Nintendo Switch 2 Reportedly Has 10 Times the Graphics Performance of Original Switch

Nintendo Switch 2 Reportedly Has 10 Times the Graphics Performance of Original Switch



Summary

  • The new Tegra chip in the Nintendo Switch 2 is said to be 10 times more powerful than its predecessor.
  • The Switch 2 will support DLSS upscaling and have RT and Tensor Cores.
  • Variable refresh rate via G-Sync will be available while the Switch 2 is in handheld mode.

The Nintendo Switch 2 will reportedly have 10 times the graphics power of its predecessor, at least according to Nvidia, the creator of the Switch 2’s custom Tegra system-on-a-chip (SoC). Nvidia also claimed that the upgraded Tegra SoC of the Switch 2 contains a graphics processor with dedicated ray tracing and Tensor Cores that can be used for AI-based features like DLSS upscaling technology.

The Switch 2 was fully revealed during the April 2 Nintendo Direct broadcast. Nintendo confirmed that the Switch 2 will launch on June 5 with a starting MSRP of $449 and that preorders of the highly anticipated system will begin next Wednesday, April 9, via retailers such as Best Buy, Walmart, and GameStop. As part of an effort to deter Switch 2 scalping that may occur, Nintendo is providing preorder registration windows for users who meet certain criteria. Players who have been subscribed to Nintendo Switch Online for at least a year, have over 50 gameplay hours on their account, and have opted into sharing gameplay data with Nintendo are eligible to directly preorder a Switch 2 console if chosen.

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While the Switch 2 will include a 4K Dock and a 1080p screen with a 120hz refresh rate, the system will internally pack a graphical punch. According to an Nvidia blog post, the Switch 2’s custom Tegra SoC will be 10 times more powerful than the original Switch and include support for ray tracing and AI-based technologies such as Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS). DLSS upscaling uses the Tensor Cores available on compatible Nvidia GPUs, such as the RTX lineup, that are usually found in PCs. However, the new Tegra SoC from Nvidia will also include an undisclosed number of Tensor Cores and RT Cores, along with support for variable refresh rate via Nvidia’s G-Sync technology when in handheld mode.

The Switch 2’s Tegra Chip Makes It 10 Times More Powerful Than Its Predecessor

  • Nvidia stated that the Switch 2’s new Tegra chip has 10 times the graphical power of the original Switch.
  • The Switch 2 will include RT and Tensor Cores and support DLSS upscaling technology.
  • Variable refresh rate via G-Sync will be available while the Switch 2 is in handheld mode.
  • The Switch 2 will start at $449 and will be available starting July 5.

It is unclear which version of DLSS the Switch 2 will utilize, as later versions include support for technologies like frame generation on top of upscaling. Nvidia also stated that the Tensor Cores will also be used for Switch 2 features like GameChat video calls to remove backgrounds and provide face tracking. Only time will tell what other tricks the Switch 2 has up its sleeve.

However, with graphically intense third-party games such as Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Cyberpunk 2077 confirmed to receive Switch 2 ports, DLSS upscaling will likely come into play in both handheld and docked modes. It remains to be seen how smoothly those games will run on Switch 2 compared to other consoles.

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