On Nintendo’s official page for the Switch 2, the details about its CPU and GPU are pretty vague, simply labeled as a “Custom processor made by NVIDIA.” However, during a developer roundtable with some key figures behind the Switch 2, we gleaned a bit more about what this new console might offer in terms of hardware and how it can benefit game developers.
At this roundtable, we heard from producer Kouichi Kawamoto, technical director Tetsuya Sasaki, and director Takuhiro Dohta, who fielded questions from the press through interpreter Raymond Elliget. Sasaki noted, “Nintendo doesn’t usually dive too deep into hardware specifics. We prefer to focus on the value delivered to our consumers.” Yet, despite this cautious approach, they shared some interesting insights.
We managed to uncover some intriguing information about the technology Nintendo is employing, as well as some juicy tidbits that didn’t make their way onto the spec sheet. Here’s what you need to know:
### DLSS and Hardware Ray Tracing are Confirmed
Nintendo’s choice to partner with Nvidia means they’ll have access to Nvidia’s impressive DLSS technology. Dohta confirmed in response to a question from Shannon Liao of Inverse that this DLSS upscaling tech is indeed available for use. “When it comes to the hardware, it’s capable of outputting to a TV at a max resolution of 4K. Developers have the flexibility to either use that as a native resolution or start small and upscale,” he explained. This grants software developers plenty of versatility in how they approach their games.
Moreover, Dohta confirmed that the console’s chip supports hardware ray tracing, presenting yet another option for developers to enhance their games visually.
### Battery Life and System Processing
The Switch 2’s spec sheet mentions a 5220 mAh battery that, on average, lasts from 2 to 6.5 hours per charge, but the developers were cautious about giving a more precise figure. Sasaki pointed out that battery life can vary depending on the game and usage conditions.
Dohta chimed in, noting that features like GameChat add more complexity compared to the original system. This results in an even broader range of battery life variability than what players experienced with the first Switch, making head-to-head comparisons tricky.
### Original Switch Software is Emulated
When questions arose about backward compatibility for Switch games and classics from the GameCube era, the developers revealed that these games are emulated. This approach mirrors what Xbox has done to maintain backward compatibility.
“It’s a bit of a tricky answer,” Sasaki responded, “but considering it’s not just hardware that’s used for emulation, it falls more into a software-based solution.”
### Improved Bluetooth
The new Joy-Cons for the Switch 2 utilize Bluetooth 3.0. Sasaki was brief about earlier connectivity issues players faced with the original Switch when connecting multiple devices. Simply put: “Yes, it has improved.”
He elaborated that the system’s increased size and bigger antennas should noticeably improve connections. Additionally, the increase in antenna numbers and various other tweaks contribute to this enhancement.
### LCD Over OLED
The Switch 2 sports a 7.9-inch LCD display with HDR support. Some journalists wondered whether this was a step down, seeing as a version of the original Switch featured an OLED screen. However, Sasaki highlighted the strides made in LCD technology since then.
Kawamoto further explained that, unlike the OLED screen in the original Switch, this new LCD display does support HDR, making it a compelling upgrade.
### The Two USB Type-C Ports
In response to CNET’s Scott Stein’s inquiry about the USB-C ports, Kawamoto clarified that only the bottom port supports video out, such as for use with external displays like Xreal glasses (though these aren’t officially endorsed by Nintendo).
The top USB-C port has been shown to work with the new Nintendo Switch 2 camera and also provides charging capability in tabletop mode.
