Recently, a photo of a chip labeled “T239” circulated online, essentially confirming that this custom SoC is the processor for the Switch 2. Given the T239’s powerful hardware specifications and cutting-edge technology, the Switch 2 looks even more anticipated. Today, let’s talk about this chip and the hardcore highlights of the Switch 2, giving you a glimpse into the technical core of this highly anticipated hybrid game console.
The Tegra T239 is a custom chip tailored by NVIDIA for the Switch 2, continuing the collaboration tradition of the previous generation Switch, but with a significant leap in performance and architecture. In terms of core configuration, it features eight Arm Cortex-A78C CPU cores, with an expected operating frequency between 1.1 GHz and 1.5 GHz, depending on the power requirements in handheld or docked mode. Compared to the original Switch’s Tegra X1 (based on the 2015 Maxwell architecture, quad-core Cortex-A57), this chip’s CPU performance is several times higher, enabling more efficient handling of complex game logic and multitasking scenarios.
The GPU is another major highlight of the Tegra T239. It adopts a hybrid architecture, integrating elements from NVIDIA’s Ampere and Ada Lovelace generations, and is equipped with 1536 CUDA cores. The Ampere architecture laid the foundation for the RTX 30 series graphics cards, while Ada Lovelace is the cornerstone of the RTX 40 series. This cross-generational fusion allows the Tegra T239 to strike a balance between performance and efficiency. It is speculated that the GPU may run at 500-600 MHz in handheld mode and can be boosted to 900 MHz or even higher in docked mode, with an estimated floating-point performance of 2.5-3.9 TFLOPs. This means the Switch 2’s graphics performance in docked mode is expected to be comparable to the PS4, and even approach the Xbox Series S in some scenarios.
The memory system has also undergone a comprehensive upgrade. The Tegra T239 is equipped with a 128-bit LPDDR5 memory interface, with a memory capacity that may reach 12GB and a bandwidth between 68-102 GB/s, depending on the operating mode. Compared to the original Switch’s 4GB LPDDR4 and 25.6 GB/s bandwidth, this is a qualitative leap, significantly reducing loading times and supporting more complex textures and scene rendering. In addition, the Switch 2 is expected to use UFS 3.1 storage, starting at 256GB, with read speeds up to 2100 MB/s, completely eliminating the bottleneck of eMMC storage. Coupled with the chip’s built-in file decompression engine, game loading speeds will be incredibly fast, making the “instant game loading” experience similar to the PS5 no longer a dream.
Speaking of technical highlights, NVIDIA’s DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology is undoubtedly a killer feature of the Switch 2. The Tegra T239 integrates Tensor Cores, supporting DLSS 2.2 or possibly even version 3.5, which can efficiently upscale low-resolution images to 4K through AI algorithms while maintaining smooth frame rates. For example, a 720p native rendering can be upscaled to a near-4K visual effect via DLSS, reducing the GPU load and ensuring image quality. This makes it possible for the Switch 2 to achieve 4K 60 FPS output in docked mode, especially for major titles like “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2” or “Metroid Prime 4,” where the visual performance will be even more stunning. Some developers have even revealed that DLSS can help achieve a smooth 1080p 120 FPS experience in handheld mode, which is simply a revolution for mobile gaming.
In addition to DLSS, the Tegra T239 also supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, thanks to the built-in RT Cores. Ray tracing technology can bring more realistic lighting and shadow effects, such as dynamic reflections and ambient occlusion. Although limited by the chip’s power consumption and performance, the implementation of ray tracing on the Switch 2 may be more inclined towards lightweight optimization, but it can make first-party games (such as “Mario Kart” or “Splatoon”) more visually immersive. At Gamescom last year, Nintendo showcased a “Matrix Awakens” tech demo running on the Switch 2 to developers. The visuals used DLSS and ray tracing, and the effect was reportedly comparable to the early performance of the PS5, demonstrating the potential of this chip.
The display and interactive experience of the Switch 2 also have highlights. The new console is equipped with an 8-inch 1080p screen that supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology, paired with NVIDIA G-Sync, which can dynamically adjust the screen’s refresh rate to match the game’s frame rate, effectively reducing screen tearing. This is particularly important in handheld mode, especially when running games with significant frame rate fluctuations like “Monster Hunter” or “Pokémon,” providing a smoother visual experience. In addition, the Tensor Cores also support AI-driven features such as facial tracking and background removal. Combined with the newly added GameChat social feature, players can enjoy a more intelligent interactive experience in games like “Super Mario Party.”
Power consumption and heat dissipation are eternal challenges for handheld devices, and the Tegra T239 has also made efforts in this regard. The chip is based on an 8nm process (possibly manufactured by Samsung), which is slightly behind the 5nm or 4nm processes, but through advanced clock gating technology and the energy-saving features of the Ada Lovelace architecture, its overall energy efficiency is impressive. In handheld mode, the chip’s power consumption is expected to be controlled within 10-15W, and it may increase to 25W in docked mode. The Switch 2’s cooling module and dock design are also said to be optimized to ensure that the device doesn’t become a “hand warmer” during long gaming sessions.
Beyond the hardware, the Switch 2’s ecosystem is also worth looking forward to. The new console will be fully backward compatible, supporting the original Switch’s game library. This means players can directly revisit titles like “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” or “Xenoblade Chronicles 3” on more powerful hardware, and some games can automatically improve their visuals through dynamic resolution technology. In addition, Nintendo has provided developers with more modern development tools, such as support for Unreal Engine 5 and NVIDIA’s latest graphics APIs. This has attracted more third-party developers to join in. CD Projekt Red’s “Cyberpunk 2077,” Sega’s “Yakuza 0,” and even “Star Wars: The Force Unleashed” have been confirmed to be coming to the Switch 2, showing developers’ confidence in the new console’s performance.
The NVIDIA Tegra T239 injects strong power into the Switch 2. The combination of an octa-core CPU, hybrid GPU, LPDDR5 memory, and DLSS technology allows this hybrid console to deliver impressive performance in both handheld and home console scenarios. Whether you’re looking forward to the ultimate optimization of first-party masterpieces or want to play AAA titles on a handheld device, the Switch 2 seems ready to provide the answer. As the release date approaches, more details should surface one after another. Tech enthusiasts, get your wallets ready!