Switch 2 allegedly runs Unreal Engine 5 with DLSS support
At Least Two Sources Confirm Nintendo’s Secret Console Showcase at Gamescom
The rumor unfolded when EuroGamer disclosed that Nintendo possibly unveiled a successor to the Switch, unofficially referred to as “Switch 2,” in a private presentation to select game developers during last month’s widely attended Gamescom event. Reports suggest that Nintendo showcased technical demonstrations for their forthcoming next-generation console, slated for release next year.
While EuroGamer’s account concludes there, VideoGameChronicles swiftly asked its own insider contacts to corroborate the news. Their sources indicated that Nintendo is working on an enhanced edition of “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” with improved frame rates and resolution for the speculated Switch 2. While specific resolution details remain undisclosed, it’s widely believed that the Switch 2 would offer higher resolution compared to the current model, which boasts a resolution of just 1200×720 pixels.
Adding to the story, the publication asserts that Nintendo presented an Unreal Engine 5 tech demonstration called “Matrix Awakens.” This particular demo had previously got attention on the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, showcasing the features of the enhanced engine. What’s noteworthy is that this demo reportedly incorporated NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology, which has long been rumored to be integrated into the new Switch console.
Another VGC source claimed that Nintendo showcased Epic’s impressive The Matrix Awakens Unreal Engine 5 tech demo […] The demo is said to have been running using Nvidia’s DLSS upscaling technology, with advanced ray tracing enabled and visuals comparable to Sony‘s and Microsoft’s current-gen consoles (however, it should be noted this does not mean the Switch successor will sport raw power anywhere near that of PS5 or Xbox Series X, which aren’t portable devices).
— Andy Robinson, VideoGameChronices
Notably, the existing Switch relies on an NVIDIA System on a Chip (SoC) powered by the aging Maxwell architecture. Furthermore, the report reinforces earlier speculations about upscaling when the alleged new console is connected to its docking station. The current model achieves Full-HD resolution when docked, but it’s reasonable to anticipate 4K support with the upcoming console.
It’s worth mentioning that the same sources assert Nintendo has already distributed development kits to select studios, as the new console appears to be on track for a 2024 launch. Additionally, the report suggests that the initial release of the Switch 2 may forego OLED technology in favor of more budget-friendly LCD options.
While the specific NVIDIA SoC details for this system aren’t disclosed, potential support for DLSS Frame Generation would be a significant enhancement for this low-power console. This development could place it in direct competition with potent AMD Zen4/RDNA3-based systems, likely to evolve into Zen5/RDNA3.5 architecture next year.
Source: EuroGamer, VideoGameChronicles
