Nintendo has officially unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2, revealing that the new console will be equipped with Nvidia’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) upscaling technology and ray tracing capabilities. The technical specifications indicate that the hybrid console is powered by a custom Nvidia processor. In a statement made on Thursday, Nvidia also confirmed the inclusion of DLSS and ray tracing, promising “next-level visuals” and enhanced gameplay experiences for users of the new system.
DLSS and Ray Tracing Features on the Switch 2
The confirmation of Nvidia’s DLSS and ray tracing on the Switch 2 came during a roundtable Q&A session in New York, held in conjunction with the Nintendo Direct presentation earlier this week. According to IGN, details regarding the specific version of DLSS being utilized were not disclosed by Nintendo.
DLSS technology leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance the quality of lower-resolution images in real-time while also boosting gaming frame rates.
Nvidia subsequently provided additional information in a blog post, confirming that the Switch 2 features a custom processor that includes an Nvidia GPU with dedicated RT Cores and Tensor Cores.
According to Nvidia, “The new RT Cores bring real-time ray tracing, delivering lifelike lighting, reflections, and shadows for more immersive worlds.”
Moreover, the “Tensor Cores power AI-driven features like Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), boosting resolution for sharper details without sacrificing image quality.” The blog further noted that “Tensor Cores also enable AI-powered face tracking and background removal in video chat applications, enhancing social gaming and streaming.”
Nvidia has claimed that the Switch 2 will produce ten times the graphics performance of its predecessor, delivering sharper visuals and a smoother gameplay experience. In handheld mode, the console’s display will utilize Nvidia G-SYNC technology to provide variable refresh rates and reduce screen tearing.
While both Nintendo and Nvidia have yet to release detailed CPU and GPU specifications for the Switch 2, they have shared overarching information about the console’s capabilities. The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to support up to 4K resolution in docked mode and achieve up to 120fps in handheld mode at 1080p.
The highly anticipated successor to the Nintendo Switch is scheduled for release on June 5, accompanied by a range of first-party and third-party launch titles. It features a 7.9-inch LCD display and new magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers, which also include support for mouse controls. The console is priced at $449.99 in the United States for the sole 256GB storage variant, a $150 increase over the original Nintendo Switch.
