The Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be a massive leap forward in handheld console power, and now we know why. While Nintendo’s initial reveal left fans speculating about what’s under the hood, Nvidia has stepped in to shed more light on the next-gen Switch’s capabilities—and the details are impressive.
In a new blog post, Nvidia confirmed that the Switch 2 will support DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling)—a major feature from its lineup of desktop and laptop GPUs. This means the console will be able to intelligently upscale graphics in real-time, boosting both visual fidelity and performance. While Nvidia hasn’t specified which version of DLSS will be included, the tech’s presence alone signals a massive leap from the original Switch’s modest graphics.
Also confirmed: the custom Nvidia chip powering the console will include dedicated RT Cores and Tensor Cores, allowing the Switch 2 to handle real-time ray tracing. Players can expect more immersive lighting, dynamic shadows, and realistic reflections, all of which are normally seen only on high-end PCs or next-gen home consoles. In short, games will look far more lifelike and cinematic than ever before on a Nintendo handheld.
The Tensor Cores won’t just be for show, either. Nvidia revealed that they’ll enable AI-powered features like face tracking and background removal, which could revolutionize in-game video chat and live-streaming on the platform. These kinds of social enhancements suggest Nintendo is leaning further into hybrid gaming and streaming culture.
One particularly bold claim from Nvidia: the Switch 2 will offer “10x the graphics performance” of the original Switch. While that figure likely relies heavily on DLSS-enhanced upscaling, it’s still a major statement—especially considering the original Switch was often criticized for its dated hardware. Nvidia’s G-Sync technology will also power variable refresh rate (VRR) on the device, helping to eliminate screen tearing and maintain smooth gameplay in handheld mode.
Nintendo echoed this focus on performance in a newly published “Ask the Developer” interview. According to the company, the new hardware was designed from the start to give players a more dynamic and seamless experience. That includes fully destructible environments in upcoming titles like Donkey Kong Bananza and connected courses in Mario Kart World that load without interruption.
The Nintendo Switch 2 officially launches on June 5, with a starting price of $449.99 USD. Pre-orders are expected to go live soon, and excitement is already ramping up across the gaming community. With Nvidia’s cutting-edge tech now confirmed, the Switch 2 may be the handheld console that finally brings AAA-level visual experiences to the palm of your hand.
