However, a reliable series of reports suggest that the Switch 2 will utilize a custom Nvidia processor and GPU, which shouldn’t be a complete surprise given Nvidia’s prominent place in the industry and prior relationship with Nintendo. The surprising part of that part is the implication that Nintendo will be utilizing a custom Nvidia chipset rather than an “off the shelf” option. 

Theoretically, a custom chip such as that could allow the Nintendo Switch 2’s performance to exceed its raw technical specs. So, while former Activision CEO (and noted villain) Bobby Kotick previously stated that he was briefed on the Switch 2 hardware and that it was about as powerful as a “Gen 8 platform” (meaning PlayStation 4 and Xbox One), that might not mean much. As Digital Foundry notes, a customized chipset that utilizes machine learning and cloud technology could still allow the Nintendo Switch 2 to run Unreal Engine 5-quality games in certain circumstances. 

The more pressing rumors at the moment involve the Nintendo Switch’s screen. Most recent reports from substantial sources suggest that the Switch 2 will feature an 8-inch LCD screen rather than an OLED screen. While an 8-inch screen is larger than the 7-inch screen on the Switch OLED (the largest currently available Switch screen), LCD screens are generally considered to be inferior to OLED screens (at least in terms of sheer performance output). That could hinder the Switch 2’s ability to deliver 4K output in handheld mode, but again, it’s hard to say anything for sure given that we seem to be dealing with a custom screen that hasn’t been revealed yet. 

For what it’s worth, though, an LCD screen would theoretically allow Nintendo to keep the Switch 2’s cost down and would also not prevent the device from producing 4K visuals while docked (which would probably be the biggest priority from a power perspective). 

Will Nintendo Switch 2 Support Physical Games?

Most reports suggest that the Switch 2 will still support physical games via a built-in cartridge slot. If true, that could open the door to that rumored Switch 2 backward compatibility functionality (though that may be more of a policy decision). 

For what it’s worth, Xbox boss Phil Spencer has stated that they intend to continue supporting physical games. While plans always change, Spencer’s statement feels noteworthy given that Xbox is one of the more active contributors to cloud gaming technology and other digital gaming solutions. If they intend to continue supporting physical games as of now, then Nintendo (a famously “traditional” game company in a lot of ways) will likely continue to do so with the Switch 2. 

Danofgeek