As hinted by Nintendo, Nvidia has now shed light on the custom GPU powering the Nintendo Switch 2, though it left many tech enthusiasts wanting more in-depth details. In their blog post, Nvidia confirmed what IGN reported earlier from Nintendo: the GPU supports AI upscaling through DLSS and ray tracing technologies.

Nvidia's DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is an AI-driven feature that leverages machine learning to upscale lower-resolution images in real-time, significantly enhancing both game performance and visual quality. The Switch 2's GPU is described by Nvidia as a "custom Nvidia processor featuring an Nvidia GPU with dedicated RT Cores and Tensor Cores," designed to deliver stunning visuals and AI-enhanced gameplay experiences.

Nvidia elaborated on the extensive effort behind the Switch 2, stating, "With 1,000 engineer-years of effort across every element — from system and chip design to a custom GPU, APIs, and world-class development tools — the Nintendo Switch 2 brings major upgrades." These upgrades include support for up to 4K gaming in TV mode and up to 120 FPS at 1080p in handheld mode, alongside HDR and AI upscaling to enhance visual clarity and smoothness.

The inclusion of RT Cores enables real-time ray tracing, which offers more realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows, creating more immersive game worlds. Meanwhile, Tensor Cores drive AI features like DLSS, improving resolution and detail without compromising image quality. Additionally, these cores support AI-powered functionalities such as face tracking and background removal for video chats, enhancing social gaming and streaming experiences.

During the Nintendo Direct, Nintendo introduced the C button, a new feature for chat functionality using an external camera and the Switch 2's built-in microphone. The technology is designed to focus on the player's voice while filtering out background noise, showcasing its smart capabilities.

Nvidia boldly claimed that the Nintendo Switch 2 offers "10x the graphics performance of the Nintendo Switch," promising smoother gameplay and sharper visuals. However, the specifics of how this performance increase was measured remain undisclosed, leaving it to experts like Digital Foundry to analyze once the Switch 2 launches in June.

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Nvidia also highlighted that Tensor Cores boost AI-powered graphics while maintaining energy efficiency, and RT Cores enhance in-game realism with dynamic lighting and natural reflections. Additionally, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) via Nvidia G-SYNC in handheld mode ensures ultra-smooth, tear-free gameplay.

In a hardware-focused roundtable Q&A in New York, attended by IGN, Nintendo confirmed the use of DLSS in the Switch 2 but did not disclose which version or whether it was customized. Similarly, they vaguely confirmed the GPU's capability for ray tracing. Tetsuya Sasaki, General Manager at Nintendo’s Technology Development Division, emphasized that Nintendo focuses on providing value to consumers rather than delving into hardware specifics, leaving it to Nvidia to share more technical details.

In January, a patent filed in July 2023 and published this year was spotted online, describing AI image upscaling technology that would help keep video game download sizes manageable for physical game cartridges while offering up to 4K textures.

For more information, check out everything announced at the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct, and learn what the experts have to say about the Switch 2 price and Mario Kart World’s $80 price tag.