Nvidia Boosts Switch 2 Graphics by 10x with Custom GPU

Nintendo has finally lifted the curtain on the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, revealing some exciting details about its custom GPU, developed in collaboration with Nvidia. While tech enthusiasts were eager for more in-depth specifications, Nvidia provided an overview that showcases the console's advanced capabilities.

As confirmed in a recent Nvidia blog post, the Switch 2's GPU supports AI upscaling through Nvidia's Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology and includes ray tracing features. DLSS uses AI to enhance game performance and image quality by upscaling lower-resolution images in real-time, promising a smoother and visually richer gaming experience.

Nvidia describes the Switch 2's GPU as a "custom Nvidia processor featuring an Nvidia GPU with dedicated RT Cores and Tensor Cores for stunning visuals and AI-driven enhancements." This setup is the result of extensive work, with Nvidia claiming "1,000 engineer-years of effort" dedicated to the console's development, from system design to custom APIs and development tools.

The upgrades promised by the Switch 2 are significant. It supports up to 4K gaming in TV mode and can achieve up to 120 FPS at 1080p in handheld mode. Additionally, the console supports HDR and AI upscaling to enhance visuals and gameplay smoothness. The inclusion of RT Cores enables real-time ray tracing, which enhances lighting, reflections, and shadows for a more immersive gaming experience. Tensor Cores, on the other hand, power DLSS and other AI-driven features, improving resolution and detail without compromising image quality.

An interesting addition is the use of Tensor Cores for AI-powered face tracking and background removal in video chat scenarios, which could enhance social gaming and streaming experiences. This feature ties into the new C button on the Switch 2, which supports new chat functionality with external camera and microphone integration, and advanced voice processing to filter out background noise.

Nvidia makes a bold claim about the Switch 2's performance, stating it offers "10x the graphics performance of the Nintendo Switch." While the methodology behind this claim remains undisclosed, tech analysts like Digital Foundry are expected to scrutinize these figures when the console launches in June.

In addition to the GPU details, Nvidia highlighted that the Tensor Cores help boost AI-powered graphics while maintaining efficient power consumption, and RT Cores contribute to in-game realism with dynamic lighting and reflections. The console also features Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) via Nvidia G-SYNC in handheld mode for smoother, tear-free gameplay.

During a recent hardware-focused roundtable in New York, Nintendo representatives confirmed the use of DLSS on the Switch 2 but remained vague about the specific version and any customizations made for the console. Similarly, they acknowledged the GPU's ray tracing capabilities without diving into specifics.

Tetsuya Sasaki, a key figure in Nintendo's Technology Development Division, emphasized that Nintendo prefers to focus on the value provided to consumers rather than detailed hardware specs. He hinted that Nvidia would share more information about the hardware, aligning with their strategy to keep the technical details under wraps.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is priced at $449.99, a figure that has sparked various opinions among consumers. Whether this price point is seen as too expensive, cheaper than expected, or just right, it's clear that the Switch 2 is poised to deliver a significant leap in gaming technology.

Earlier this year, a patent filed in July 2023 and published in January described AI image upscaling technology aimed at reducing game download sizes while maintaining high-quality visuals, such as 4K textures, on physical game cartridges.

For more information, you can explore everything announced at the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct and what experts are saying about the Switch 2's pricing and the $80 price tag for Mario Kart World.

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