The Switch 2 supports ray-tracing and DLSS, but Nintendo is tight-lipped on details

Following yesterday’s Nintendo Switch 2 unveiling, Nintendo hosted several roundtable Q&A sessions in New York City to address fans’ questions about the console. During these sessions, Nintendo confirmed that the Switch 2 utilizes Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) and ray tracing visual technology, although the specifics remain undisclosed.

Rumors earlier in the year hinted at Nintendo incorporating some form of AI upscaling technology (which DLSS represents) to maintain manageable game sizes on cartridges without compromising 4K resolution. DLSS is an Nvidia technology, and Nintendo verified that the Switch 2 features an Nvidia GPU. Tetsuya Sasaki, GM of Nintendo’s Technology Development Division, mentioned, “Nintendo doesn’t divulge too much about hardware specs. Our focus is on the value we can deliver to consumers. However, I believe our partner Nvidia will share some information.”

The implementation of DLSS is intriguing and offers developers numerous possibilities. Similar to the Xbox Series and PlayStation 5, games might provide both graphics and performance modes. Takuhiro Dohta, senior director of the Programming Management Group Entertainment Planning & Development Department, stated through IGN’s transcription:

“We utilize DLSS upscaling technology, which is essential in game development.

“Regarding the hardware, it can achieve a maximum output of 4K on a TV. Whether the software developer opts for native resolution or upscaling is their choice. This provides developers with a variety of options.”

Addressing the Switch 2’s ray tracing capabilities, Dohta mentioned, “Yes, the GPU supports ray tracing. Similar to DLSS, this offers software developers another tool to utilize.”

Although Nintendo shared a wealth of information, finer details were omitted. Confirmation of the exact internal components may have to wait until the Switch 2 is in users’ hands. Nevertheless, the console’s capacity for advanced graphical technologies like ray tracing and DLSS signals a promising development. It indicates that the Switch 2 may be more powerful than initially thought, potentially narrowing the graphical disparity between Nintendo and its competitors.