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

As teased by Nintendo, Nvidia has now shed light on the custom GPU powering the Nintendo Switch 2, though it didn't delve as deeply into the specifics as tech enthusiasts might have hoped. In a recent blog post, Nvidia confirmed IGN's earlier report from Nintendo that the GPU supports AI upscaling through DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and ray tracing capabilities.

Nvidia's DLSS technology leverages AI to upscale lower-resolution images in real-time, enhancing both performance and visual quality in games. The Switch 2's GPU, described by Nvidia as a "custom Nvidia processor featuring an Nvidia GPU with dedicated RT Cores and Tensor Cores," promises "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 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 visual clarity and gameplay smoothness.

The inclusion of RT Cores enables real-time ray tracing, which Nvidia claims will deliver "lifelike lighting, reflections and shadows for more immersive worlds." Meanwhile, Tensor Cores not only power DLSS for improved resolution but also support AI-driven features like face tracking and background removal in video chat scenarios, enhancing social gaming and streaming experiences.

During the Nintendo Direct, Nintendo introduced the C button, which facilitates new chat functionalities using an external camera and the Switch 2's built-in microphone. This technology is designed to focus on the player's voice and filter out background noise, showcasing its smart capabilities.

Nvidia boldly claimed that the Nintendo Switch 2 offers "10x the graphics performance of the Nintendo Switch," promising smoother gameplay and sharper visuals. However, the specifics of how this performance metric was calculated were not detailed and will likely be analyzed by experts like Digital Foundry once the Switch 2 launches in June.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

91 Images

Additionally, Nvidia noted that Tensor Cores enhance AI-powered graphics while maintaining efficient power consumption, and RT Cores improve in-game realism with dynamic lighting and natural reflections. The Switch 2 also supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) through 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 confirmed the Switch 2's use of DLSS but remained vague on the version and potential customizations. Similarly, they acknowledged the GPU's ray tracing capabilities without diving into specifics. Tetsuya Sasaki, General Manager at Nintendo’s Technology Development Division, emphasized Nintendo's focus on consumer value over detailed hardware specs, noting that Nvidia would be the one to share more technical information.

Earlier this year, a patent filed in July 2023 was discovered, describing AI image upscaling technology aimed at keeping game download sizes manageable for physical cartridges while providing up to 4K textures.

For further details, 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.