Nintendo seems to be keeping a tight lid on specifics for the new Switch 2, with the specs only mentioning a “Custom processor made by NVIDIA.” However, in a discussion with some of the console’s developers, we gained some interesting insights into the kind of hardware the Switch 2 packs and the capabilities it offers to game creators.
During this roundtable, we had producer Kouichi Kawamoto, technical director Tetsuya Sasaki, and director Takuhiro Dohta fielding questions from the press, with Raymond Elliget translating. Sasaki was quick to note that Nintendo doesn’t typically delve too deeply into hardware specs publicly. He emphasized that their focus remains on the value offered to consumers. Despite this, they shared a few compelling details that give us a glimpse into what’s in store.
One of the key takeaways was about leveraging Nvidia’s tech. Thanks to Nvidia’s support, the Switch 2 will include DLSS upscaling capabilities. This was confirmed by Dohta, who addressed a query from Inverse’s Shannon Liao. He explained that developers can choose whether to use native resolution or upscale to 4K for TV output, which adds flexibility in game development. Additionally, hardware ray tracing is on the table, further enhancing what developers can achieve visually.
Battery life is always a hot topic when it comes to gaming on the go. While Nintendo lists a range of 2 to 6.5 hours with the Switch 2’s 5220 mAh battery, exact life can vary. Sasaki explained that it largely depends on the game and how you use the system. Dohta mentioned features like GameChat add complexity but noted that battery life can be more variable compared to the original Switch.
When it comes to backward compatibility, Nintendo has opted to emulate older games, similar to how Xbox approaches it. This allows original Switch games and GameCube classics to run on the new hardware. Sasaki noted it requires more than just hardware emulation, hinting at a software-based component as well.
Bluetooth connectivity, another area where users have expressed concerns, has seen improvements. The new Joy-Cons will use Bluetooth 3.0. Sasaki assured that bigger antennas and additional ones on the Switch 2 would enhance connection stability.
For those wondering about screen choices, the Switch 2 sports a 7.9-inch LCD screen with HDR support. While some might see this as a step back from the OLED version, Kawamoto pointed out that this LCD now supports HDR, something the previous OLED screen did not, thanks to advancements in LCD tech.
Finally, the dual USB Type-C ports on the Switch 2 have unique functions. Only the bottom port handles video output, usable for displays like Xreal glasses, though it’s unofficial. The top port has been shown with the new camera for the Switch 2 and can charge the system in tabletop mode, adding more utility and convenience.
There you have it—a peek into what the Nintendo Switch 2 promises, blending familiar features with fresh advancements to enhance both developer options and user experience.
