Prime Highlights:
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang gives late Nintendo president Satoru Iwata credit for encouraging the unique design of the initial Switch. The new Switch 2 brings major hardware improvements such as DLSS and ray tracing to deliver richer gaming experiences.
Key Facts:
- The Switch 2 is based on Nvidia’s Tegra T239 “Drake” chip with an octa-core CPU and Ampere GPU.
- It boasts 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 4K resolution when docked.
- New Joy-Con 2 controllers bring a new GameChat button for voice and video chat.
Key Background
In a recent video message, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang honored Satoru Iwata, the late former president of Nintendo, who died in 2015. Huang praised how Iwata’s vision played a key role in designing the original Nintendo Switch, a product that combined console-grade power with portability — something many believed was impossible. Iwata envisioned a gaming system that gamers could carry anywhere and yet still provide immersive, cinematic-quality games. Nvidia, working closely with Nintendo, invested significant resources—equivalent to 500 engineer years—to bring this vision to life.
The coming Nintendo Switch 2, released June 5, 2025, is the next giant step. Built on Nvidia’s Tegra T239 processor, codenamed “Drake,” it has an octa-core ARM Cortex-A78C CPU and a 12 SM Ampere GPU for much faster performance. The console includes 12GB of LPDDR5X memory for more streamlined gameplay and sophisticated graphics capabilities.
In terms of graphics, the Switch 2 is capable of Nvidia’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology and real-time ray tracing. The technologies improve visual fidelity through realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows. The console boasts 1080p at 120Hz in handheld mode with HDR10 and variable refresh rate capabilities while docked mode provides 4K at 60Hz.
Joy-Con 2 controllers come with ergonomic enhancements and a dedicated “C” button for Nintendo’s GameChat service. GameChat allows voice chat, screen sharing, and video calls, made available through an optional webcam accessory. GameChat will be free to use through March 31, 2026, at which time a Nintendo Switch Online subscription will be needed.
Also, the Switch 2 will include access to retro GameCube titles via the Nintendo Classics service, only available on the new console. The backward compatibility, allied with the high-end specs and new content, makes the Switch 2 a much-hyped follow-up in the gaming industry.
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