Nvidia Confirms AI and Ray Tracing Features for Nintendo Switch 2 SoC, Specifications Yet to Be Revealed

Nintendo created quite the buzz during the big reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 yesterday. Interestingly, they left us guessing about the specifics of the chip that powers this new console. But, stepping in to fill in some blanks, Nvidia, the tech giant behind the custom system on a chip for the Switch 2, has shared insights through a recent blog post.

During a roundtable discussion, Tetsuya Sasaki, the Switch 2’s technical director, shed some light on Nintendo’s philosophy. “Nintendo tends to keep hardware specs close to the chest,” he explained. “Our primary focus is on the value we deliver to our audience.”

Echoing Nintendo’s cautious approach, Nvidia has kept mum about certain details like core counts and processing speeds. Nonetheless, they’re enthusiastic about the new chip, boasting it delivers “10 times the graphics performance of the original Nintendo Switch.”

This leap in performance is partly thanks to Nvidia’s RT cores, which facilitate hardware ray tracing, offering stunning lighting and reflections. Meanwhile, DLSS upscaling – powered by tensor cores – is anticipated to enable up to 4K resolution when the console is docked, and aims to deliver up to 120 frames per second in handheld mode.

Moreover, Nvidia revealed the tensor cores can handle impressive functions like face tracking and AI-driven background removal, showcased with the new social GameChat feature. We experienced these functionalities firsthand in Switch 2 titles, including Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV. It remains a mystery whether these features borrow any technology from Nvidia’s Broadcast on PC.

Another exciting upgrade is the Switch 2’s variable refresh rate (VRR) display, which uses G-Sync technology in handheld mode to eliminate screen tearing, ensuring a smooth gaming experience.

Just like with the original Nintendo Switch, which utilized a custom version of the Tegra X1 chip, Nvidia played a crucial role in hardware development. Despite being an older chip even at launch, the Tegra X1 impressively powered the console for several years, with new games still hitting the shelves eight years down the line.

We are eager to see how game developers harness the power of this new chip when the Nintendo Switch 2 hits the market on June 5, priced at $449.99. It’s going to be fascinating to watch this next chapter in gaming unfold.