Unlike Sony and Microsoft, Nintendo has never really focused on hardware specifications or being on the cutting edge of graphical fidelity. Nothing is changing with the Switch 2, as Nintendo confirmed just the basics during the Switch 2 Direct yesterday and did not reveal any detailed specifications. Today, NVIDIA posted its own statement on the Nintendo Switch 2, and it seems NVIDIA is respecting Nintendo’s strategy by simply saying the new console is “powered by a custom NVIDIA processor featuring an NVIDIA GPU with dedicated RT Cores and Tensor Cores for stunning visuals and AI-driven enhancements.”
What’s interesting is that NVIDIA made a claim that Nintendo did not yesterday, saying that the Switch 2 offers 10 times the graphics performance of the Nintendo Switch. The Tensor Cores are used to boost AI-powered graphics, while keeping power consumption efficient. The RT Cores help enhance in-game realism with dynamic lighting and natural reflections, while the Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) through NVIDIA G-SYNC in handheld mode ensures a smooth gameplay experience. NVIDIA’s post confirms the Switch 2 is capable of real-time ray tracing and DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) to boost resolution. The system’s Tensor Cores also allow for AI-powered face tracking and background removal in video chat, which was showcased in yesterday’s Direct during the GameChat section, which is what the new “C” button enables on the right Joy-Con 2 controller.
Just a reminder, the Switch 2 supports up to 120 fps at 1080p in handheld mode and up to 4K gaming at 60 fps when docked in TV Mode. While it doesn’t have an OLED screen, the LCD screen does support HDR. The new console launches on June 5 with a $449.99 price tag and preorders will open on April 9.
