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

During a developer roundtable, Nintendo shed some light on its highly anticipated console, the Switch 2, particularly what’s under the hood. While the official specs page only hints at a “Custom processor made by NVIDIA,” we managed to uncover more intriguing insights about what players and developers can look forward to with this new hardware.

On hand to field questions were a few key members of the development team: Producer Kouichi Kawamoto, Technical Director Tetsuya Sasaki, and Director Takuhiro Dohta, with interpretation provided by Raymond Elliget. When pressed on the technical specifics, Sasaki remarked, “Nintendo is more about the experience we give our users than raw specs.” Still, they shared some juicy tidbits that expand on what we can expect.

One major point of interest is the inclusion of DLSS and ray tracing. Remaining in the NVIDIA family means Nintendo can utilize DLSS technology to great effect. In fact, Dohta confirmed they would allow other developers to leverage this tech. He explained, “The hardware outputs up to 4K to a TV, but developers have the flexibility to either utilize that natively or opt for upscaling. It opens a lot of creative doors.”

Speaking of graphics, Dohta also mentioned that the chip does support hardware ray tracing, offering more creative choices for developers seeking to enhance their game’s visuals.

Battery life has always been a crucial factor for portable gaming devices, and the Switch 2’s 5220 mAh battery offers 2 to 6.5 hours of playtime, though it’s rather variable. Sasaki noted that actual battery life hinges on how you’re using the console and what game you’re playing. Dohta added that new features, like the enhanced GameChat, further complicate things compared to the original model.

Backward compatibility was another topic of interest. The team confirmed that the Switch 2 handles original Switch games and GameCube classics through emulation, a software-based solution not unlike what Xbox does with backward compatibility. Sasaki explained, “It’s not solely hardware-driven, so it’s more accurate to say it’s software-based.”

Another upgrade comes in the form of improved Bluetooth connectivity. Now featuring Bluetooth 3.0, the new Joy-Cons should handle multiple connections more smoothly, thanks to larger antennas and additional adjustments. “It’s definitely improved,” Sasaki assured.

For the screen, Nintendo opted for a 7.9-inch LCD with HDR support. Some have questioned this choice over OLED, previously available in premium versions of the original Switch. Sasaki pointed out recent advancements in LCD technology, and Kawamoto mentioned that this new screen features something the OLED version lacked—HDR.

Lastly, the USB Type-C ports offer intriguing new possibilities. However, if you’re wondering whether they’ll support external displays like Xreal glasses, Kawamoto clarified that only the bottom port outputs video. The top port, meanwhile, can charge the system and has been shown working with a new camera accessory for the Switch 2.

Nintendo’s latest console seems packed with potential, offering developers new tools while aiming to enhance gamer experiences across the board. As more details emerge, the excitement around the Switch 2 is only set to grow.