Nintendo has officially unveiled its highly anticipated Switch 2, a handheld console that promises to elevate gaming with a host of new features and cutting-edge technology. After nearly six hours of hands-on experience on April 2, 2025, it is clear that this new device is a significant upgrade over its predecessor.
One of the standout features of the Switch 2 is its support for ray tracing, a technology that enhances visual fidelity in games by providing realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections. According to an official blog post from Nintendo, the Switch 2 is powered by a custom NVIDIA processor, which includes an NVIDIA GPU equipped with dedicated RT Cores and Tensor Cores. This means that players can expect a visual experience that includes advanced features like RT Shadows and RT Reflections, particularly when playing on larger screens in docked mode.
In addition to ray tracing, the Switch 2 leverages NVIDIA’s DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology. This AI-powered solution upscales lower-resolution images in real-time, improving both performance and image quality. The combination of these technologies allows the Switch 2 to deliver up to 4K gaming in TV mode and up to 120 frames per second (FPS) at 1080p in handheld mode, marking a major leap in performance.
Takuhiro Dohta, a Senior Director at Nintendo, confirmed during a hardware-focused roundtable that the system is designed to output to a TV at a maximum of 4K resolution. He stated, “We use DLSS upscaling technology and that’s something that we need to use as we develop games. […] I think it opens up a lot of options for the software developer to choose from.” This flexibility allows developers to decide whether to use native resolution or upscale their games, depending on their performance goals.
Furthermore, the Switch 2’s Tensor Cores will enable AI-powered features such as face tracking and background removal during video chats, enhancing the social gaming experience. This innovation is particularly beneficial for users who plan to utilize the new Nintendo camera for streaming and social interactions.
With a reported tenfold increase in graphics performance compared to the original Switch, the Switch 2 is set to redefine portable gaming. The enhanced capabilities are expected to attract both casual gamers and hardcore enthusiasts, particularly given the console's ability to handle demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition.
NVIDIA's commitment to improving the gaming experience is evident in the Switch 2's design, which incorporates 1,000 engineer-years of effort in various aspects, from system and chip design to development tools. The new console also supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) and AI upscaling, further sharpening visuals and ensuring smoother gameplay.
Another notable feature is the Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology, powered by NVIDIA G-SYNC, which guarantees ultra-smooth, tear-free gameplay in handheld mode. This innovation is expected to significantly enhance the gaming experience, particularly in fast-paced titles.
Despite the impressive technical specifications, Nintendo has opted to keep some details under wraps, particularly concerning the exact architecture of the Switch 2. While it is rumored to be equipped with the Tegra T239 SoC based on NVIDIA's Ampere architecture, Nintendo has not officially confirmed this information. Dohta mentioned, “Nintendo doesn’t share too much on the hardware spec. What we really like to focus on is the value that we can provide to our consumers.”
As excitement builds around the Switch 2, developers are eager to leverage the improved game engines, physics, and optimized APIs that come with the new console. The emphasis on providing better tools for developers is expected to lead to a richer library of games, further enhancing the gaming experience for players.
In a recent Nintendo Direct presentation, the company revealed the price point for the Switch 2 at $449.99, which is in line with the premium features being offered. The announcement has sparked discussions among fans and industry experts about the potential impact of the new console on the gaming market.
As the release date approaches, gamers are keen to see how the Switch 2 will perform in real-world scenarios. With its impressive specifications and innovative features, the console is poised to make a significant mark in the gaming landscape.
Overall, the Nintendo Switch 2 represents a bold step forward for the company, combining advanced technology with a commitment to enhancing the user experience. As the gaming community awaits its release, the anticipation continues to grow, with many eager to explore the possibilities that this new console has to offer.
