Reports have emerged that Nintendo showcased demos of its highly anticipated Switch 2 console to game developers at the Gamescom 2023 event in Germany. Both VGC and Eurogamer have independently verified this information through their sources, indicating that the next-generation handheld console will once again utilize Nvidia hardware. The main attractions of these demos were an updated version of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, optimized to leverage the improved hardware for higher frame rates and resolutions. However, it is important to note that these demos were merely a technical showcase and did not imply an upcoming remaster. This article explores the implications of these demos and their potential impact on the gaming industry.
While the demos of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild captured the attention of many, PC gamers were particularly intrigued by Nintendo’s decision to showcase the Switch 2 running Epic’s The Matrix Awakens Unreal Engine 5 tech demo. Originally designed to highlight the power of the Microsoft Series X and PlayStation 5, this tech demo demonstrated the capabilities of Epic’s UE5 in creating photorealistic images on console platforms. Interestingly, the Switch 2 demo featured ray traced visuals and utilized Nvidia’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology to deliver playable frame rates.
Custom Nvidia Chip
The original Switch and its subsequent updates utilized Nvidia’s Tegra X1 and X1+ SoCs. These chips, found in the Shield Android TV boxes, featured ARM Cortex A57 CPU cores and Maxwell-based CUDA cores, the same GPU architecture as the GeForce GTX 980. However, since the Tegra line has been discontinued, the specific custom Nvidia chip used in the Switch 2 remains unknown. Speculation suggests that it may be based on the Ampere architecture, and the only Nvidia SoC that fits this description is the Orin line, launched in late 2022. The top chip in this lineup consists of 12 Arm Cortex A78 cores and 2,048 CUDA cores, potentially making it comparable to an RTX 3050.
Nvidia canceled the Atlan SoC, which was supposed to use the current Ada architecture, but they have announced a successor called Thor. However, it is unlikely that Thor will be available until 2025. In contrast, rumors indicate that Nintendo plans to launch the Switch 2 in late 2024. If the Switch 2 is capable of delivering authentic ray tracing performance and visuals and frame rates comparable to the current-gen Microsoft and Sony consoles, it will require a new SoC. Furthermore, it raises the possibility that Nvidia could extend its gaming hardware offerings beyond just a Nintendo console. This has led to speculation about the potential release of a new Shield handheld device, which would be a tantalizing prospect for gamers seeking high-performance portable gaming experiences.
Nintendo’s decision to showcase the Switch 2 demos at Gamescom 2023 has generated considerable excitement and speculation within the gaming community. The updated version of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, along with the inclusion of Epic’s The Matrix Awakens Unreal Engine 5 tech demo, highlights the potential improvements in graphics and performance that the Switch 2 may offer. With rumors suggesting the use of a custom Nvidia chip and the possibility of genuine ray tracing capabilities, the Switch 2 could potentially rival current-gen consoles. Furthermore, the prospect of Nvidia expanding its gaming hardware offerings beyond Nintendo’s console opens up new possibilities for portable gaming experiences. As we eagerly anticipate the release of the Switch 2, gamers and developers alike are excited about the future of handheld gaming.
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