On Nintendo’s official specs page for the new Switch 2, the CPU and GPU are somewhat vaguely described as a “Custom processor made by NVIDIA.” Fortunately, during a developer roundtable with some of the Switch 2’s creators, we got a deeper dive into what this new hardware will bring to the table for game developers.
At the event, producer Kouichi Kawamoto, technical director Tetsuya Sasaki, and director Takuhiro Dohta engaged with the media—fielding questions through interpreter Raymond Elliget—about the latest installment in the Switch lineup.
Sasaki mentioned that “Nintendo doesn’t often disclose detailed hardware specs,” emphasizing instead the value that the console offers to users. Still, they did offer us some clues about the technology powering this device.
We discovered more about what Nintendo is depending on feature-wise, plus some intriguing hardware specifics that aren’t listed on the spec sheet. Here’s the scoop:
### DLSS and Hardware Ray Tracing Are Go
By choosing to partner with Nvidia, Nintendo gains access to its DLSS technology. Dohta confirmed to Shannon Liao from Inverse that Nintendo is using DLSS upscaling capabilities and is making it available as a tool for developers.
He explained, “The hardware can output to a TV at a maximum resolution of 4K. Whether developers use this natively or opt for lower resolutions with upscaling is up to them. I believe it provides various options for developers.” Additionally, the chip’s capability to support hardware ray tracing presents yet another option for developers.
### Battery Life and System Processing
According to Nintendo’s official specifications, the Switch 2’s 5220 mAh battery offers between 2 to 6.5 hours of gameplay, though these numbers serve as rough estimates. The developers refrained from pegging a precise number, with Sasaki noting that battery life greatly varies depending on the game and usage conditions.
Dohta highlighted that the new system introduces more complex features, like GameChat. This makes battery life variability even broader than with the original Switch, complicating direct comparisons between the two systems.
### Emulating Original Switch Software
Addressing backwards compatibility, the developers confirmed that original Switch games and GameCube classics are emulated on the new device, mirroring Microsoft Xbox’s approach.
Sasaki explained, “While it’s a bit complex, the emulation is somewhat software-based as it’s not just hardware doing the work.”
### Enhanced Bluetooth
The updated Joy-Cons for Switch 2 will connect via Bluetooth 3.0. Sasaki simply responded “Yes, it has improved” when asked about connections issues users experienced with the original Switch when attempting to pair multiple Bluetooth devices like controllers or headsets. He added that the increased size and bigger antennas should significantly improve connectivity. Other adjustments have also been made with a notable increase in the number of antennas.
### Choice of LCD Over OLED
The Switch 2 is equipped with a 7.9-inch LCD display supporting HDR. During discussions, someone from the press wondered if this was a step down from the OLED screen offered in the premium version of the original Switch.
Sasaki pointed out significant advancements in LCD technology during development, while Kawamoto noted that unlike the OLED screen on the original Switch, this new LCD display offers HDR support.
### The Two USB Type-C Ports
CNET’s Scott Stein inquired if the top USB-C port on the Switch 2 could connect to external displays like Xreal glasses. Kawamoto clarified that only the bottom port supports video-out functions.
“So, regarding the glasses, since they aren’t officially from Nintendo, it’s hard to say,” he stated. The top USB-C port, however, can be used to power the new Nintendo Switch 2 camera or to charge the system while in tabletop mode.
