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

As teased by Nintendo, Nvidia has now shed some light on the custom GPU that powers the Nintendo Switch 2, though it didn't delve into the technical specifics that enthusiasts were eagerly anticipating. In a recent blog post, Nvidia confirmed what IGN had reported earlier from Nintendo: the GPU supports AI upscaling via 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, thereby 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." They further elaborated, 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, along with HDR and AI upscaling to enhance visuals and gameplay smoothness.

The new RT Cores enable real-time ray tracing, which provides "lifelike lighting, reflections, and shadows for more immersive worlds," according to Nvidia. Meanwhile, Tensor Cores power AI-driven features like DLSS, which "boosts resolution for sharper details without sacrificing image quality." Interestingly, Nvidia mentioned that Tensor Cores also facilitate AI-powered face tracking and background removal for video chat, enhancing social gaming and streaming experiences.

During the Nintendo Direct, Nintendo unveiled the C button, which supports new chat functionality using an external camera and the Switch 2's built-in microphone. Nintendo emphasized that this 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 capabilities, stating, "With 10x the graphics performance of the Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch 2 delivers smoother gameplay and sharper visuals." However, they did not specify how this performance metric was calculated. It will likely be up to experts like Digital Foundry to analyze the numbers 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, 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 that the Switch 2 uses DLSS but did not specify which version or whether it was customized for the Switch 2. They provided a similarly vague response when confirming that the Switch 2's GPU supports 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."

In January, a patent was discovered online, filed in July 2023 but published for the first time this year, that described AI image upscaling technology designed to keep video game download sizes manageable enough to fit on a physical game cartridge while supporting up to 4K textures.

For more information, you can 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.