Nintendo has just submitted a patent for the Switch 2, which includes support for Nvidia’s DLSS upscaling. This confirms a key feature that had been hinted at in earlier reports regarding the new console. As the Nintendo Switch approaches the end of its lifecycle, fans are eagerly waiting for the announcement of its successor, expected in 2025. Although rumors about the Switch 2 have been circulating for quite some time, Nintendo has officially stated that they will reveal more information in 2025, even though specific details remain under wraps.
Ever since the announcement of the Nintendo Switch’s successor, there has been a whirlwind of rumors and speculation, making it tough to sift through what’s true and what’s just made up. One of the more persistent claims is that the Nintendo Switch 2 will feature AI upscaling, particularly through Nvidia’s DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling). This technology is said to enable the console to deliver games at a higher resolution. Reports suggest that a demo of the Nintendo Switch 2 showcased this capability at Gamescom, successfully running the Unreal Engine tech demo of The Matrix Awakens. Thanks to Nvidia’s upscaling, the visuals were reportedly comparable to those on the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
A newly filed patent by Nintendo suggests that the Switch 2 will utilize DLSS-style upscaling. Laura Kate Dale shared this information on BlueSky, mentioning that the patent provides an example of how the system could “reduce overall game sizes” to fit onto “smaller capacity physical media,” like Nintendo Switch cartridges. She points out that while a game with native 4K textures might need a 60 GB download, a 1080p version could be reduced to just 20 GB, making it compatible with a Switch cartridge that holds a maximum of 32 GB. This allows for real-time 4K upscaling using the console’s hardware.
The Switch 2’s Upscaling Could Benefit Third-Party Games
Dale explores the potential for the Switch 2 to incorporate DLSS, noting that her interpretation of the patent indicates it will facilitate the porting of third-party games to the console. She anticipates that if developers produce 4K game versions, the screenshots from these could be leveraged to help the Switch 2 refine its graphics quality when transitioning to a lower resolution.
December 2024 saw a flurry of leaks concerning the Switch 2 console, including photos that supposedly depict its look. Despite various accusations of the images being AI-generated, a closer examination reportedly confirmed that many details were accurate. Fans will have to wait a little longer, as Nintendo plans to officially announce the successor to the Switch later this year.