The gaming world stands on the brink of a new era as the Nintendo Switch 2 prepares for its official launch. At the heart of the excitement is Nvidia, the technological powerhouse supplying the console’s processor. Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang recently shared insights into the collaboration, the innovative spirit behind the device, and the technical marvels that define the Switch 2.
A Decade-Long Partnership Rooted in Creativity
Nvidia and Nintendo have enjoyed a partnership spanning over ten years, united by a shared belief that technology should amplify creativity and that engineering joy is a pursuit worthy of dedication. Jensen Huang, reflecting on this journey, recalled the early days when the late Satoru Iwata, former Nintendo CEO, shared his ambitious vision for a revolutionary console.
Honoring a Visionary Legacy
Satoru Iwata dreamed of a console that would blend the power needed for cinematic gaming experiences with the portability to take those experiences anywhere. At the time, such a vision seemed impossible. Yet, through relentless innovation and collaboration, that dream became the original Nintendo Switch. Although Iwata passed away before the console’s launch, his clarity of purpose and passion for gaming continue to inspire both teams.
Engineering Excellence and Global Impact
The development of the original Nintendo Switch was a monumental effort, requiring over 500 engineer-years at Nvidia. Every aspect of the system—from chip architecture and operating systems to APIs and game engines—was reimagined to ensure the magic of gaming could travel with players. The results were extraordinary: more than 150 million consoles sold worldwide, a platform that brought families together, empowered indie creators, and redefined the very concept of a gaming console.
A Bold New Chapter: The Nintendo Switch 2
With the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, a new chapter in gaming history begins. Jensen Huang describes the mission as building a console that not only honors the original vision but pushes it even further. The Switch 2’s custom Nvidia processor, known as the T239, represents a significant leap forward in technology.
Unprecedented Hardware Specifications
The T239 processor is based on Nvidia’s Ampere architecture and features 1,536 CUDA cores. It operates at 1GHz when docked and 561MHz in portable mode, with a 128-bit LPDDR5 memory interface. The GPU delivers an impressive 3.07 TeraFLOPS in docked mode and 1.71 TeraFLOPS in handheld use.
The CPU is equally impressive, boasting eight ARM Cortex-A78C cores, 12GB of LPDDR5X memory with a 128-bit interface, and memory bandwidth of 102 GB/s when docked (68 GB/s in mobile mode). Storage is provided by a 256GB UFS 3.1 drive. The system also includes RT Cores and Tensor Cores, enabling hardware ray tracing, AI-driven enhancements, DLSS support, and 4K gaming in TV mode.
Breakthrough Features for the Next Generation
The Nintendo Switch 2 is not just an incremental upgrade—it’s a technological marvel. It brings together multiple breakthroughs, including the most advanced graphics ever seen in a mobile device, full hardware ray tracing, and high dynamic range for stunning visuals with brighter highlights and deeper shadows.
The architecture is designed for backward compatibility, ensuring that players can enjoy their favorite titles from previous generations. Dedicated AI processors sharpen animations and enhance gameplay in real time, while ultra-low power consumption ensures long battery life for portable play.
Optimized for Performance and Portability
Nvidia has optimized the semiconductor process technology to deliver high performance in a handheld device. This means that the Switch 2 can go wherever the player goes, without sacrificing power or visual fidelity. According to Huang, the chip is a technical marvel that delivers performance, intelligence, and beauty in the palm of the user’s hand.
A Console Worthy of Iwata’s Vision
Jensen Huang emphasizes that the Nintendo Switch 2 is more than just a new console—it’s a new chapter in gaming, one that honors the legacy of Satoru Iwata and his visionary approach to technology and entertainment. The collaboration between Nvidia and Nintendo continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, creating experiences that inspire and delight players around the world.
A Message to Nintendo and Gamers Everywhere
In closing, Jensen Huang extended his congratulations to the team at Nintendo, expressing honor at being part of this journey. To gamers everywhere, he offered a simple invitation: “Let the fun begin.” For Nvidia, the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 is a proud moment, marking another milestone in the company’s ongoing mission to redefine gaming.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Gaming
As the Nintendo Switch 2 makes its debut, the gaming community eagerly anticipates the experiences it will unlock. With cutting-edge technology, a legacy of innovation, and a commitment to joy, the Switch 2 is poised to set a new standard for what a gaming console can be.
The collaboration between Nvidia and Nintendo serves as a testament to the power of partnership, vision, and engineering excellence. As players around the world prepare to embark on new adventures, the Nintendo Switch 2 stands ready to deliver the future of gaming—today.
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