As teased by Nintendo, Nvidia has now shed light on the custom GPU that powers the Nintendo Switch 2, though it didn't delve as deeply into the specifics as tech enthusiasts might have hoped. In their blog post, Nvidia confirmed what IGN had previously reported from Nintendo: the GPU supports AI upscaling through DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and ray tracing technology.
Nvidia's DLSS is an AI-driven technology that uses machine learning to upscale lower-resolution images in real-time, enhancing both the performance and visual quality of 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 elaborated on the extensive effort put into the development of 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. The Switch 2 also supports HDR and AI upscaling "to sharpen visuals and smooth gameplay."
The inclusion of new RT Cores enables real-time ray tracing, which delivers "lifelike lighting, reflections, and shadows for more immersive worlds." Meanwhile, the Tensor Cores power AI-driven features like DLSS, which "boosts resolution for sharper details without sacrificing image quality." Interestingly, Nvidia mentioned that the Tensor Cores also facilitate AI-powered face tracking and background removal for video chat functionalities, enhancing social gaming and streaming experiences.
During the Nintendo Direct, Nintendo introduced the C button, which is used for new chat functionality that integrates 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 and filter out background noise.
Nvidia made a bold claim, stating, "With 10x the graphics performance of the Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch 2 delivers smoother gameplay and sharper visuals." However, they did not provide details on how this performance metric was calculated. It will be up to experts like Digital Foundry to analyze these claims once the Switch 2 is released in June.
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Elsewhere, Nvidia 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 Switch 2 also supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) via Nvidia G-SYNC in handheld mode, "ensuring ultra-smooth, tear-free gameplay."
At a hardware-focused roundtable Q&A in New York, attended by IGN, Nintendo representatives confirmed the Switch 2's use of DLSS, but did not specify which version or if it had been customized for the Switch 2. They provided a similarly vague response when confirming the Switch 2's GPU capabilities for ray tracing. 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 on the internet, filed in July 2023 but published earlier this year, described AI image upscaling technology aimed at keeping video game download sizes small enough to fit on a physical game cartridge while providing up to 4K textures.
For more information, check out everything announced at the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct and what experts are saying about the Switch 2's price and Mario Kart World's $80 price tag.
