The recently released Nintendo Switch 2 by Nintendo has caused a sensation, but the company has consistently remained tight-lipped about hardware details, keeping the processor specifications under wraps during the launch event. Recently, chip supplier Nvidia revealed some key information through a blog post. This next-generation hybrid game console is powered by a custom Nvidia processor, with graphics performance claimed to be 10 times that of the original Switch, delivering a superior visual experience and smooth operation for players.
At a developer roundtable, Tetsuya Sasaki, Technical Director of Switch 2, stated that Nintendo focuses more on providing practical value to consumers rather than simply stacking hardware specifications. Nvidia also did not disclose specific data such as the number of cores or operating speed of the chip, but emphasized that the new processor integrates dedicated RT cores and Tensor cores. These technologies support hardware-accelerated ray tracing and AI-driven DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) functions, respectively. Ray tracing brings realistic lighting and shadow effects to games, while DLSS, through intelligent image upscaling technology, achieves up to 4K resolution output in TV mode and helps boost frame rates to 120 frames per second in handheld mode.
In addition to the leap in graphics performance, Switch 2 also introduces some innovative features. Nvidia revealed that the Tensor cores are not only used for image processing but also support AI facial tracking and background removal technologies. This feature is applied in the newly launched social function GameChat. For example, in “Super Mario Party Mania - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition,” players can achieve real-time video interaction through the camera, with the system automatically recognizing faces and removing backgrounds, bringing a professional live streaming-like experience. However, it is not yet clear whether this function directly uses Nvidia’s Broadcast technology on the PC platform.
In terms of screen performance, Switch 2 is equipped with a 7.9-inch 1080p LCD display that supports up to 120Hz variable refresh rate (VRR). Nvidia confirmed that VRR in handheld mode is driven by G-Sync technology, which can effectively reduce screen tearing and ensure a smoother gaming experience. In contrast, the original Switch’s 6.2-inch 720p screen is now outdated in terms of performance and display, and the new hardware upgrade undoubtedly sets a higher standard for portable gaming experiences.
Looking back, Nvidia provided the custom Tegra X1 chip for the original Switch. Although this chip was not cutting-edge when it was released in 2017, Nintendo optimized it to support many high-quality games, with cumulative sales exceeding 150 million units to date. Today, the hardware foundation of Switch 2 is even more powerful. Based on current information, we estimate that Switch 2 is equipped with a custom Nvidia Tegra T239 chip, using the Ampere architecture, with 1536 CUDA cores, 12 RT cores, and 48 Tensor cores, paired with 12GB of LPDDR5X memory, with a total bandwidth of about 120GB/s. In comparison, PS4 uses an AMD Jaguar 8-core CPU and a 1.84 TFLOPS GPU, with 8GB of GDDR5 memory and a bandwidth of 176GB/s; while PS4 Pro improves GPU performance to 4.2 TFLOPS, with other hardware specifications basically the same as PS4.
In terms of theoretical performance, the GPU of Switch 2 in docked mode may reach about 1.5-2 TFLOPS, close to the level of PS4, but thanks to modern architecture and DLSS technology, its actual rendering efficiency may exceed PS4. For example, DLSS can use AI to improve resolution and frame rate, making games run smoother at 1080p or higher resolutions, while PS4 mainly relies on traditional rendering and cannot achieve similar optimizations. In addition, the CPU of Switch 2 is based on ARM Cortex-A78C, which is far more powerful than the Jaguar architecture of PS4 and PS4 Pro, especially in multi-threaded tasks and energy efficiency.
In handheld mode, to balance power consumption and battery life, the clock frequency of Switch 2 may be reduced, with GPU performance expected to drop to 0.8-1 TFLOPS, slightly lower than PS4, but still capable of running most PS4-level games, albeit with some compromise in resolution and frame rate. In contrast, PS4 Pro can stably output higher performance with fixed power support, especially in 4K checkerboarding rendering, while Switch 2’s 4K output relies more on DLSS interpolation and may not reach native 4K.
Therefore, comprehensively, we estimate that the performance of Switch 2 in docked mode is closer to PS4, and may even approach the visual effects of PS4 Pro in some optimized scenarios (such as ray tracing or DLSS applications), but it is still inferior to PS4 Pro in raw computing power and memory bandwidth. In handheld mode, it is slightly lower than PS4, but the difference is not significant. Considering Nintendo’s consistent ability to compensate for hardware limitations through software optimization, the actual gaming experience of Switch 2 may be closer to PS4 Pro than the specifications suggest.
Note: The above is only our preliminary estimate and is for entertainment reference only. The actual performance still needs to wait for the official release of more details and actual game test data.
Other hardware details of Switch 2 are also worth mentioning. The body storage has been upgraded to 256GB, supporting Express TF expansion; the new Joy-Con controller is connected by magnetic suction, adding a “C” key for quickly launching the GameChat function. In addition, the host supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, with more stable network performance. Combined with the newly designed 4K output dock, the TV mode experience is further enhanced. It is reported that Switch 2 will be released on June 5, 2025, with the standard version priced at $449 and the bundle version with “Mario Kart World” priced at $499, and pre-orders will start on April 9.
The collaboration between Nvidia and Nintendo has pushed Switch 2 to new heights. The 10-fold increase in graphics performance is not only reflected in numbers but also translated into the real experience of players through technologies such as ray tracing, DLSS, and G-Sync. Whether it is a living room player pursuing image quality or a portable high frame rate enthusiast, this device provides more choices. The addition of GameChat further enriches social interaction, making Switch 2 not just a game console but a platform connecting players.
As the release date approaches, more details may gradually surface, but the current information is sufficient to prove that this new machine has taken a solid step in performance and innovation.