Although the technical details of Nintendo Switch 2 are not yet clear, Nvidia’s new and more compact special chip T239, which can be derived from the T234, is under the spotlight.
DigitalFoundry site is Nintendo’s next Nintendo Switch 2 It focused on T239, which can be derived from Nvidia’s new and more compact special chip T234, which will be used in the console. We will try to provide you with more detailed information about the console in the content we prepared using their video as a reference.
Hardware Power of Nintendo Switch 2
Although exact information about the successor to Nintendo Switch has not yet been announced, here are the known potential features and details about Nintendo Switch 2, which we have prepared based on various rumors and leaks:
- Hardware Power: It is thought that the Switch 2 may use a new chip from Nvidia, codenamed T239. This chip will likely be much more powerful than the Tegra X1 chip the current Switch uses.
- Graphics Capabilities: The new console may use a GPU based on the Ampere architecture and be supported by technologies such as DLSS. This will provide better performance at higher resolutions.
- Memory and Storage: The T239 chip is expected to come with faster and higher capacity LPDDR5 RAM. This could provide an advanced storage solution for faster loading times.
- Screen resolution: The new Switch could offer support for Full HD or perhaps even 4K resolution, but that might be especially in dock mode.
- Portability and Battery Life: Although we expect battery life, one of Nintendo’s biggest problems with the Switch, to be improved with the new console, what we will write next shows that Nintendo is not very keen on this issue.
- Real Time Ray Tracing: The new chip will support next-generation graphics technologies such as ray tracing.
- Game Library: Nintendo is expected to provide compatibility with the existing Switch game library for the new console, so users can continue to play their existing games on the new system.
- Release date: The new console is estimated to be released towards the end of 2024.
Possible Release Date and Market Expectations
Rumors about the successor to the Switch have now become clearer and more frequent, with Nintendo predicting a release likely towards the end of 2024. The chip claimed to be used in the device is called T239, which is a customized and miniaturized version of Nvidia’s T234 chip, which is preferred in the robotics and automobile industries. Although we do not yet have clear information about its use, some references to this chip have emerged as a result of a recent cyber attack on Nvidia.
Comparison of Nvidia’s T234 and T239 Chips
If the T239 is really going to be integrated into Nintendo’s new system, we can temper our expectations by starting with the T234 model.
With its Ampere-based GPU architecture, the T234 has 2,048 cores, a 256-bit RAM interface and an impressive memory bandwidth of 204GB/s. Compared to the processor in the Xbox Series X, the T234 appears to be too large for a mobile device and not designed with energy efficiency in mind. This will have negative effects on battery life.
Judging from the Nvidia Linux release and hack details, it is thought that the modified T239 will feature a smaller 128-bit memory interface offering a memory bandwidth of up to 102GB/s with LPDDR5 RAM. It is also estimated that this particular chip will feature 1536 CUDA cores, which is 25% less than the larger T234.
Packing more transistors using newer manufacturing technology could pave the way to making the chip even smaller. While the T234 is built with the same 8nm Samsung process used in the RTX 3000 series graphics cards, Nvidia is able to pack the same performance into a smaller size by using a new technology.
Additionally, the T239 may also have a File Opening Engine that can transfer data ultra-fast like the PS5. While this requires a much faster storage format for the Switch, it will help minimize load times.
Improved Visual Performance with Optical Flow Accelerator
It is also claimed that Nvidia’s new generation T239 graphics processing unit (GPU) may feature an advanced optical flow accelerator, which stands out as one of the innovations brought by the Ampere architecture. This feature will greatly improve the ability of graphics processors to effectively convert images from low resolution to high resolution. In this way, it allows systems to run smoothly at lower resolutions that require less processing power, while also offering the capacity to deliver high-quality visuals that impress users. This means that users will not have to compromise on visual experience while enjoying faster and more efficient performance. Optical flow accelerator is of great importance, especially for applications where image quality is critical, such as gaming and professional graphic design. This technology will also improve virtual reality or augmented reality experiences that require high resolution and fluidity.
While it’s not very accurate to gauge the potential of a console chip with assumptions based on current PC performance, it’s important to consider “customization for the mobile platform” and optimizations developers can make on this chip, as the Switch has done on the Tegra chipset.
Conclusion
Currently, we only have information about Switch 2 based on guesses and leaks. The next-generation console is expected to come with a reinforced Nvidia chip, advanced graphics processing capabilities and fast memory access. However, this information will be nothing more than speculation until it is officially confirmed by Nintendo. It is hoped that this new device, which game lovers are eagerly awaiting, will offer hardware innovations and an advanced gaming experience that will continue the success of the Switch. The official details that Nintendo will announce in the coming period will reveal the true hardware power of Switch 2 and the innovations it offers.