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 the details may not satisfy the most eager tech enthusiasts. In a recent blog post, Nvidia confirmed what IGN reported earlier today from Nintendo: the GPU supports AI upscaling through DLSS and ray tracing.

Nvidia's DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is an AI-powered technology that uses machine learning to upscale lower-resolution images in real-time, enhancing both performance and image quality in games. Nvidia described 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."

Nvidia highlighted the extensive development 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 up to 4K gaming in TV mode and up to 120 FPS at 1080p in handheld mode. The Switch 2 also supports HDR and AI upscaling "to sharpen visuals and smooth gameplay."

The new RT Cores enable real-time ray tracing, enhancing game environments with "lifelike lighting, reflections, and shadows for more immersive worlds." Meanwhile, Tensor Cores power AI-driven features like DLSS, "boosting resolution for sharper details without sacrificing image quality." Interestingly, Nvidia noted that Tensor Cores also facilitate AI-powered 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 functionality using an external camera and the Switch 2's built-in microphone. Nintendo emphasized that this technology is smart enough to focus on the player's voice and filter out background noise.

Nvidia made a bold claim about the Switch 2's performance, stating, "With 10x the graphics performance of the Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch 2 delivers 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.

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Nvidia further explained that Tensor Cores "boost AI-powered graphics while keeping power consumption efficient," and 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."

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 which version or whether it was customized. Similarly, the confirmation of ray tracing capabilities was vague. Tetsuya Sasaki, General Manager at Nintendo’s Technology Development Division and Senior Director at its Technology Development Department, emphasized Nintendo's focus on consumer value over detailed hardware specs, noting, "Nintendo doesn't share too much on the hardware spec. 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, a patent filed in July 2023 but published earlier this year caught the internet's attention. It described AI image upscaling technology aimed at keeping video game download sizes manageable enough to fit on a physical game cartridge while providing 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.