Introduction

The excitement around the upcoming Switch 2 is palpable, as Nvidia has officially confirmed that this next-generation handheld console will support several advanced technologies, although the exact hardware specifications remain largely a mystery.

Nvidia's Confirmation

While neither Nintendo nor Nvidia have detailed the exact specifications, including the ARM CPU architecture, GPU architecture, or the total amount of RAM, enthusiasts are buzzing about the capabilities of the 'custom Nvidia processor.' According to Muni Anda, Nvidia's VP of Software Engineering, this innovative chip boasts dedicated Ray-Tracing Cores and Tensor Cores, promising breathtaking visuals and AI enhancements. This likely means that not only will game graphics reach new heights, but they will also benefit from intelligent improvements driven by artificial intelligence.

DLSS Technology

One of the most hyped features is the incorporation of Nvidia's Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS). By employing this advanced upscaling technology, the Switch 2 can enhance lower-resolution images into stunning high resolutions without the heavy performance hit associated with traditional rendering techniques. For titles capable of hitting 4K resolution or 120 FPS at 1080p, DLSS will be crucial to achieving those goals.

G-Sync Support

Moreover, the Switch 2 will also support G-Sync, Nvidia's technology that combats screen tearing during gameplay with variable frame rates. However, it is worth noting that G-Sync will only be functional in handheld mode, which may be a limitation in docked mode due to the constraints of the Switch dock's HDMI port.

Performance on Original Switch

Currently, the original Switch hardware struggles to utilize these impressive technologies effectively. Only a select few recent games, like the critically acclaimed *The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom*, have employed AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution to enhance performance, but even that is hindered by the aging technology of the base hardware.

Speculated Hardware Details

Speculation regarding the hardware points to the Nvidia T239 chip, a scaled-down variant of the Orin T234 used in automotive and robotics applications. This T239 chip operates on the Ampere architecture, which powers the popular GeForce RTX 30 series for PCs. While Ampere doesn't support the latest DLSS Frame Generation – a feature that produces entirely new frames using tensor cores – it does support all prior DLSS models and hardware-accelerated ray tracing, making it a suitable choice for the Switch 2.

Conclusion

As both Nintendo and Nvidia continue to hold back on intricate details, questions still linger about the potential for even more spectacular gaming experiences on the horizon. Will this new console truly redefine handheld gaming? Stay tuned for more updates as we approach launch!