Nintendo Switch 2 DLSS Allegedly Held Back By Limited Hardware

Expert Verified By

No Deep Learning Accelerator For Switch 2!

Story Highlights
  • Nintendo Switch 2 Is rumored to release in 2024.
  • Based on a newer Nvidia architecture, it will enjoy the benefits of AI-based upscaling through DLSS.
  • However, the console may not include a Deep Learning Accelerator, which would’ve helped it use DLSS at a reduced CPU burden.

The Nintendo Switch has sold over 129 million units, singlehandedly reviving interest in handheld gaming. This interest has led to recent releases like the Steam Deck OLED and Asus ROG Ally.

Nintendo is much further behind the competition in terms of raw hardware capabilities, but this is expected to change with the Nintendo Switch 2 thanks to a new generation of hardware and DLSS, which should help it handle ray tracing.

However, according to a new report, the Tegra 234’s Deep Learning Accelerator will not carry over to the new console, making its DLSS implementation less effective than expected earlier.

Why it matters: As an Nvidia-based console, DLSS will be integral to the Nintendo Switch 2. Therefore, many had expected a feature-packed implementation from the gaming giant.

According to the latest DF Weekly episode, the custom Nvidia T239 chip expected for the Nintendo Switch 2 will ship without a Deep Learning Accelerator.

As explained during the podcast, this component would have helped the console run DLSS at minimal hardware load. In certain scenarios, it would have been like using DLSS for free due to reduced CPU load.

This would have been very useful for a handheld, but Digital Foundry notes:

“I’ve heard sources come forward saying there’s no Deep Learning Accelerator.”

Still, the Nintendo Switch 2 should be able to handle upscaling around 1080p resolution. These results should not be disappointing for a handheld, but the industry is still striving to deliver gameplay at 4K resolution.

Therefore, we would not blame you if you think Nintendo should try and keep up with everyone else’s pace a bit more.

Nintendo Switch

With 1080p gameplay as the target, the price will be a major factor in determining the success of the Nintendo Switch 2.

Leaks claim that the console will start at $400, but the physical model will cost $450. This would put it in close competition with the PS5 and the Xbox Series X, but Nintendo’s appeal should lead to a slight edge.

Nevertheless, concrete details about the Nintendo Switch 2 will arrive by 2024. The console’s launch is expected in the second half of 2024, so an official reveal could happen in just a few months.

Was our article helpful? 👨‍💻

Thank you! Please share your positive feedback. 🔋

How could we improve this post? Please Help us. 😔

Gear Up For Latest News

Get exclusive gaming & tech news before it drops. Sign up today!

Join Our Community

Still having issues? Join the Tech4Gamers Forum for expert help and community support!

Latest News

Join Our Community

104,000FansLike
32,122FollowersFollow

Trending

Black Ops 7 Beta Struggles on Steam – Player Count Nearly 5x Lower Than Battlefield 6 Beta

According to SteamDB, Black Ops 7 beta player count only topped at about 100K players, compared to Battlefield 6 beta's over 500K.

Activision Claims 97% Of Black Ops 7 Cheaters Are Banned Within 30 Minutes

97% of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 cheaters were banned within 30 minutes of signing in, while only 1% made it into the game.

Silent Hill 3 Remake Reportedly Coming in 2028 as Bloober Team Works on Resident Evil-Inspired New IP

Bloober Team is rumored to be working on a Silent Hill 3 remake and a new Resident Evil-inspired IP, with releases expected in 2026 and 2028.

Battlefield 6: EA Promises 120 FPS Performance on Consoles and Free DLC Support

Battlefield 6 to support 120FPS, and alongside, EA to give out a free DLC titled 'Covert Operations' during Season 1.

Microsoft Reportedly Scrapped Its Xbox Handheld After AMD’s Shocking Demands

A new report reveals that the first-party Xbox handheld was cancelled because AMD demanded 10 million sales to develop a custom SoC.