Nintendo’s hardware listing for the Switch 2 mysteriously describes the CPU and GPU as a “Custom processor made by NVIDIA.” However, at a developer roundtable with some of the masterminds behind the Switch 2, we got a closer look at what its hardware might offer to game creators.
Producer Kouichi Kawamoto, technical director Tetsuya Sasaki, and director Takuhiro Dohta engaged with the press, fielding questions through an interpreter, Raymond Elliget, about this upcoming console.
Sasaki remarked, “Nintendo doesn’t divulge too much about the hardware specifics.” He emphasized that the team prioritizes delivering value to consumers. Still, they shared insights that give us a glimpse into what’s coming.
During our discussion, we learned about the technology Nintendo is banking on and some hardware details missing from the spec sheet. Here’s the inside scoop:
### DLSS and Hardware Ray Tracing: A Go!
Nintendo’s collaboration with Nvidia unlocks access to DLSS technology. In response to a question from Shannon Liao at Inverse, Dohta acknowledged that Nintendo employs DLSS upscaling and offers it to developers as a resource.
“When it comes to hardware capabilities,” Dohta explained, “it can output to a TV at a maximum resolution of 4K. Whether developers choose to use that resolution natively or opt for upscaling is up to them, providing a broad range of options.”
On the topic of hardware ray tracing, Dohta confirmed that the chip can support it, giving developers another tool to enhance their games.
### Battery Life and System Performance
Nintendo’s official specs suggest the Switch 2’s 5220 mAh battery can last between 2 and 6.5 hours on a single charge. The system creators were cautious about committing to specific numbers. Sasaki noted that battery life varies significantly depending on game type and usage conditions.
Dohta added that with features like GameChat, which makes the system more complex than its predecessor, the battery life range can be even more unpredictable compared to the original Switch.
### Emulating Original Switch Software
When questioned about backward compatibility for Switch games and GameCube classics, the developers confirmed these are indeed emulated, akin to Microsoft’s approach with Xbox.
Sasaki commented, “It’s a complex issue, but if we consider not just the hardware aspect, it fits into the software-based category.”
### Enhanced Bluetooth Connectivity
The new Joy-Cons utilize Bluetooth 3.0 to connect with the Switch 2. Addressing past issues players experienced with connecting multiple Bluetooth devices, Sasaki offered a straightforward response: “Yes, it has improved.”
He elaborated, explaining that the system’s larger size and the addition of more antennas will likely bolster connection quality significantly, along with numerous tweaks made to improve connectivity.
### Choosing LCD Over OLED
The Switch 2 boasts a 7.9-inch LCD display with HDR support. Some critics noted this might seem like a step back from the original Switch’s premium OLED option, which Sasaki addressed.
Throughout development, he explained, substantial advancements in LCD technology were achieved. Kawamoto also highlighted that, unlike the new LCD, the original OLED version did not offer HDR support.
### The Dual USB Type-C Ports
CNET’s Scott Stein inquired if the Switch 2’s top USB-C port could link to external displays, like Xreal glasses. Kawamoto clarified that only the bottom port facilitates video out.
Regarding compatibility with glasses, Kawamoto said, “It’s not a Nintendo-sanctioned product, so it’s hard to say.” Meanwhile, the upper USB-C port has been shown working with the new Nintendo Switch 2 camera and can charge the system in tabletop mode.
