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

On Nintendo’s specification page for the Switch 2, the details about its CPU and GPU are somewhat cryptic, described simply as a "Custom processor made by NVIDIA." However, during a developer roundtable with some of the minds behind the Switch 2, we gained insight into what its hardware truly offers and how it empowers game developers.

Nintendo heavyweights like Producer Kouichi Kawamoto, Technical Director Tetsuya Sasaki, and Director Takuhiro Dohta fielded questions from the press, aided by interpreter Raymond Elliget. While cagey about specific hardware specs, Sasaki emphasized, "Nintendo prefers to focus on the value we provide to our consumers." Nonetheless, they dropped some enticing tidbits about what to anticipate.

We delved into the tech driving Nintendo forward, along with some intriguing hardware details absent from the spec sheet. Here’s the lowdown:

DLSS and Hardware Ray Tracing are Confirmed

By aligning with Nvidia, Nintendo ensures access to Nvidia’s DLSS technology. Dohta confirmed to Inverse’s Shannon Liao that Nintendo has adopted DLSS upscaling tech and is making it available to developers. "The hardware can output to a TV at a maximum of 4K. Whether developers choose native resolution or opt for upscaling is up to them," he shared. This offers developers a plethora of choices. As for hardware ray tracing, Dohta indicated that the chip supports it, presenting another tool for developers.

Battery Life and System Processing

According to Nintendo’s official specs, the Switch 2’s 5220 mAh battery offers a "rough estimate" of 2 to 6.5 hours on a charge. Developers were hesitant to provide a precise number, with Sasaki noting that battery life greatly depends on the games being played and usage conditions. Dohta added that new features like GameChat introduce complexity, broadening battery variability even more than with the original Switch.

Original Switch Software is Emulated

When questioned about backward compatibility with Switch games and GameCube classics, developers confirmed these titles are emulated, akin to Xbox’s backward compatibility approach. Sasaki explained, "Considering the emulation isn’t just hardware-based, it might be categorized as software-based."

Improved Bluetooth

The new Joy-Cons connect using Bluetooth 3.0. Addressing past connectivity issues with the original Switch, Sasaki stated simply, "Yes, it has improved." He mentioned that the system’s increased size and bigger antennas should significantly enhance connections, with more antennas and numerous tweaks enhancing performance.

LCD Over OLED

The Switch 2 features a 7.9-inch LCD display with HDR support. While some may view this as a step back from the original OLED, Sasaki pointed out advancements in LCD technology. Kawamoto added that the original OLED screen lacked HDR, which the new LCD has.

The Two USB Type-C Ports

In response to CNET’s Scott Stein about using the top USB-C port with external displays like Xreal glasses, Kawamoto clarified that only the bottom port supports video output. He commented, "Supporting glasses isn’t officially supported by Nintendo, so it’s hard to say." The top port has been showcased with the Switch 2 camera and also charges the system in tabletop mode.