Switch 2 Should Have 10 Times the Graphics Performance of the Nintendo Switch

The custom Nvidia processor in the Nintendo Switch 2 is said to have 10x the graphics performance of the Nintendo Switch, according to Nvidia. DLSS and ray tracing are also supported. By the way: Switch and Switch 2 are not compatible at a hardware level.

When the Nintendo Switch 2 was unveiled two days ago, the company introduced the console and a large number of games, but remained rather vague about what exactly it does in the handheld. Nvidia has now provided at least some clarity. The Nintendo Switch 2 is powered by a custom Nvidia processor featuring an Nvidia GPU with dedicated RT cores for ray tracing and Tensor cores for AI computing. "With 1,000 engineer-years of effort across every element - from system and chip design to a custom GPU, application programming interfaces (APIs) and world-class development tools - the Nintendo Switch 2 brings major upgrades," Nvidia says.

The new console enables up to 4K gaming in TV mode (up to 60 frames per second) and up to 120 frames per second at 1080p in handheld mode. The Nintendo Switch 2 also supports HDR and AI upscaling. version number. During a hardware-focused roundtable Q&A in NY, Nintendo also specifically mentioned DLSS (Tensor cores), but did not specify the version number. More specific information about the GPU is missing, but Nvidia promises "10x the graphics performance of the Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch 2 delivers smoother gameplay and sharper visuals". However, no concrete information on processing power was provided.

Nintendo also stated that Switch 2 does not contain any Switch hardware and that the two consoles are not compatible at a hardware level. Takuhiro Dohta (Senior Director, Entertainment Planning & Development Department): "If we tried to use technology like software emulators (...), we'd have to run Switch 2 at full capacity, but that would mean the battery wouldn't last so long, so we did something that's somewhere in between a software emulator and hardware compatibility." Tetsuya Sasaki (General Manager, Technology Development Division) added: "This is getting a bit technical, but the process of converting game data for Switch to run on Switch 2 is performed on a real-time basis as the data is read in."

Takuhiro Dohta: "When we tried running Switch games on Switch 2, there were some where loading times became faster, or game performance became more stable, so we realized that the overall gameplay experience could improve. And as mentioned previously, GameChat will also be available for Switch games that are played on Switch 2. (...)"

Due to the larger physical dimensions of the Switch 2 and Joy-Cons 2, the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04 VR Kit will not be compatible. Some games require the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con to play, including Ring Fit Adventure, 1-2-Switch and Nintendo Switch Sports. A list can be found here. The vast majority of games available on the Switch will work on the Switch 2. Lists of games with start up issues and some compatibility issues can be found here.

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