The Nintendo Switch 2 will support Nvidia DLSS upscaling technology and ray tracing in games, Nintendo said after fully launching its next-generation console. The technical specifications of the Switch 2 confirm that the hybrid console is powered by a custom Nvidia processor. Nvidia also confirmed DLSS and ray tracing support for the Switch 2 on Thursday, saying its custom GPU will bring “a higher level of visual effects” and a “smoother gaming experience” to the new platform.
DLSS, ray tracing on Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo confirmed Nvidia’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) ray tracing technology on the Switch 2 during a roundtable Q&A in New York City following Wednesday’s Nintendo Direct. According to IGN, which participated in the roundtable, Nintendo did not provide details on supported DLSS versions.
DLSS upscaling technology uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve the quality of low-resolution images and increase frame rates in games in real time.
Nvidia later announced the same news in a blog post on Thursday, confirming that the Nintendo Switch 2 is powered by a custom Nvidia processor equipped with an Nvidia GPU with dedicated RT cores and Tensor cores.
“The new RT Core brings real-time ray tracing to deliver realistic lighting, reflections and shadows for a more immersive world,” the company said.
“Tensor Core powers AI-driven features like Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), which increases resolution for sharper detail without sacrificing image quality.
“Tensor Cores also enable AI-driven facial tracking and background removal in video chat use cases, enhancing social gaming and streaming.”
Nvidia claims that the Switch 2 has 10 times the graphics performance of the Nintendo Switch and delivers crisper visuals and a smoother gaming experience. In handheld mode, the Switch 2 display will support variable refresh rates via Nvidia G-SYNC to reduce screen tearing.
Nintendo and Nvidia have yet to detail the Switch 2’s CPU and GPU specs, instead sharing extensive details about the console’s capabilities. Nintendo Switch 2 delivers up to 4K resolution in docked mode and 1080p gaming at up to 120fps in handheld mode.
The successor to the Nintendo Switch will be released on June 5, along with a slew of first- and third-party games. The Switch 2 features a 7.9-inch LCD display and a redesigned magnetic Joy-Con 2 controller that also supports mouse control. The console’s only 256GB storage option is priced at $449.99 (approximately Rs. 38,500) in the US, which is $150 more expensive than the original Nintendo Switch.
