Nvidia Confirms AI and Ray Tracing Features for Nintendo Switch 2 SoC, Holds Back on Full Specifications

Nintendo recently unveiled the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, but details about the new device’s engine have been sparse. During the event, Nintendo’s technical director, Tetsuya Sasaki, emphasized that their priority is delivering value to players rather than focusing on technical specifications.

Nvidia, responsible for the custom system powering the Switch 2, has hinted at significant improvements but remains tight-lipped about specific numbers. According to Nvidia, the chip promises to be ten times more powerful graphically than its predecessor, which is an exciting leap forward.

The new chip features Nvidia’s RT cores for hardware ray tracing, which enhances lighting and reflections, and tensor cores that support DLSS upscaling. This advanced tech allows the console to potentially reach 4K resolution when docked and achieve up to 120 frames per second in handheld mode.

Another interesting component is the AI-driven capabilities of the tensor cores. They enable features such as face tracking and background removal, showcased in a new social feature called GameChat and in games like “Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV.” However, it is not yet clear if this involves similar technology to Nvidia Broadcast on PCs.

Furthermore, Nvidia has confirmed that the Switch 2’s variable refresh rate display, supported by G-Sync technology in handheld mode, will help to eliminate screen tearing issues.

It’s worth noting that Nvidia also powered the original Nintendo Switch with a custom variant of the Tegra X1 chip. That chip served its purpose remarkably well, supporting new games even many years after its release.

As we await the Switch 2’s release on June 5, priced at $449.99, the gaming community is eager to see how developers utilize this new hardware to enhance the gaming experience.