
AnswerSee ResultsIn January, a patent filed in July 2023 and published earlier this year surfaced online, describing AI image upscaling technology that helps keep video game download sizes manageable for physical game cartridges while offering up to 4K textures.
For more information, explore everything announced at the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct, and see what the experts have to say about the Switch 2 price and Mario Kart World’s $80 price tag.
