Developers Reveal Nintendo Switch 2 Features: DLSS, Hardware Ray Tracing, and More

When you take a look at Nintendo’s specs for the upcoming Switch 2, details about the CPU and GPU are somewhat mysterious, labeled only as a "Custom processor made by NVIDIA." However, during a recent developer roundtable, some of the masterminds behind the Switch 2 offered a peek into its hardware capabilities and what they might mean for game developers.

The session, featuring producer Kouichi Kawamoto, technical director Tetsuya Sasaki, and director Takuhiro Dohta, was marred by a few tight-lipped answers but illuminated some exciting prospects (thanks to interpreter Raymond Elliget). "Nintendo doesn’t typically dish out specifics on hardware specs," Sasaki explained. "Instead, we’re all about the end value for our gamers." Despite the discretion, they revealed some intriguing snippets.

We gleaned insights into Nintendo’s technological inclinations and learned about some hardware particulars absent from the spec sheet. Here’s what was uncovered:

DLSS and Hardware Ray Tracing Comes to Light

By partnering with Nvidia, Nintendo can tap into DLSS technology. Dohta disclosed, in response to Inverse’s Shannon Liao, that Nintendo offers DLSS upscaling tech as a tool for developers. He mentioned, "The hardware supports 4K output on TV, and developers have the flexibility to opt for native resolution or upscale from a lower baseline. This flexibility is a boon for software developers." On the ray tracing front, Dohta confirmed its support, presenting yet another choice for developers.

Balancing Battery Life and Processing Power

Officially, the Switch 2 boasts a 5220 mAh battery, promising between 2 to 6.5 hours per charge. However, the developers were hesitant to make concrete promises on battery longevity. Sasaki emphasized the variability based on the games you play and how the system is used. Dohta chimed in, noting that the system’s richer, more complex features mean battery life will vary even more than the original Switch, making direct comparisons tricky.

Emulating Old Favorites

The question of backward compatibility with classic Switch and GameCube titles led to revelations that these games will be emulated on the Switch 2, echoing Xbox’s backward compatibility strategy. Sasaki elaborated, "It’s not just hardware doing the emulation, but rather a software-based solution."

Bluetooth Gets a Boost

The Switch 2’s Joy-Cons utilize Bluetooth 3.0 for connectivity. Addressing concerns about connectivity hiccups when linking multiple devices, Sasaki simply confirmed improvements. He pointed out that a larger system size and bigger antennas should significantly enhance connections, supported by an increased number of antennas and numerous other adjustments.

The Choice of LCD Over OLED

Featuring a 7.9-inch LCD display with HDR support, the Switch 2 shifts from the OLED screen of the original premium Switch. Sasaki highlighted advances in LCD technology during development, while Kawamoto added that the previous OLED model lacked HDR support, which the new LCD contains.

Dual USB Type-C Ports

When CNET’s Scott Stein inquired if the top USB-C port would support external displays like Xreal glasses, Kawamoto clarified that only the bottom port supports video output. He added, "Supporting non-Nintendo products like the glasses is tricky," But did note that the top port has been showcased with the Switch 2 camera and can charge the console in tabletop mode.

This revealing session laid the groundwork for what looks to be a promising leap forward, blending technological refinement and user-centered design. Stay tuned for more updates as the Switch 2 continues to emerge from under wraps.