As Nintendo teased earlier, Nvidia has now shed light on the custom GPU powering the Nintendo Switch 2, although the details provided might not satisfy the hunger of tech enthusiasts for in-depth specs. In a blog post, Nvidia confirmed what IGN had reported earlier in the day from Nintendo itself: the GPU enables AI upscaling via DLSS and supports ray tracing.

Nvidia's DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) leverages AI technology and machine learning to upscale lower-resolution images in real-time, significantly boosting both performance and image quality in games. Nvidia elaborated a bit more on the Switch 2's GPU, describing it as a "custom Nvidia processor featuring an Nvidia GPU with dedicated RT Cores and Tensor Cores for stunning visuals and AI-driven enhancements."

Nvidia emphasized the extensive effort behind the Switch 2, stating, "With 1,000 engineer-years of effort across every element — from system and chip design to a custom GPU, APIs, and world-class development tools — the Nintendo Switch 2 brings major upgrades." These upgrades include support for up to 4K gaming in TV mode and up to 120 FPS at 1080p in handheld mode. The Switch 2 also supports HDR and AI upscaling "to sharpen visuals and smooth gameplay."

The inclusion of new RT Cores enables real-time ray tracing, which delivers "lifelike lighting, reflections, and shadows for more immersive worlds," according to Nvidia. Meanwhile, Tensor Cores power AI-driven features like DLSS, "boosting resolution for sharper details without sacrificing image quality." Nvidia also mentioned that these Tensor Cores facilitate AI-powered face tracking and background removal in video chat scenarios, enhancing social gaming and streaming experiences.

During the Nintendo Direct, Nintendo introduced the C button, which enhances new chat functionality by integrating an external camera and the Switch 2's built-in microphone. Nintendo highlighted that the technology is intelligent enough to focus on the player’s voice while filtering out background noise.

Nvidia made a bold claim about the Switch 2's performance, stating, "With 10x the graphics performance of the Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch 2 delivers smoother gameplay and sharper visuals." However, the company did not specify how this performance metric was calculated. It's likely that experts like Digital Foundry will analyze these claims once the Switch 2 launches in June.

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Nvidia further stated that Tensor Cores "boost AI-powered graphics while keeping power consumption efficient," and RT Cores "enhance in-game realism with dynamic lighting and natural reflections." Additionally, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) via Nvidia G-SYNC in handheld mode "ensures ultra-smooth, tear-free gameplay."

In a hardware-focused roundtable Q&A in New York, attended by IGN, Nintendo representatives confirmed the use of DLSS in the Switch 2, but did not specify the version or whether it had been customized for the console. Similarly, the response was vague when confirming the GPU's ray tracing capabilities.

Tetsuya Sasaki, General Manager at Nintendo’s Technology Development Division, and Senior Director at its Technology Development Department, explained Nintendo's approach to hardware details, saying, "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. But I do believe that our partner Nvidia will be sharing some information."

In January, the internet discovered a patent filed in July 2023 and published earlier this year, describing AI image upscaling technology that would help maintain smaller video game download sizes suitable for physical game cartridges while offering up to 4K textures.

For more details, check out everything announced at the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct, and what the experts have to say about the Switch 2 price and Mario Kart World’s $80 price tag.