As hinted by Nintendo, Nvidia has shed light on the custom GPU that powers the Nintendo Switch 2, though it fell short of the detailed technical insights many enthusiasts were eagerly awaiting. In a recent blog post, Nvidia corroborated IGN's earlier report from Nintendo that the GPU harnesses the power of AI upscaling through DLSS and introduces ray tracing to the console.
Nvidia's DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is an innovative technology that leverages AI to enhance lower-resolution images in real-time, boosting both performance and visual quality in video games. Nvidia provided some additional details about 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 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 support for up to 4K gaming in TV mode and up to 120 FPS at 1080p in handheld mode, along with HDR and AI upscaling to enhance visuals and gameplay smoothness.
The new RT Cores enable real-time ray tracing, which Nvidia says delivers "lifelike lighting, reflections, and shadows for more immersive worlds." Meanwhile, Tensor Cores power AI-driven features like DLSS, "boosting resolution for sharper details without sacrificing image quality." Nvidia also mentioned that these cores facilitate AI-powered face tracking and background removal during video chats, enhancing social gaming and streaming experiences.
During the Nintendo Direct, Nintendo introduced the C button, a feature designed for new chat functionalities that utilize an external camera and the Switch 2's built-in microphone. Nintendo highlighted the technology's ability to focus on the player’s voice while filtering out background noise.
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 disclose how this performance metric was calculated, leaving it to experts like Digital Foundry to analyze once the Switch 2 hits the market in June.
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Nvidia further 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." Additionally, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) via Nvidia G-SYNC in handheld mode "ensures ultra-smooth, tear-free gameplay."
In a hardware-focused Q&A session 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 made for the console. They also confirmed the GPU's ray tracing capabilities but did not delve into 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 specs: "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. It described an AI image upscaling technology designed to reduce video game download sizes to fit on physical game cartridges while providing 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.
