Nintendo Switch 2 boasts "groundbreaking graphics for a portable device" according to Nvidia CEO, showcasing accomplishment in custom chip development before release.
Brand New Switch in Your Hand: Dive into the tech specs of the Nintendo Switch 2!
Jensen Huang, Nvidia's CEO, is set to take center stage ahead of the Nintendo Switch 2's launch on June 5. He's hyping up the processor in the new console, claiming it provides "top-notch performance, cutting-edge intelligence, and striking aesthetics all in the palm of your hand." Catch this excitement for yourself in a special edition of Nintendo's "Creator's Voice" series.
Huang explained that the new Nvidia chip brings together three game-changing features: the most advanced graphics ever found in a portable device, full hardware ray-tracing, and high dynamic range for a brighter visual experience with deeper shadows. To top it off, the chip's architecture is backward compatible, ensuring an enhanced gaming experience across a wide range of titles, not just the new ones.
It's no secret that the Switch 2 is armed with DLSS, and Nvidia didn't give much detail about the chip's technical specifics in their blog post. Instead, they focused on RT cores, highlighting that the new chip offers a whopping 10x the graphical horsepower of the original Switch. Huang also revealed that the new console features dedicated AI processors to sharpen, animate, and optimize gameplay in real-time.
Last month, Digital Foundry leaked the official specs: the console is powered by eight ARM Cortex A78C cores running on the ARMv8 64-bit instruction set. The GPU is based on Nvidia's two-generation-old Ampere architecture, and the memory subsystem is fueled by two 6GB LPDDR5X memory modules, totaling 12GB. The console comes with 256GB of UFS storage and a microSD Express card slot, supporting storage expansion up to an impressive 2TB.
A large portion of the video is actually dedicated to Nvidia's involvement in creating the original Switch and honoring the late Satoru Iwata, the fourth president of Nintendo, who oversaw the console's development but tragically passed away before its launch. The Switch 2 will set you back $449.99 at launch, but for a limited time, you can snag a bundle with Mario Kart World for $499.99. Pre-orders have flown off the shelves, but some physical stores might still have stock on launch day.
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The Nintendo Switch 2 is jam-packed with impressive upgrades. Here are its major technical specs:
- Processor: Equipped with a custom Nvidia chip, it boasts eight ARM Cortex A78C cores, with six available for developers. The CPU runs at different speeds: 998 MHz while docked and 1,101 MHz in handheld mode. The maximum clock speed is 1.7 GHz, suggesting potential for future enhancements.
- GPU: Based on Nvidia's Ampere architecture, boasting 1,536 CUDA cores. The GPU delivers 1.71 TFLOPs in handheld mode and 3.072 TFLOPs when docked. The GPU clock speed reaches up to 561 MHz in handheld mode and 1,007 MHz when docked.
- Memory: Boasting 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, divided into two 6GB modules. 3GB of RAM is reserved for system operations, leaving 9GB available for developers.
- Display and Output: Features a 7.9-inch display with a 1080p resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR, and outputs up to 4K at 120Hz with variable refresh rate capability.
- Networking: Wi-Fi 6 for faster download speeds and an Ethernet port in the new dock for stable wired connections.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is decked out with advanced technology, integrating a custom Nvidia chip for enhanced performance, boasting eight ARM Cortex A78C cores. The GPU, based on Nvidia's Ampere architecture, offers a significant leap in graphics power with 1,536 CUDA cores, making it a gadget packed with cutting-edge technology.
