As teased by Nintendo, Nvidia has now shed light on the custom GPU powering the Nintendo Switch 2, though the level of detail provided left tech enthusiasts wanting more. In a blog post, Nvidia confirmed what IGN had reported earlier from Nintendo itself: that the GPU enables AI upscaling via DLSS and supports ray tracing.
Nvidia's DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is an AI-powered technology that uses machine learning to upscale lower-resolution images in real-time, enhancing both performance and image quality in games. Nvidia described 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 emphasized 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 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 bring real-time ray tracing, delivering “lifelike lighting, reflections, and shadows for more immersive worlds,” according to Nvidia. Tensor Cores, on the other hand, power AI-driven features like DLSS, “boosting resolution for sharper details without sacrificing image quality.” Interestingly, Nvidia mentioned that Tensor Cores also 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, which facilitates new chat functionality incorporating an external camera and the Switch 2's built-in microphone. Nintendo highlighted that this technology smartly focuses on the player’s voice and filters 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, the company did not provide specifics on how this performance metric was calculated. It will be up to experts like Digital Foundry to analyze the numbers once the Switch 2 launches in June.
Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery
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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 roundtable Q&A in New York, attended by IGN, Nintendo representatives confirmed the use of DLSS in the Switch 2 but did not specify the version or any customizations made for the Switch 2. Similarly, they confirmed the Switch 2’s GPU capability for ray tracing but remained vague on details.
Tetsuya Sasaki, General Manager at Nintendo’s Technology Development Division and Senior Director at its Technology Development Department, emphasized Nintendo’s approach to hardware disclosure, 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, describing AI image upscaling technology that would help keep video game download sizes small enough to fit on a physical game cartridge while offering up to 4K textures.
For more information, check out everything announced at the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct, and what the experts have to say about the Switch 2 price and Mario Kart World’s $80 price tag.
