Nvidia Boosts Nintendo Switch 2 Graphics by 10x with Custom GPU

As previously hinted by Nintendo, Nvidia has now shed light on the custom GPU that powers the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. Although the details provided may not have satisfied the hunger of tech enthusiasts for specifics, they have certainly piqued the interest of gamers everywhere.

In a recent blog post, Nvidia confirmed the exciting features of the Switch 2's GPU, corroborating earlier reports from IGN and Nintendo. The GPU is equipped with AI upscaling technology via Nvidia DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and supports ray tracing. DLSS, an AI-powered marvel, leverages machine learning to upscale lower-resolution images in real-time, thereby boosting both performance and visual quality in games.

Nvidia offered a glimpse into the capabilities of 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." They 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 the ability to game at up to 4K resolution in TV mode and up to 120 FPS at 1080p in handheld mode. The Switch 2 also supports HDR and AI upscaling to enhance visuals and ensure smooth gameplay. The new RT Cores enable real-time ray tracing, which 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 highlighted an intriguing application of Tensor Cores, noting their role in enabling AI-powered face tracking and background removal in video chat scenarios, thus enhancing social gaming and streaming experiences. During the Nintendo Direct, Nintendo unveiled the C button, a new feature for chat functionality that uses an external camera and the Switch 2's built-in microphone. 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, stating, "With 10x the graphics performance of the Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch 2 delivers smoother gameplay and sharper visuals." While the method of measuring this performance boost remains undisclosed, tech experts like those at Digital Foundry are expected to provide a detailed analysis once the Switch 2 hits the market in June.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

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Nvidia also mentioned that Tensor Cores "boost AI-powered graphics while keeping power consumption efficient," and RT Cores "enhance in-game realism with dynamic lighting and natural reflections." Additionally, the Switch 2 features 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, Nintendo representatives confirmed the use of DLSS in the Switch 2 but remained vague about the specific version or any customizations made for the console. Similarly, when asked about the GPU's ray tracing capabilities, the response was not detailed.

Tetsuya Sasaki, General Manager at Nintendo’s Technology Development Division and Senior Director at its Technology Development Department, explained Nintendo's approach to hardware specifications: "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 caught the internet's attention. It described AI image upscaling technology designed to keep video game download sizes manageable enough to fit on a physical game cartridge while still offering up to 4K textures.

For more information, be sure to check out everything announced at the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct, and see what the experts have to say about the Switch 2 price and Mario Kart World’s $80 price tag.