In a recent announcement, NVIDIA shed light on their role in developing a custom processor for the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. They boast that this new processor gives the upcoming console graphics capabilities that are ten times more powerful than its predecessor, the original Nintendo Switch.
The heart of this leap in performance is an NVIDIA GPU equipped with special RT Cores and Tensor Cores, promising breathtaking visuals and AI-enhanced features. These Tensor Cores are particularly clever, enhancing graphics through AI while maintaining efficient power use. Meanwhile, the RT Cores work their magic by adding lifelike effects to games through advanced lighting and true-to-life reflections.
For those who enjoy gaming on the move in Handheld Mode, the experience is set to be seamless and smooth. Thanks to NVIDIA G-SYNC technology, the Nintendo Switch 2 supports variable refresh rates, ensuring gameplay that is free of screen tearing and stuttering.
NVIDIA took to their blog to explain that the creation of Nintendo Switch 2 involved a monumental effort. They mentioned, “With 1,000 engineer-years dedicated to this project, we’ve left no stone unturned, tackling everything from system and chip design to the crafting of a custom GPU, cutting-edge APIs, and top-tier development tools.”
The console doesn’t just stop at impressive gameplay on the go. When docked in TV mode, it’s capable of delivering gaming experiences in stunning 4K. Even in handheld mode, it can reach up to 120 frames per second at a crisp 1080p resolution. Gamers can also anticipate vibrant visuals and fluid motion, aided by high dynamic range (HDR) support and sophisticated AI upscaling.
NVIDIA elaborates further, highlighting the new RT Cores’ capability for real-time ray tracing, which produces incredibly realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows, bringing game worlds to life like never before. Not to be outdone, the Tensor Cores enhance features such as Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), optimizing resolutions for finer details without compromising on quality. They also empower AI-driven enhancements in video chatting, like face tracking and background removal, which will enrich social gaming and streaming experiences.
Mark your calendars: The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to make its global debut in stores on June 5, 2025, carrying a price tag of £395.99 in the UK and $449.99 in the US.