Nvidia has revealed details about the custom GPU driving the Nintendo Switch 2, though it stopped short of the in-depth specs tech fans were anticipating.
In a recent blog post, Nvidia echoed IGN's earlier report from Nintendo, confirming that its GPU supports AI upscaling through DLSS and enables ray tracing.
Nvidia's DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) leverages AI to upscale lower-resolution images in real time, improving both game performance and visual clarity.
More specifics emerged about the Switch 2’s GPU. Nvidia described it as a “tailored Nvidia processor with dedicated RT Cores and Tensor Cores for breathtaking visuals and AI-enhanced features.”
Nvidia elaborated: “With 1,000 engineer-years of effort across system architecture, chip design, custom GPU, APIs, and top-tier development tools, the Nintendo Switch 2 delivers significant advancements.”
These advancements include support for up to 4K gaming in TV mode and 120 FPS at 1080p in handheld mode. The Nintendo Switch 2 also features HDR and AI upscaling to “enhance visual sharpness and ensure fluid gameplay.”
The new RT Cores enable real-time ray tracing, creating “realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows for more immersive environments,” Nvidia noted.
Meanwhile, Tensor Cores drive AI features like DLSS, “increasing resolution for crisp details without compromising image quality.”
Notably, Nvidia highlighted that Tensor Cores also support AI-powered face tracking and background removal for video chats, “elevating social gaming and streaming experiences.”
During the Nintendo Direct, Nintendo introduced the C button, tied to new chat features that utilize an external camera and the Switch 2’s built-in microphone. Nintendo emphasized that the technology intelligently isolates the player’s voice while filtering out background noise.
Nvidia made a bold claim:
“Offering 10x the graphics performance of the original Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch 2 delivers smoother gameplay and sharper visuals.”
Details on how this performance leap was measured remain unclear. Experts like Digital Foundry are expected to analyze the numbers when the Switch 2 launches in June.
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Nvidia further noted that Tensor Cores “optimize AI-driven graphics while maintaining efficient power usage,” and RT Cores “elevate in-game realism with dynamic lighting and lifelike reflections.”
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) via Nvidia G-SYNC in handheld mode “delivers seamless, tear-free gameplay.”
At a hardware-focused Q&A in New York, attended by IGN, Nintendo confirmed the Switch 2 employs DLSS but didn’t specify the version or whether it was customized for the console. Similarly, they offered vague confirmation of the GPU’s ray-tracing capabilities.
Tetsuya Sasaki, General Manager at Nintendo’s Technology Development Division and Senior Director at its Technology Development Department, explained that Nintendo avoids diving into hardware specifics.
“Nintendo tends not to focus on detailed hardware specs,” he said. “Our priority is the value we deliver to players. That said, our partner Nvidia may share some insights.”
In January, a patent filed in July 2023 but newly published revealed AI image upscaling technology designed to keep game file sizes compact for physical cartridges while supporting up to 4K textures.
For more, explore all the announcements from the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct and expert opinions on the Switch 2 price and Mario Kart World’s $80 price tag.
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