As teased by Nintendo, Nvidia has now shed light on the custom GPU powering the Nintendo Switch 2, though the details provided were not as comprehensive as tech enthusiasts might have hoped. In their blog post, Nvidia confirmed earlier reports from IGN and Nintendo itself, stating that the GPU enables AI upscaling via DLSS and supports ray tracing.
Nvidia's DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is an innovative technology that leverages AI to upscale lower-resolution images in real time, thereby improving both performance and visual quality in games. The Switch 2's GPU is described by Nvidia 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 effort invested in the Switch 2, noting, "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 enhancements include the capability for up to 4K gaming in TV mode and up to 120 FPS at 1080p in handheld mode. The console also supports HDR and AI upscaling, which enhances visual clarity and gameplay smoothness.
The new RT Cores facilitate real-time ray tracing, which enhances in-game lighting, reflections, and shadows for a more immersive experience. Meanwhile, the Tensor Cores power AI-driven features like DLSS, which boosts resolution for sharper details without compromising image quality. Interestingly, Nvidia mentioned that these Tensor Cores also enable AI-powered face tracking and background removal for video chats, enhancing social gaming and streaming experiences.
During the Nintendo Direct, Nintendo introduced the C button, which facilitates new chat functionality using an external camera and the Switch 2's built-in microphone. Nintendo highlighted that this technology is sophisticated enough to isolate 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." However, the specifics of how this performance was measured were not disclosed. It remains to be seen how experts like Digital Foundry will evaluate this claim once the Switch 2 launches in June.
Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery
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Nvidia also 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, 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, attended by IGN, Nintendo representatives confirmed the use of DLSS in the Switch 2 but did not specify which version or whether it was customized for the new console. Similarly, they confirmed the GPU's capability for ray tracing without going into detail. Tetsuya Sasaki, General Manager at Nintendo’s Technology Development Division and Senior Director at its Technology Development Department, explained that Nintendo prefers to focus on the value provided to consumers rather than hardware specifics, leaving such details to Nvidia.
AnswerSee ResultsIn January, a patent filed in July 2023 and published earlier this year caught the internet's attention. It described an AI image upscaling technology designed to keep video game download sizes manageable for physical game cartridges while offering up to 4K textures.
For more information, you can explore everything announced at the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct, and read what the experts have to say about the Switch 2 price and Mario Kart World's $80 price tag.
