Nvidia Says Its Custom GPU Means Nintendo Switch 2 Has 10x the Graphics Performance of the Nintendo Switch

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 in-depth as tech enthusiasts might have hoped. In their blog post, Nvidia corroborated earlier reports from IGN and Nintendo, confirming that the GPU supports AI upscaling via DLSS and ray tracing.

Nvidia's DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is a cutting-edge technology that utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning to upscale lower-resolution images in real-time, significantly improving both performance and visual quality in games.

Nvidia provided further 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." Nvidia highlighted the extensive effort behind 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 the ability to play games at up to 4K resolution in TV mode and up to 120 FPS at 1080p in handheld mode. Additionally, the Switch 2 supports HDR and AI upscaling, which enhances visuals and smoothens gameplay. The new RT Cores enable real-time ray tracing, providing "lifelike lighting, reflections, and shadows for more immersive worlds," according to Nvidia.

Tensor Cores are responsible for powering AI-driven features such as DLSS, which "boosts resolution for sharper details without sacrificing image quality." Interestingly, Nvidia noted that Tensor Cores also facilitate AI-powered face tracking and background removal during video chats, enhancing social gaming and streaming experiences.

During the Nintendo Direct, Nintendo introduced the C button, which enables new chat functionality that uses an external camera and the Switch 2's built-in microphone. The technology is designed to focus on the player's voice while filtering out background noise.

Nvidia made a bold claim regarding the Switch 2's capabilities, stating, "With 10x the graphics performance of the Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch 2 delivers smoother gameplay and sharper visuals." However, specifics on how this performance metric was calculated were not provided. It is expected that experts like Digital Foundry will analyze and confirm these figures once the Switch 2 is released in June.

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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, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) via Nvidia G-SYNC in handheld mode ensures "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 if it had been tailored specifically for the console. Similarly, they were vague about 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, emphasized Nintendo's approach to hardware disclosure, stating, "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 but published earlier this year was spotted online. It described an AI image upscaling technology that could help keep video game download sizes small 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 see what the experts have to say about the Switch 2 price and Mario Kart World’s $80 price tag.