Nvidia confirms DLSS and ray tracing support for Nintendo Switch 2

Nvidia confirmed that the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will feature Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology and dedicated RT Cores for real-time ray tracing, delivering ten times the graphical performance of its predecessor. Set to launch on June 5 with a $449.99 starting price, the Switch 2, powered by a custom Nvidia processor includes specialized Tensor Cores, is a major upgrade over the first-generation Switch console technological leap for Nintendo.
In TV mode, the console supports 4K gaming at 60fps or 120fps at lower resolutions. The handheld mode features a 7.9-inch 1080p display with variable refresh rates up to 120Hz using Nvidia G-SYNC technology for tear-free gameplay.
"Tensor Cores power AI-driven features like Deep Learning Super Sampling, boosting resolution for sharper details without sacrificing image quality," Nvidia explained in its blog post. The hardware also enables "AI-powered face tracking and background removal in video chat" applications.
Early hands-on reports suggest impressive performance with demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Civilization 7 running "really smooth," according to Engadget's Sam Rutherford.
Nintendo designed the Switch 2 specifically to overcome the original model's performance limitations. The increased power allows for more ambitious game designs, such as the destructible environments in Donkey Kong Bananza and the seamlessly connected courses in Mario Kart World.
While Nvidia touted the "10x graphics performance" claim, technical analysts note this is likely a simplified marketing statement that may vary significantly depending on game optimization and real-world usage scenarios.
Neither Nintendo nor Nvidia has specified which version of DLSS the system employs or whether it includes frame generation capabilities.