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

As teased by Nintendo, Nvidia has now shed light on the custom GPU that powers the Nintendo Switch 2, though the details provided were not as in-depth as tech enthusiasts might have hoped. In a recent blog post, Nvidia confirmed what IGN had reported earlier from Nintendo: the GPU supports AI upscaling through DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and ray tracing.

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 is described by Nvidia as a "custom Nvidia processor featuring an Nvidia GPU with dedicated RT Cores and Tensor Cores," designed to deliver stunning visuals and AI-driven enhancements.

Nvidia emphasized 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 visuals and gameplay smoothness.

The inclusion of RT Cores enables real-time ray tracing, which enhances the realism of lighting, reflections, and shadows, creating more immersive gaming worlds. Meanwhile, Tensor Cores power AI-driven features like DLSS, improving resolution and detail without compromising image quality. Additionally, these cores support AI-powered face tracking and background removal for video chat, enhancing social gaming and streaming experiences.

During the Nintendo Direct, Nintendo introduced the C button, which facilitates new chat functionality using 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 boldly claims 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 is measured were not disclosed, leaving it to experts like Digital Foundry to analyze once the Switch 2 launches in June.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

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Nvidia also highlighted that the Tensor Cores enhance AI-powered graphics while maintaining efficient power consumption, and the RT Cores improve in-game realism with dynamic lighting and natural reflections. The Switch 2 supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) via 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 representatives confirmed the use of DLSS in the Switch 2 but did not specify the version or any customizations. Similarly, they acknowledged the GPU's ray tracing capabilities without providing detailed information. Tetsuya Sasaki, General Manager at Nintendo’s Technology Development Division, emphasized Nintendo's focus on consumer value rather than hardware specifics, suggesting that Nvidia would share more information.

In January, a patent filed in July 2023 and published earlier this year was discovered online, describing AI image upscaling technology that helps keep video game download sizes manageable for physical game cartridges 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.