Nintendo’s latest specs page for the Nintendo Switch 2 leaves us with a vague “Custom processor made by NVIDIA” description for the CPU and GPU. However, during a developer roundtable, some of the creators gave us a more detailed glimpse into what the Switch 2 will deliver in terms of hardware and developer tools.
Key figures such as Producer Kouichi Kawamoto, Technical Director Tetsuya Sasaki, and Director Takuhiro Dohta were present, answering questions, with interpretations provided by Raymond Elliget. The team played coy about specifics, with Sasaki stating, “Nintendo doesn’t focus much on hardware spec details. We’re more interested in the value we bring to consumers.” Nonetheless, they did reveal some noteworthy insights.
It turns out Nintendo is utilizing certain advanced technologies, some not included in the spec sheet. Here’s a deeper dive into what we discovered:
### DLSS and Hardware Ray Tracing are a Go
By sticking with Nvidia, Nintendo taps into the power of DLSS technologies. Dohta confirmed that DLSS upscaling tech is integrated into the system and available as a tool for developers, “The hardware supports a TV output max of 4K. Whether developers choose to use native resolution or upscale it is up to them, allowing for versatile development options.”
Furthermore, Dohta mentioned that the new chip supports hardware ray tracing, offering developers yet another creative tool.
### Battery Life and Processing Power
Nintendo’s documentation estimates the Switch 2’s 5220 mAh battery lasts between 2 to 6.5 hours. However, the developers steered clear of more precise figures. Sasaki noted that battery performance varies based on game and usage conditions. Dohta added that with new features like GameChat, the system now offers more complexity than before, leading to a broader range of battery life variability compared to the original Switch.
### Emulating Original Switch Software
When questioned about backward compatibility for Switch games and GameCube classics, it turns out that these games are emulated on the new system, akin to Xbox’s method. Sasaki elaborated, “It’s not just about hardware when emulating; there’s a substantial software component involved.”
### Enhanced Bluetooth Capability
The updated Joy-Cons use Bluetooth 3.0 for connectivity. Sasaki succinctly responded to queries about previous Bluetooth issues, “Yes, it has improved.” He explained that the bigger system size allows for larger antennas, significantly enhancing connectivity. More antennas and adjustments have further improved performance.
### Choosing LCD Over OLED
Sporting a 7.9-inch LCD display with HDR support, the Switch 2 might seem like a step back from the OLED option in terms of technology but isn’t necessarily so. Sasaki mentioned numerous advancements in LCD technology during development. Kawamoto added, “The OLED didn’t have HDR support, while this new LCD does—definitely a win for this screen.”
### Dual USB Type-C Ports
When asked if the top USB-C port could connect to external displays, Kawamoto responded that only the bottom port supports video output. “Supporting such glasses isn’t an official Nintendo direction,” he clarified. However, the top port is multifunctional, demoed with the new Switch 2 camera and also useful for charging in tabletop mode.
