The Nintendo Switch 2: A Powerful Upgrade with Ray Tracing and AI Upscaling, But Reduced Battery Life
On April 2nd, Nintendo revealed the much-anticipated Switch 2, showcasing a variety of new games, updated Joy-Cons, and impressive features. While the company provided only limited details on the inner workings of the console, Nvidia has now pulled back the curtain with a blog post outlining the key hardware improvements. The Switch 2 will feature a custom Nvidia GPU designed specifically for the console, offering a monumental leap in performance—delivering up to 10 times the power of the original Switch. This massive performance boost is a game-changer, especially for those who have been waiting for Nintendo to catch up with the graphical capabilities of other consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
At the heart of the Switch 2’s new GPU are advanced RT (ray tracing) cores and Tensor cores, which allow for more realistic graphics. These cores enable real-time ray tracing, which brings lifelike lighting, reflections, and shadows to games, enhancing the visual experience in a way never before possible on a Nintendo console. Additionally, the inclusion of AI-driven upscaling through Nvidia’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology will significantly improve image quality without compromising performance. DLSS works by using artificial intelligence to upscale lower-resolution images, creating a sharper, more detailed picture while keeping the gameplay smooth and responsive.
Nintendo’s presentation revealed several other exciting features, including the ability for the Switch 2 to upscale games to 4K in docked mode. In handheld mode, the Switch 2 can run games at up to 120 FPS at 1080p, providing fluid and responsive gameplay. Furthermore, the console introduces HDR support for the first time, enhancing the color depth and contrast for a more vibrant and immersive visual experience. These upgrades represent a major step forward for the Switch 2, especially considering the criticisms the original model faced for its relatively weak performance compared to competitors.
However, with these hardware upgrades comes a significant trade-off: the battery life. The Switch 2 is equipped with a 5,220mAh battery, but it’s expected to run for only 2 to 6.5 hours on a single charge, depending on the game being played. This is a noticeable decline in battery life compared to the Nintendo Switch OLED, which lasts between 4.5 and 9 hours, or the original Switch model, which had a range of 2.5 to 6.5 hours. The reduced battery life likely stems from the increased power demands of the new GPU and other advanced hardware features. While this may be disappointing for gamers who prioritize long battery life, it’s possible that future revisions of the Switch 2, such as an OLED model or an updated version, may offer improved battery efficiency.
Despite the shorter battery life, the Switch 2’s enhanced hardware provides a clear advantage in terms of performance, making it a promising option for gamers who want cutting-edge graphics and smoother gameplay in a portable form factor. The console will be released on June 5th, 2025, and with new technologies like ray tracing, DLSS, and HDR, the Switch 2 is poised to deliver a next-gen gaming experience that pushes the limits of handheld gaming.