Nintendo’s recent unveiling of the Switch 2 has created a buzz, but eager users are still waiting to experience the device. Meanwhile, a tech enthusiast named Geekerwan from China took it upon himself to reverse-engineer the Switch 2’s motherboard, diving deep into its Nvidia SoC, GPU, CPU, and hardware specifications. This analysis provides valuable insights into how well this handheld device performs, so let’s dig into the details.
Nintendo Switch 2: Hardware Specs
| Specs | Nintendo Switch 2 (Leaked) |
|---|---|
| Fabrication | Samsung’s 10nm/8nm hybrid (likely) |
| SoC | Nvidia T239 Chip |
| CPU | 8x Arm Cortex-A78 cores Up to 1.1GHz (Handheld) Up to 1.0GHz (Docked) |
| GPU | Ampere-based Nvidia GPU (likely) 6 TPCs, 12 SMs, 1536 CUDA cores Up to 561MHz (Handheld) Up to 1007MHz (Docked) Real-time Ray Tracing and DLSS Support |
| Memory | 2x 6GB LPDDR5X memory from SK hynix Total 12GB RAM 128-bit, Up to 8533MT/s |
| Storage | TLC-based 256GB UFS 3.1 from SK hynix |
| Maximum SoC Power | 34.4W |
Nintendo Switch 2: Nvidia T239 SoC Architecture
Geekerwan shared through his analysis that the Nintendo Switch 2 is powered by the Nvidia T239 SoC, which was finalized in 2021. Using advanced techniques like Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB-SEM), he confirmed that it’s likely built on Samsung’s customization of the 10nm/8nm hybrid process.
The Nvidia T239 chipset measures around 207 mm square, approximately double the size of the Tegra X1 chip from the original Nintendo Switch. This die size is comparable to entry-level desktop GPUs, such as the RTX 3050 and 2050, while exceeding the dimensions of several other processors, including the Ryzen 7 7840H and Apple M2.
Interestingly, the T239 chipset can consume up to 34.4W, a notable figure for a handheld device, although real-world usage may see lower power consumption.
Nintendo Switch 2: Graphics Performance
Let’s dive into the graphics capabilities of the Switch 2. The Nvidia T239 likely houses an Ampere-based GPU featuring 6 Texture Processing Clusters (TPCs), translating to 12 Streaming Multiprocessors (SMs) and 1,536 CUDA cores.
The GPU clock speed peaks at 561MHz in handheld mode and 1007MHz in docked mode. To estimate graphics performance, Geekerwan downclocked the RTX 2050 laptop GPU, revealing closely aligned capabilities with the Switch 2’s GPU.
In the 3DMark Steel Nomad Light benchmark, the simulated GPU scored 2,205 in Docked mode and 1,308 while in handheld. Compared to desktop GPUs, the Switch 2 performs similarly to a GTX 1050 Ti when docked, while outpacing the GTX 750 Ti in handheld mode, albeit falling slightly behind the Steam Deck.
Remarkably, in handheld mode, the Switch 2 boosts performance by around 7.5 times compared to its predecessor. Additionally, with DLSS, the Switch 2 claims performance enhancements of up to 10 times, according to Nvidia.
Nintendo Switch 2: Gaming Results
Geekerwan also tested the performance of the simulated GPU with popular titles. In Cyberpunk 2077, the Switch 2’s GPU managed to reach 30 FPS in Docked mode at 720p internal rendering, using DLSS set to Quality and outputting at 1080p. Meanwhile, in handheld, it performed commendably with 40 FPS at 540p internal rendering using DLSS Performance mode.
In another game, Black Myth: Wukong, the simulated GPU achieved 30 FPS in Docked mode at 1080p with low presets and DLSS Balanced. Setting DLSS to Ultra could potentially bump it to 40 FPS. However, in Handheld mode, it struggled to maintain 30 FPS at 720p using DLSS Ultra Performance.
This performance suggests that while the Switch 2 gaming experience is playable, it benefits significantly from DLSS technology, which enhances graphics clarity.
Nintendo Switch 2: CPU
At the core of the Switch 2 is the Nvidia T239, featuring an octa-core CPU with 8 Arm Cortex-A78 cores. The CPU can reach 1.1GHz in handheld mode and is slightly reduced to 1.0GHz when docked, ensuring a balanced performance across gaming scenarios.
To assess the CPU’s performance, Geekerwan compared it to the Nvidia Jetson Orin NX using the Geekbench 6 tests. While the scores showed that the simulated Switch 2 achieved 526 in single-core and 2,877 in multi-core, it performed slightly better than the Snapdragon 845 but lagged behind the Steam Deck. Remarkably, compared to its predecessor, it boasts nearly 6 times faster CPU performance. Despite the benchmarks showing numbers that may not impress at first, the CPU performs admirably in gaming scenarios.
In summary, the Nvidia Switch 2 represents a remarkable enhancement in performance relative to the original Switch. Though it may not rival the latest handhelds and consoles based on initial leaks, the integration of DLSS technology certainly elevates the gaming experience on this portable device.
What kind of games can I play on the Nintendo Switch 2?
The Nintendo Switch 2 will support major titles including Cyberpunk 2077 and Black Myth: Wukong, enhancing the gaming experience with DLSS technology.
How does the Nintendo Switch 2 compare to the original Switch?
In terms of performance, the Switch 2 offers approximately 7.5 times better graphics in handheld mode compared to the original Switch, showcasing significant advancements in gaming technology.
What enhancements are expected with the Switch 2’s GPU?
The Switch 2’s GPU is expected to provide advanced capabilities including real-time ray tracing and DLSS, improving the visual fidelity of games significantly.
Is the Nintendo Switch 2 more powerful than the Steam Deck?
While the Switch 2 matches up well in many areas, its performance lags slightly behind the Steam Deck, especially when comparing benchmark scores.
In closing, stay tuned for more updates as the gaming community continues to explore the capabilities of the Nintendo Switch 2. For more in-depth tech insights, be sure to visit Moyens I/O.