The recent unveiling of the Nintendo Switch 2 has sparked excitement among gaming enthusiasts, yet Nintendo has remained tight-lipped about the technical capabilities of its latest handheld. While we've seen notable upgrades such as redesigned Joy-Cons, a sturdier kickstand, and a larger form factor, the raw power of the Switch 2 remains a mystery. However, a brief glimpse of Mario Kart 9 during the reveal might just hold the key to understanding its potential.
In a detailed YouTube analysis (via GamesRadar), indie developer Jerrel Dulay from Sungrand Studios suggests that the Switch 2 is poised to be significantly more powerful than its predecessor. With experience developing for the Wii U and 3DS, Dulay's insights into Nintendo hardware are particularly valuable.
Mario Kart 9 - A Glimpse into Power
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Dulay points out that the new Mario Kart footage showcases "physically-based shaders" on cars and other in-game elements, which can react to reflections and lighting. This level of detail was challenging for the original Switch's hardware. A report from Digital Foundry in late 2023 highlighted that the Switch 2 might feature the Nvidia T239 ARM mobile chip, boasting 1536 CUDA cores, a substantial increase from the original Switch's 256 CUDA cores. This was further supported by leaks of the Switch 2’s motherboard, indicating an 8nm chip.
Dulay noted that every piece of geometry in the footage uses physically-based rendering, a testament to the Switch 2's enhanced capabilities. He also highlighted the use of additional material reflections and high-resolution ground textures, which require significant RAM. While the original Switch has 4GB of RAM, rumors suggest the Switch 2 could have up to 12GB, as evidenced by leaks showing two SK Hynix LPDDR5 modules. The potential for faster RAM speeds, up to 7500MHz, could greatly enhance texture loading times, allowing for the rich, detailed textures seen in the Mario Kart 9 footage.
Moreover, Dulay pointed out the use of "true volumetric lighting" in the teaser, a feature that demands substantial GPU power. He emphasized that this, along with the ability to run games at 60 frames per second, indicates a significant leap in power. The trailer also displayed shadows at greater distances, another demanding feature that was limited on the original Switch due to hardware constraints.
The combination of higher CUDA core counts, increased RAM capacity, and faster RAM speeds suggests that the Switch 2 will offer developers a much more robust platform for creating visually stunning games. Features like high poly-count characters and real-time cloth physics further illustrate the power jump from the 2017 console.
As we eagerly await more information and footage from Nintendo, Dulay’s analysis provides a compelling preview of what to expect from the Switch 2 in terms of graphical prowess. Nintendo has promised a dedicated Direct in April to showcase more about the Switch 2, and until then, you can stay updated with all the latest news on IGN's Switch 2 coverage.
