At a recent developer gathering, some of the masterminds behind the Nintendo Switch 2 shed light on the new device’s hardware capabilities and functionalities. On hand to discuss the tech were producer Kouichi Kawamoto, technical director Tetsuya Sasaki, and director Takuhiro Dohta, with interpreter Raymond Elliget facilitating the conversation.
The trio addressed media queries and, while they remained somewhat hush-hush about specific hardware details, they did share insights into what users can anticipate with the Switch 2.
Choosing to partner with NVIDIA once again, Nintendo enables the Switch 2 to utilize some of NVIDIA’s most advanced features, including DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) for enhancing graphic quality. During the discussion, Dohta mentioned that DLSS is available for developers to integrate, offering them flexibility in how they achieve optimal display resolutions. The system can push graphics up to a 4K resolution, but developers have the freedom to decide whether they’ll utilize this natively or upscale from lower resolutions.
Another exciting aspect of the Switch 2 is its capability for hardware ray tracing, offering game developers another tool to enrich visual realism in their games. This technology enhances lighting and shadow details, adding depth to gaming experiences.
When it comes to battery life and processing power, there’s a bit of variability to consider. According to Nintendo’s specs, the Switch 2’s 5220 mAh battery can last anywhere between 2 to 6.5 hours, although Sasaki was quick to caution that this will vary based on game usage and system settings. Dohta further noted the increased complexity of the system’s features compared to the original Switch, which influences battery performance.
Backwards compatibility with previous Switch titles and GameCube classics is also a part of the package, as the Switch 2 emulates these older games—similar to Microsoft’s approach with backward compatibility on the Xbox.
The new console also boasts improved Bluetooth connectivity. Sasaki highlighted enhancements such as larger antennas and an increased number of them, which should result in more stable connections for peripherals like controllers and headsets.
In adapting the screen technology, the Switch 2 opts for a 7.9-inch LCD display offering HDR support. Although some purists may see this as a step back from the OLED screen used in a premium version of the original Switch, significant advancements in LCD technology justify this choice. Kawamoto emphasized that while the earlier OLED screens lacked HDR capability, the new LCD screen incorporates this feature.
As for connectivity, the Switch 2 features two USB Type-C ports. However, according to Kawamoto, only the port at the bottom of the console supports video output, making it incompatible with certain external display devices like Xreal glasses via the top port. Nevertheless, the top port is versatile, capable of interfacing with the Switch 2 camera and charging the device in tabletop mode.
With these new features and enhancements, the Switch 2 is shaping up to be a noteworthy evolution of Nintendo’s beloved system, offering developers and players alike a multitude of options to enrich their gaming experiences.
