Nintendo’s official details about the CPU and GPU in the upcoming Switch 2 are pretty sparse, merely describing them as a "Custom processor made by NVIDIA." However, during a developer roundtable with some of the brains behind the Switch 2, we got a sneak peek into what to anticipate from its hardware and the benefits it can offer game developers.
In attendance were Producer Kouichi Kawamoto, Technical Director Tetsuya Sasaki, and Director Takuhiro Dohta, who fielded inquiries from the press with the help of interpreter Raymond Elliget. When pressed about the hardware, Sasaki remarked, "Nintendo is tight-lipped about hardware specifics. We prefer highlighting the value for our consumers." Despite this, the team did disclose some intriguing tidbits about what lies ahead.
We managed to glean a bit about the technological framework that Nintendo is building upon, as well as some juicy details about the hardware not found on any spec sheet. Here’s what we discovered:
DLSS and Hardware Ray Tracing: It’s Happening
By choosing to collaborate with Nvidia, Nintendo gains access to its cutting-edge DLSS technology. Responding to a question from Shannon Liao of Inverse, Dohta confirmed that DLSS upscaling tech is part of the package that Nintendo intends to offer to others. "The hardware can output to a TV at 4K maximum, and whether developers wish to use that as a native resolution or upscale from lower resolutions is up to them," he explained. "This opens up numerous possibilities for developers."
Regarding hardware ray tracing, Dohta confirmed its support in the chip, presenting another tool that developers may choose to utilize.
Battery Life and System Processing Insights
According to Nintendo’s spec sheet, the Switch 2’s 5220 mAh battery should last between 2 to 6.5 hours per charge—though this is a rough estimate. The development team was cautious about pinning down a more precise figure, with Sasaki emphasizing that much depends on the games being played and how the system is being used. Dohta added that with new complex features such as GameChat, there’s now a wider variability in battery performance, making comparisons to the original Switch difficult.
Emulation for Original Switch Games
Queries about backwards compatibility led developers to confirm that Switch games and even GameCube classics are emulated—bearing similarity to what Xbox does with its backward compatibility. Sasaki described the solution as "software-based," acknowledging the complexity involved.
Enhanced Bluetooth Connectivity
The latest Joy-Cons will connect using Bluetooth 3.0. Addressing concerns about connecting multiple Bluetooth devices, including controllers and headsets, Sasaki simply stated, "Yes, it has improved." The system’s size and enhanced antennas are expected to significantly improve connections. Additionally, they’ve increased the number of antennas and made numerous adjustments in this area.
LCD Display: Making the Choice
Equipped with a 7.9-inch LCD screen that supports HDR, the Switch 2 might seem like a step back for those who preferred the OLED screen on premium models of the original Switch. However, Sasaki noted that considerable advances have been made in LCD technology. Kawamoto added that the new LCD screen supports HDR, which the previous OLED screen did not.
The Dual USB Type-C Ports
CNET’s Scott Stein raised an interesting point about whether the top USB-C port on the Switch 2 could work with external displays like Xreal glasses. Kawamoto clarified that only the bottom port outputs video, and remarked, "Since such glasses are not official Nintendo products, it’s hard to say." However, the top port has been demonstrated with the new Nintendo Switch 2 camera and can charge the system while in tabletop mode.
In summary, the Switch 2 promises some enticing new features and flexibility, even if every detail hasn’t been fully disclosed. Nintendo aims to enhance the gaming experience, offering developers robust tools to make the most out of this next-gen console.
