Developers of Nintendo Switch 2 Confirm DLSS, Hardware Ray Tracing, and Additional Features

Nintendo is known for its innovative gaming consoles, and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 promises to keep that spirit alive. During a developer roundtable, we got a closer look at what this new iteration has in store for both gamers and developers alike.

While the official spec page for the Switch 2 is quite brief, offering only that it uses a “Custom processor made by NVIDIA,” there’s more under the hood than what’s immediately apparent. When pressed for details, technical director Tetsuya Sasaki emphasized that Nintendo prioritizes the experience it delivers to users over raw specs. Nevertheless, he, along with producer Kouichi Kawamoto and director Takuhiro Dohta, shed some light on the exciting features awaiting future Switch 2 owners.

One of the standout features is the support for DLSS technology, thanks to the partnership with NVIDIA. This allows for enhanced graphics processing, and as Dohta explained, developers can choose how to maximize the potential of outputting up to 4K resolution on TVs. This flexibility in resolution management provides game developers with a range of creative opportunities. Furthermore, the team confirmed that the chip can handle hardware ray tracing, offering even more graphical enhancements for developers to tap into.

Battery life on the Switch 2 could range from 2 to 6.5 hours, depending on usage. Sasaki and Dohta outlined how variable factors like specific games and features, such as GameChat, contribute to the battery performance. This variability makes direct comparisons with the original Switch challenging, hinting at more complex processing demands in the new model.

Regarding legacy games, the Switch 2 emulates original Switch and GameCube titles. Sasaki described this backward compatibility as mostly software-driven, allowing players to enjoy their favorite classic games seamlessly.

The improvements don’t stop there; Nintendo is addressing Bluetooth connectivity issues that plagued the original Switch. With Bluetooth 3.0, better antennas, and other enhancements, users can expect more stable connections for controllers and headsets.

A shift from OLED to a 7.9-inch LCD screen has sparked conversations among fans. Yet, Sasaki and Kawamoto assured us that advancements in LCD technology, coupled with HDR support, provide a new level of display quality that rivals the previous OLED-equipped model.

Finally, the Switch 2 includes two USB Type-C ports, with the bottom one providing video out capabilities. This design choice supports versatility, including compatibility with new camera accessories and the ability to charge in tabletop mode.

Overall, the Nintendo Switch 2 promises a robust blend of upgrades and innovations that blend cutting-edge technology with practical enhancements, setting the stage for exciting gaming experiences ahead.