Nintendo’s official specs for the Switch 2 are somewhat cryptic, listing the CPU and GPU simply as a “Custom processor made by NVIDIA.” However, I had the pleasure of attending a developer roundtable with some of the creative minds behind the new console. Producer Kouichi Kawamoto, technical director Tetsuya Sasaki, and director Takuhiro Dohta shared insights into the Switch 2’s hardware and what it might offer game developers.
During the session—facilitated by interpreter Raymond Elliget—one thing was clear: Nintendo prefers to focus on the experience over raw technical data. “Nintendo doesn’t share too much on the hardware spec,” Sasaki explained. “We like to emphasize the value we provide to our consumers.” Despite this, they revealed some intriguing details worth noting.
Firstly, Nintendo’s continued partnership with Nvidia grants them access to some exciting tech. Dohta confirmed that Nvidia’s DLSS upscaling technology is part of the package and is available for developers to harness. “The hardware can output to a TV at a maximum of 4K,” he elaborated. “Whether developers use that natively or use upscaling is their choice, providing them with a variety of options.”
Hardware ray tracing is also confirmed, adding yet another tool for developers to enhance their games with more realistic lighting effects. This tech-savvy step forward signposts Nintendo’s commitment to delivering high-quality visuals.
Let’s talk about battery life—a crucial concern for any handheld device. Officially, the Switch 2 boasts a 5220 mAh battery, promising between 2 to 6.5 hours per charge. However, developers were reluctant to provide anything more precise, citing variables like gameplay style and usage conditions. With more complex features like GameChat now included, Dohta highlighted that comparing its battery life with the original Switch isn’t as straightforward as it might seem.
Backward compatibility? That’s covered too. True to Nintendo’s promise, previously released Switch games alongside classic GameCube titles will be playable via emulation, similar to Microsoft’s approach with Xbox. “It involves more than just hardware,” Sasaki noted, classifying it as predominantly software-based.
Bluetooth connectivity sees significant enhancements this time around. The upgraded Joy-Cons use Bluetooth 3.0. Sasaki was succinct when discussing past connectivity issues: “Yes, it has improved,” he confirmed. With improved antennas, including an increased number, players can expect more reliable connections.
Some might consider the change from an OLED display back to an LCD screen a downgrade. However, the new 7.9-inch HDR-supported LCD is far from a step backward. Sasaki explained that development advancements in LCD technology justify the choice. Kawamoto added that unlike the OLED predecessor, this screen supports HDR, offering vivid imaging.
Finally, the Switch 2 includes two USB Type-C ports, a functionality that was questioned by CNET’s Scott Stein regarding support for external displays like Xreal glasses. Kawamoto clarified that only the bottom port supports video out, making compatibility with non-Nintendo products a tricky subject. However, the top USB-C port finds use with the new camera accessory and can conveniently charge the system in tabletop mode.
Overall, while Nintendo maintains some secrecy around specific specs, the Switch 2 promises to push the boundaries of gaming experiences in exciting new ways. Whether it’s through improved graphics capabilities or enhanced connectivity, there’s a lot for gamers to look forward to.