“Unlike anything we’ve built before” Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang details major breakthroughs for Switch 2 processor
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In the run-up to the Switch 2 launch on June 5th, Nintendo is releasing videos on its creation and the people behind the console and games. One of the newer Creator’s Voice specials is with Jensen Huang, the CEO and Founder of Nvidia. The company has some of the best graphics cards on the market and has worked closely with Nintendo.
He details some of the work that went into creating the processor that powers the Switch 2 and why it wasn’t as straightforward as some of its other work. Considering it’s been 8 years since the original launched, Nvidia has had plenty of innovations and improvements to integrate into the mobile processor.
“And now a bold new chapter begins. The mission, to build a new console that takes the original vision further. To make it so, we had to reinvent everything. The chip inside the Nintendo Switch 2 is unlike anything we’ve built before. It brings together three breakthroughs.”
Jensen Huang, CEO and Founder of NVIDIA
One of the main improvements is the introduction of the RTX technology. The 20 series came out in 2018 as the first to implement hardware ray tracing, coming with vast improvements in efficiency and power that the GPUs have to offer.
Nintendo Switch 2’s processor breakthroughs
Discussing the Switch 2’s processor, Jensen outlines some of its details and the improvements it brings to the console. It claims to be the most advanced graphics in a mobile device. Here’s what it includes.
- Full hardware ray tracing
- High dynamic range for brighter highlights and deeper shadows
- Architecture that supports backward compatibility
- Dedicated AI processors to sharpen, animate, and enhance gameplay in real time
- Ultra-low power optimized for high performance in handheld
As a mobile chip made for a handheld, its primary function is to be efficient and yet powerful. Nvidia worked on optimizing the processor for high performance while maintaining low power consumption. Even then, the battery life estimate from Nintendo suggests 2 hours – 6.5 hours.
It also utilizes AI processors to sharpen, animate, and enhance gameplay. This is likely a reference to a version of DLSS that can boost game performance, and is rather essential for a low-power GPU, especially since it integrates hardware ray tracing, which is very taxing on the platform.
Along with all that, it also has backward compatibility. Making the new architecture work with the old to continue the games working on the new console took some effort, so it’s no surprise Jensen called it a technological marvel. It is, however, worth pointing out that Nintendo is still working on making games compatible with the Switch 2 – this is an ongoing process.
“This chip is a technical marvel. It delivers performance, intelligence, and beauty in the palm of your hand. Switch 2 is more than a new console; it’s a new chapter worthy of Iwata-san’s vision.”
Jensen Huang
Jensen’s Switch 2 Creator’s Voice
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