Nvidia Claims Custom GPU Boosts Nintendo Switch 2 Graphics by 10x

As teased by Nintendo, Nvidia has now shed light on the custom GPU powering the Nintendo Switch 2, though the details were not as in-depth as tech enthusiasts might have hoped. In a recent blog post, Nvidia confirmed what IGN reported earlier today from Nintendo: the GPU supports AI upscaling via DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and ray tracing.

DLSS is an AI-powered technology that leverages machine learning to upscale lower-resolution images in real-time, enhancing both performance and image quality in games. Nvidia provided a bit more insight into the Switch 2's GPU, describing it as a "custom Nvidia processor featuring an Nvidia GPU with dedicated RT Cores and Tensor Cores for stunning visuals and AI-driven enhancements."

Nvidia further elaborated, "With 1,000 engineer-years of effort across every element — from system and chip design to a custom GPU, APIs, and world-class development tools — the Nintendo Switch 2 brings major upgrades." These upgrades include support for up to 4K gaming in TV mode and up to 120 FPS at 1080p in handheld mode. The Switch 2 also supports HDR, with AI upscaling enhancing visuals and smoothing gameplay.

The new RT Cores enable real-time ray tracing, providing "lifelike lighting, reflections, and shadows for more immersive worlds." Meanwhile, Tensor Cores power AI-driven features such as DLSS, "boosting resolution for sharper details without sacrificing image quality." Interestingly, Nvidia noted that Tensor Cores also facilitate AI-powered face tracking and background removal for video chat, enhancing social gaming and streaming experiences.

During the Nintendo Direct, Nintendo introduced the C button, which supports new chat functionality using an external camera and the Switch 2's microphone. The technology is smart enough to focus on the player’s voice and filter out background noise.

Nvidia made a bold claim stating, "With 10x the graphics performance of the Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch 2 delivers smoother gameplay and sharper visuals." However, the specifics on how this performance is measured were not disclosed, leaving it to experts like Digital Foundry to analyze once the Switch 2 launches in June.

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Elsewhere, Nvidia emphasized that Tensor Cores "boost AI-powered graphics while keeping power consumption efficient," and RT Cores "enhance in-game realism with dynamic lighting and natural reflections." Additionally, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) via Nvidia G-SYNC in handheld mode ensures "ultra-smooth, tear-free gameplay."

In a hardware-focused roundtable Q&A in New York, attended by IGN, Nintendo representatives confirmed the use of DLSS in the Switch 2 but did not specify the version or whether it was customized. Similarly, they confirmed the GPU's ray tracing capabilities but remained vague on specifics. Tetsuya Sasaki, General Manager at Nintendo’s Technology Development Division and Senior Director at its Technology Development Department, explained, "Nintendo doesn't share too much on the hardware spec. What we really like to focus on is the value that we can provide to our consumers. But I do believe that our partner Nvidia will be sharing some information."

In January, a patent spotted online, filed in July 2023 and published earlier this year, described AI image upscaling technology that helps keep video game download sizes small enough to fit on a physical game cartridge while offering up to 4K textures.

For more information, check out everything announced at the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct, and what the experts have to say about the Switch 2 price and Mario Kart World’s $80 price tag.