Nintendo Doubles Down on DLSS for Switch 2

As previously reported, Nintendo has decided to postpone the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, moving it from its original release date in September 2024 to March 2025. The delay is partly motivated by a desire to ensure the next-generation console debuts with an appealing lineup of first-party titles and to allow additional time for clearing the inventory of the existing console models. The Nintendo Switch 2 will feature Nvidia’s System on Chip (SoC) and utilize Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) to enhance frame rates, a remarkably useful technology for a portable gaming device.

According to Wccftech, although Nintendo has set no mandatory requirements, the majority of Nintendo Switch 2 games are expected to support DLSS. Insiders have revealed that, given the Nintendo Switch 2’s relatively modest overall performance, not quite reaching the levels of the Xbox Series S, Nvidia will perform targeted optimizations to better adapt to use and overcome some of the system’s technical limitations.

Details about the Nintendo Switch 2 are still scarce. Rumors suggest the new console will be powered by Nvidia’s custom T239 chip, manufactured using Samsung’s 8nm process. Its CPU will feature eight Cortex-A78 cores, and the GPU will boast 1280 CUDA cores, supporting not only ray tracing but also ray reconstruction technology. It is paired with 128-bit PLDDR5 memory, ranging from 8GB to 12GB, with a memory bandwidth of 102GB/s. Although the GPU is based on the Ampere architecture, it will incorporate some Ada Lovelace technologies, adding several specially customized features.

Industry insiders speculate that the Nintendo Switch 2 will likely be priced between $399 and $499. To be more competitive, there’s a possibility the price could be lowered to around $349.