As teased by Nintendo, Nvidia has now shed some light on the custom GPU that powers the Nintendo Switch 2, though the level of detail provided has left tech enthusiasts wanting more. In a recent blog post, Nvidia confirmed what IGN reported earlier today from Nintendo: the GPU supports AI upscaling through DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and ray tracing. DLSS is an AI-powered technology that leverages machine learning 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 emphasized 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 "to sharpen visuals and smooth gameplay." The new RT Cores enable real-time ray tracing, which delivers "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."
Nvidia also mentioned that Tensor Cores facilitate 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, which is utilized for new chat functionalities that incorporate an external camera and the Switch 2's built-in microphone. Nintendo highlighted that the technology is smart enough 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, the company did not provide specifics on how this performance metric was calculated, leaving it to experts like Digital Foundry to analyze once the Switch 2 launches in June.
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Nvidia further noted that 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 also 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 utilizes DLSS but did not specify the version or whether it was customized for the Switch 2. Similarly, they confirmed the GPU's capability for ray tracing without providing detailed information. Tetsuya Sasaki, General Manager at Nintendo’s Technology Development Division and Senior Director at its Technology Development Department, explained, "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 spotted online, filed in July 2023 but published earlier this year, described AI image upscaling technology aimed at keeping video game download sizes manageable enough to fit on a physical game cartridge while offering up to 4K textures.
For more information, explore 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.
