Nintendo has kept the technical details about its new Switch 2 somewhat under wraps, with the CPU and GPU described rather vaguely as a “custom processor made by NVIDIA.” Fortunately, during a developer roundtable featuring some of the minds behind the Switch 2, we gleaned a bit more about its hardware capabilities and the opportunities it presents to game developers.
In conversation with producer Kouichi Kawamoto, technical director Tetsuya Sasaki, and director Takuhiro Dohta (interpreted by Raymond Elliget), the trio shared insights about this new console. Though Sasaki mentioned that Nintendo tends to focus less on hardware specs and more on consumer value, they did provide some intriguing tidbits.
Let’s dive into what we uncovered about the cutting-edge technology Nintendo is banking on, alongside some lesser-known hardware details.
### DLSS and Hardware Ray Tracing Come on Board
Teaming up with NVIDIA allows Nintendo to leverage its DLSS technologies. This was confirmed by Dohta, asserting that the Switch 2 incorporates DLSS upscaling and is extending it as an option for software developers to use. In response to a question from Inverse’s Shannon Liao, Dohta noted the system’s ability to output a maximum of 4K resolution on TVs. Developers have the flexibility to choose whether to use native resolution or upscale smaller resolutions, opening up many possibilities for them.
Furthermore, the hardware supports ray tracing, adding yet another tool that developers might decide to employ.
### Battery Life and System Processing
Officially, the Switch 2’s spec sheet states the battery life ranges from about 2 to 6.5 hours per charge. However, the developers were cautious about providing specifics. Sasaki emphasized that the actual battery life heavily depends on the game and usage conditions. Dohta highlighted that new features, such as GameChat, introduce greater complexity this time around, broadening the variability in battery life compared to the original Switch.
### Backward Compatibility Through Emulation
Questions about backward compatibility for Switch games and GameCube classics revealed that Nintendo is using emulation for these. This software-based solution is somewhat akin to how Xbox handles backward compatibility, as explained by Sasaki.
### Enhanced Bluetooth Connectivity
The Switch 2’s Joy-Cons utilize Bluetooth 3.0, addressing previous connectivity hurdles. Sasaki confirmed improvements in this area, noting that the system’s larger size and additional antennas should significantly enhance connectivity for devices like controllers and headsets. Many adjustments have been made to ensure better Bluetooth performance.
### LCD Triumphs Over OLED
The upgraded 7.9-inch LCD display on the Switch 2 supports HDR, unlike the OLED version of its predecessor which lacked this feature. Though some see the switch from OLED as a downgrade, Sasaki pointed out advances in LCD technology play a crucial role. Kawamoto added that the addition of HDR is a substantial enhancement over the previous model.
### Dual USB Type-C Ports
Regarding the dual USB-C ports, only the bottom one supports video output, as Kawamoto clarified in response to CNET’s Scott Stein. Although the system isn’t officially compatible with products like Xreal glasses, the top USB-C port does have its uses—it’s been demoed with the new Nintendo Switch 2 camera and can charge the device while in tabletop mode.
All these elements paint a picture of a console that’s pushing boundaries in multiple areas, aiming to deliver a comprehensive gaming experience. Whether it’s through improved visuals, enhanced connectivity, or broadened developer tools, the Switch 2 seems poised to make a noticeable impact in the gaming landscape.
