"Nvidia Claims Nintendo Switch 2 GPU Boosts Graphics 10x"

As teased by Nintendo, Nvidia has now shed some light on the custom GPU powering the Nintendo Switch 2. While tech enthusiasts were hoping for more in-depth details, Nvidia's blog post confirmed the exciting features that the new console will bring to gamers. As previously reported by IGN, the GPU will support AI upscaling via DLSS and ray tracing, pushing the boundaries of what's possible on a portable gaming device.

Nvidia's DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is a cutting-edge, AI-powered technology that uses machine learning to upscale lower-resolution images in real-time. This not only enhances image quality but also boosts performance in games, making the Nintendo Switch 2 a powerhouse in both handheld and docked modes.

Nvidia's description of the Switch 2’s GPU as a “custom Nvidia processor featuring an Nvidia GPU with dedicated RT Cores and Tensor Cores” underscores its focus on delivering stunning visuals and AI-driven enhancements. The company highlighted the extensive effort put into the console, mentioning "1,000 engineer-years" of work on everything from system and chip design to APIs and development tools.

Among the major upgrades, the Switch 2 offers up to 4K gaming in TV mode and up to 120 FPS at 1080p in handheld mode. It also supports HDR and AI upscaling to sharpen visuals and smooth gameplay, ensuring an unparalleled gaming experience.

The new RT Cores enable real-time ray tracing, which adds lifelike lighting, reflections, and shadows to games, creating more immersive worlds. Meanwhile, the Tensor Cores power AI-driven features like DLSS, enhancing resolution for sharper details without compromising image quality.

Interestingly, Nvidia noted that the Tensor Cores also facilitate AI-powered face tracking and background removal in video chat scenarios, enhancing social gaming and streaming capabilities. During the Nintendo Direct, Nintendo showcased the new C button, which supports chat functionality using an external camera and the Switch 2’s built-in microphone. This technology is smart enough to focus on the player’s voice while filtering out background noise.

Nvidia boldly claimed that the Nintendo Switch 2 delivers "10x the graphics performance of the Nintendo Switch," promising smoother gameplay and sharper visuals. While specifics on how this performance is measured were not provided, tech experts like Digital Foundry will likely analyze these claims once the Switch 2 launches in June.

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Nvidia also emphasized 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.

During a hardware-focused roundtable Q&A in New York, Nintendo representatives confirmed the Switch 2's use of DLSS but remained vague about the specific version or any customizations made for the Switch 2. They were similarly non-committal when confirming the GPU's ray tracing capabilities.

Tetsuya Sasaki, General Manager at Nintendo’s Technology Development Division, and Senior Director at its Technology Development Department, explained that Nintendo prefers not to delve too deeply into hardware specifics. “Nintendo doesn't share too much on the hardware spec,” he said. “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, the internet discovered a patent filed in July 2023 but published earlier this year. This patent described AI image upscaling technology aimed at keeping video game download sizes manageable enough to fit on physical game cartridges while offering up to 4K textures.

For more information, be sure to check out 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.