Nintendo Patent Suggests Key Feature for Switch 2

Nintendo is gearing up for the release of its next-generation console, the Switch 2, which is rumored to feature Nvidia’s DLSS technology. This cutting-edge upscaling tech is touted to enhance game resolution, ensuring smoother visuals for players. Additionally, this move could simplify the process of porting third-party titles to the system. While fans eagerly anticipate more news, whispers suggest an announcement by March 2025.

Recently, Nintendo filed a patent highlighting DLSS support in the Switch 2, solidifying prior rumors about this feature. With the current Switch nearing the end of its run, the gaming community is buzzing with curiosity about what’s next from Nintendo. The excitement is tempered by patience, as official details remain scarce until the official announcement.

Ever since word of a Switch successor hit the grapevine, the rumor mill has been churning with speculation. Central to these rumors is the console’s potential use of AI upscaling via Nvidia’s DLSS, aiming to elevate game resolution significantly. Claims have surfaced that a demo at Gamescom showcased the Switch 2 running Unreal Engine’s The Matrix Awakens demo, possibly matching the graphical quality of its competitors, the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

A new Nintendo patent reportedly outlines DLSS-like upscaling, with intriguing implications for storage efficiency on the new console. Laura Kate Dale shared insights on BlueSky, suggesting the technology might allow games with native 4K textures to compact their file sizes. For instance, a game initially requiring 60 GB for 4K might shrink to just 20 GB at 1080p, fitting snugly on a Switch cartridge. The upscaling hardware could elevate the visuals to 4K in real-time once played.

Looking closely at this, DLSS could play a vital role in welcoming more third-party games to the Switch 2. Dale theorizes that the technology might streamline game ports, predicting that high-resolution 4K assets could refine the visuals upon conversion, even at lower native resolutions. This would be a massive draw for developers looking to bring their titles to Nintendo’s platform.

As December 2024 unfolded, leaks and purported images of the Switch 2 circulated online. While skepticism remains, with some images critiqued as AI mock-ups, a thorough investigation has lent credibility to various claims. Enthusiasts, however, await Nintendo’s definitive word on the matter, expected later this year.

Overall, Nintendo’s Switch 2 holds the promise of invigorating the gaming landscape with advanced features and broader game accessibility. Whether you’re a die-hard Nintendo fan or a casual gamer, the unfolding details about this console’s potential are painting an exciting picture of gaming’s future.