Nvidia Confirms AI and Ray Tracing for Nintendo Switch 2 SoC, Keeps Detailed Specs Under Wraps

Yesterday, Nintendo set the gaming world abuzz with the official reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2. However, one thing the event left out was details about the chip powering this new device. Fortunately, Nvidia, the creator of the custom system on a chip for this console, shed some light in a recent blog post.

During a developer roundtable, Tetsuya Sasaki, the technical director for Switch 2, mentioned, “Nintendo doesn’t usually delve too deeply into hardware specifications. Our focus is more on the value we deliver to our consumers.”

Following Nintendo’s lead, Nvidia is also keeping mum about specifics like core counts and clock speeds. Nevertheless, they did reveal a bold claim: the new chip delivers “10 times the graphics performance of the original Nintendo Switch.”

With the inclusion of RT cores, the new Switch supports hardware-based ray tracing, enhancing lighting and reflections. Additionally, Nvidia’s tensor cores bring DLSS technology into the mix, aiding the console in achieving up to 4K resolution when docked, and potentially reaching 120 frames per second in handheld mode.

Nvidia also highlighted another intriguing feature—tensor cores enabling face tracking and AI-powered background removal. This was showcased in the new social GameChat feature and during our hands-on experiences with Switch 2 titles, including Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV. While it’s not yet clear if this mirrors the Nvidia Broadcast technology used in PCs, it’s an exciting prospect.

Moreover, Nvidia confirmed that the Switch 2 sports a new VRR display with G-Sync support when in handheld mode, effectively eliminating screen tearing.

Nvidia, who also worked on the original Nintendo Switch, used a special version of the Tegra X1 chip at that time. Despite its age already showing back then, Nintendo managed to maximize its potential, evident by the continuous release of games even eight years later.

As we anticipate the Switch 2’s release on June 5, priced at $449.99, it remains to be seen just how much developers will be able to push the boundaries of this new chip.