Nintendo Switch 2 is poised to be a significant upgrade over its predecessor, featuring advanced hardware enhancements like the new Tegra T239 chip and up to 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM. With performance estimates around 4 TFLOPS and potential DLSS support, it aims to rival the PS5 and Xbox Series X. An 8-inch display and increased internal storage of 256 GB are also expected, promising a superior gaming experience while maintaining compatibility with SD card expansions.
Nintendo Switch 2: The Next Generation of Handheld Gaming
The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to be the highly anticipated successor to the original Switch, which debuted in 2017. While the first iteration faced challenges with outdated hardware at its launch, gamers can expect a host of exciting innovations with the upcoming device. Recent leaks suggest that the Switch 2 is designed to compete effectively with the performance of both the PS5 and Xbox Series X. Meanwhile, analyses hint at performance levels akin to the Xbox Series S, but with enhanced features such as ray tracing and DLSS.
Powerful Hardware Enhancements
Rumors indicate that the Switch 2 will utilize a new Tegra chip, specifically the T239, which is tailored for Nintendo and built on the Ampere architecture. This architecture was previously seen in Nvidia’s RTX 30 series. Although the RTX 3050 laptop variant boasts a maximum of 6 TFLOPS, it’s likely that the Switch 2 will not reach these heights due to a potential focus on mobility, which may result in a lower clock rate. A more realistic performance estimate could be around 4 TFLOPS, especially when you consider that the original Switch achieved approximately 0.4 TFLOPS. In comparison, the Xbox Series S also operates at 4 TFLOPS, presenting an interesting benchmark for the new handheld.
In handheld mode, the Switch 2 may deliver around 1 TFLOPS, with an increase in performance when docked. Moreover, if DLSS technology is incorporated, a chip with 3 TFLOPS could yield results comparable to a GPU with 10 TFLOPS without DLSS, making it a significant advantage for gamers.
Another substantial upgrade is anticipated in RAM specifications. The original Switch is equipped with 4 GB LPDDR4 RAM, but leaks suggest that the Switch 2 may feature between 12 to 16 GB LPDDR5X RAM, capable of speeds up to 7500 MT/s. This upgrade not only doubles the speed but also triples the storage capacity, leading to much shorter access and loading times for games.
For context, the Xbox Series S has 10 GB of RAM, while the PS5 and Xbox Series X come with 16 GB each. With the Switch 2, Nintendo is poised to match up with contemporary consoles in terms of memory.
Furthermore, there are expectations of increased internal storage, with reports indicating that the Switch 2 could come with 256 GB, a significant improvement over the original Switch’s 32 GB. However, it’s essential to remember that the original Switch allows for storage expansion via SD cards, and it’s highly likely that the Switch 2 will offer similar capabilities. It’s also worth noting that games for the Switch 2 may require more storage space, which is something to keep in mind.
In terms of display, leaks suggest that the Switch 2 may feature an 8-inch screen, a noticeable upgrade from the original 6.2-inch display and the 7-inch OLED version. However, the exact components that will be included in the Switch 2 remain uncertain at this stage. Our insights are based on available leaks, and a clearer picture will emerge once Nintendo officially announces the device, which could happen sooner than anticipated.