More Updates Surface on Potential Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo is expected to be developing a new console to succeed the Switch. While there has been no official confirmation, a recent report sheds light on the potential custom processor that might power it.

In June 2021, a tech leaker known as kopite7kimi shared an image of Nvidia's T234 processor and claimed that Nintendo and Nvidia were collaborating on a customized version called the T239. Digital Foundry, in their latest report, supports the idea that the T239 could be the core component of the Switch 2. They arrived at this conclusion by analyzing various leaks, LinkedIn posts, an Nvidia security breach, and applying logical reasoning. An important piece of evidence is the aforementioned security breach, which revealed that Nvidia is utilizing the NVN2 API to emulate the T329's functionality.

The T234 processor, originally designed for automotive and robotics, is too large for a mobile console like the Switch. As a result, the T239 chip is expected to be a scaled-down version of the T234, with certain features removed that were intended for use in automobiles. For instance, the T234 has a CPU architecture with 12x ARM A78AE, whereas projections indicate that the T239 will have an 8x ARM A78C architecture. Additionally, the T239 is said to include a File Decompression Engine, which the T234 lacks. This suggests that the Switch 2 may have significantly improved load times, assuming the rest of its hardware is up to par.

Based on this information, Digital Foundry endeavored to construct a PC with similar specifications to a potential Switch 2 and conducted tests on various games using this hardware. The results were fairly close to, or even exceeded, the performance of previous generation consoles like the PS4 and Xbox One, in line with a previous report. For instance, Death Stranding ran at 1080p with an average frame rate of 34.9fps. The report indicates that it is possible for the Switch 2 to incorporate DLSS technology, but this depends on certain hardware elements of the T234 not being eliminated in the less intensive variant. There were rumors that the Switch 2 could run the impressive The Matrix Awakens demo, suggesting it may possess capabilities surpassing those of last-gen consoles. However, the Digital Foundry test build was unable to run The Matrix Awakens, potentially because its RAM capacity is lower than what the Switch 2 is expected to have.

The appearance of the Switch 2 remains uncertain, making it difficult to derive additional insights from Digital Foundry's findings. For a thorough analysis, it is recommended to read the entire report. As per a report released earlier this year, the Switch 2 is scheduled for release in 2024. Additionally, Nintendo CEO Doug Bowser reassures that the transition to the new console will be smoother than the previous launch.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am incredibly excited about the potential release of the Nintendo Switch 2. The original Switch was a revolutionary console that changed the way we play video games, and I can't wait to see what the next iteration has in store.

Based on the rumors and leaks that have been circulating, it sounds like the Switch 2 will be a significant upgrade over its predecessor. The new console is said to feature a more powerful processor, improved graphics, and faster load times. I'm particularly excited about the possibility of DLSS technology being included, as this would allow the Switch 2 to run games at higher resolutions and frame rates.

Of course, there are still a lot of unknowns about the Switch 2, such as its release date, price, and exact specifications. However, I'm confident that Nintendo will deliver a console that meets the expectations of fans. In the meantime, I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for more information about the Switch 2.