Nintendo recruitment information reveals clues: the next-gen of Switch console may support DLSS technology
Many avid gamers are currently awaiting the announcement of the next-generation Switch, with abundant speculation surrounding its hardware specifications. However, a recent job listing from Nintendo’s U.S. operations seems to further corroborate that the next iteration of the Switch will incorporate a bespoke DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology.
The job description reveals that Nintendo is in search of a data engineer to collaborate in the integration of machine learning technologies into a low-power embedded platform. The primary technical challenges likely revolve around constraints in memory and power consumption. Responsibilities encompass but aren’t limited to, integrating machine learning frameworks into embedded platforms, assessing and benchmarking machine learning hardware solutions, and selecting and optimizing machine learning models within the confines of limited power, memory, and CPU performance.
Given confidentiality considerations, Nintendo has refrained from directly mentioning the new Switch or DLSS technology in this job listing. Historically, when job roles are tangentially related to upcoming products, manufacturers tend to meticulously craft the wording of job descriptions, deliberately avoiding specific product or technology names. Nevertheless, at a previous Cologne Gaming Expo, Nintendo showcased titles like “The Legend of Zelda” and “Matrix” featuring DLSS technology on their new hardware to a select group of game developers. Coupling this with the recent job listing, strengthens the assertion that the next-generation Switch will likely support DLSS.
Media outlets widely predict that the next-gen Switch will be unveiled in 2024. It’s anticipated to feature a custom Nvidia chipset, an 8nm T239 SOC manufactured by Samsung, accompanied by 12GB of memory. It’s expected to boast a 720P OLED display, support DLSS, and ray-tracing technology, and offer peak display specifications with 10bit HDR and 4K@60Hz output, furnished with an HDMI 2.1 interface. Additionally, it’s rumored to support a 256GB UHS-II SD card.
