As teased by Nintendo, Nvidia has now shed some light on the custom GPU that powers the Nintendo Switch 2, though the details provided fell short of what tech enthusiasts were hoping for. In a recent blog post, Nvidia confirmed earlier reports from IGN, revealing that the GPU supports AI upscaling through DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and ray tracing. DLSS is an innovative technology that leverages AI to upscale lower-resolution images in real-time, 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." The company highlighted 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 support 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, which sharpens visuals and smoothens gameplay. The new RT Cores enable real-time ray tracing, delivering "lifelike lighting, reflections, and shadows for more immersive worlds," according to Nvidia. Meanwhile, Tensor Cores power AI-driven features like DLSS, "boosting resolution for sharper details without sacrificing image quality." Additionally, these cores enable AI-powered face tracking and background removal in video chat scenarios, enhancing social gaming and streaming experiences.
During the Nintendo Direct, Nintendo introduced the C button, designed for new chat functionality that uses an external camera and the Switch 2's built-in microphone. The technology is smart enough to focus on the player's voice and filter out background noise, ensuring clear communication.
Nvidia made a bold claim about the Switch 2's capabilities, stating, "With 10x the graphics performance of the Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch 2 delivers smoother gameplay and sharper visuals." However, the company did not specify how this performance metric was calculated. It will likely be up to experts like Digital Foundry to provide detailed analysis when the Switch 2 launches in June.
Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery
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Nvidia also noted 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." The console 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 Switch 2. Similarly, they confirmed the GPU's ray tracing capabilities but remained vague on specifics. Tetsuya Sasaki, General Manager at Nintendo’s Technology Development Division, and Senior Director at its Technology Development Department, explained Nintendo's approach to hardware details, saying, "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."
In January, a patent filed in July 2023 and published earlier this year was discovered online. It described AI image upscaling technology aimed at keeping 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 learn what the experts have to say about the Switch 2 price and Mario Kart World’s $80 price tag.
