Nintendo Switch 2 Clock Speeds Leak Hints at 8nm Chip, DLSS Evidence Absent in Reveal Trailer
New analysis of the Nintendo Switch 2's leaked clock speeds has further suggested that the system is powered by an 8nm chip. The detailed discussion by Digital Foundry highlights several intriguing points about the console's technical specs and capabilities, though it also raises questions about its graphical performance and use of NVIDIA DLSS.
Clock Speeds: What We Know So Far
The leaked clock speeds indicate an 8nm process for the T239 chip, which features eight Cortex A78 CPU cores. Notably:
Portable GPU Clock Speed: Described as slightly low given the cooling system.
CPU Clock Speeds: Higher in portable mode than docked, a surprising detail suggesting the system may:
Disable cores to conserve battery.
Utilize varying CPU frequencies in docked mode for performance balancing.
Memory Bandwidth: A potential bottleneck, especially if the system uses a 1080p screen, as rumored.
These specs align with expectations for an 8nm chip, but quirks in the CPU clock speeds hint at unannounced system optimizations.
Reveal Trailer: DLSS and Ampere Features Missing
The Nintendo Switch 2 reveal trailer failed to showcase any clear evidence of NVIDIA DLSS or Ampere architecture capabilities.
Graphics Analysis: The brief Mario Kart footage appeared aliased and lacked signs of advanced upscaling techniques. The visuals looked typical for Nintendo games, leaving questions about whether DLSS or other Ampere features are implemented.
DLSS Potential: While the T239 chip could theoretically support NVIDIA's new Transformer model, Digital Foundry pointed out its computational intensity may exceed the console's capabilities. Instead, a lighter, custom DLSS solution seems likely, as hinted by recent Nintendo patents.
What This Means for the Nintendo Switch 2
The combination of portable GPU performance, memory bandwidth, and DLSS implementation could significantly affect the console's ability to deliver higher-quality visuals while maintaining performance. The absence of high-resolution gameplay in the trailer only adds to the mystery. However, fans won’t have to wait too long, as more details will be revealed during a Nintendo Direct in early April.
What are your expectations for the Nintendo Switch 2's performance? Do you think lightweight DLSS will be a game-changer for handheld gaming? Let us know your thoughts below!
