Nintendo General Thread (Switch 2 announced)

[ian]

Maybe Zoidberg will send you one of the 20 he's already preordered :olol:

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https://x.com/geoffkeighley/status/1907450058297000262

Nah I'm okay now. I can't justify $530+ to play new Mario Kart. Too pricey for my tastes, I prefer the 5-year anniversary sales to launch day, full retail price. $500 can cover a good portion of a fun weekend trip with the guys, albeit without new Mario Kart to play on the flight.

TF2 was probably the last game I spent $80 on and that took me years to buy funny hats and guns.

[pixel]

https://x.com/ModernVintageG/status/1907455047476416895

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https://youtu.be/e3f4ANdIRDk?si=NCNfAeZvPfULSZeD

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https://x.com/keithjohnstack/status/1907462450703679937

[Hawq]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcl9Jx-Ap88
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZy8z2TvNHI

[Dr. Zoidberg]

A$699 for Switch 2, A$769 for Switch 2 with Mario Kart. Not quite as bad as I first thought they might be. Still not that cheap.

[Dr. Zoidberg]

https://x.com/Kotaku/status/1907464436681715981

[Dr. Zoidberg]

Nintendo Confirms Switch 2 Uses DLSS and Ray Tracing, but Is Being Super Vague About the Details

And what about that Nvidia GPU?

Nintendo has confirmed the Switch 2 uses DLSS and ray tracing technology, but has yet to go into detail on how exactly, or show them off.

Nvidia DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is an AI-powered technology that uses machine learning to upscale lower-resolution images in real-time, enhancing both performance and image quality in games.

This week's hour-long Nintendo Direct revealed much about the $449.99 Switch 2, but Nintendo has kept technical information to a minimum. Even in the official Nintendo Switch 2 tech specs there is only confirmation that the console uses a "custom processor" made by Nvidia, and no more detail.

In a hardware-focused roundtable Q&A in New York yesterday, attended by IGN, Nintendo representatives confirmed the Switch 2 uses DLSS, but did not specify which version of the tech, or whether it had been customized for Switch 2.

Takuhiro Dohta, senior director of the Programming Management Group Entertainment Planning & Development Department, at Nintendo's Entertainment Planning & Development Division, confirmed:

"We use DLSS upscaling technology and that's something that we need to use as we develop games.

"And when it comes to the hardware, it is able to output to a TV at a max of 4K. Whether the software developer is going to use that as a native resolution or get it to upscale is something that the software developer can choose. I think it opens up a lot of options for the software developer to choose from."

It was a similarly vague response when Dohta confirmed the Switch 2's GPU is capable of ray tracing. "Yes the GPU does support ray tracing," he said. "As with DLSS, I believe this provides yet another option for the software developer to use and a tool for them."

And what about the GPU itself? Tetsuya Sasaki, General Manager at Nintendo's Technology Development Division, and Senior Director at its Technology Development Department, chimed in to say Nintendo prefers not to get in the weeds on things like the GPU.

"Nintendo doesn't share too much on the hardware spec," he said. "What we really like to focus on is the value that we can provide to our consumers. But I do believe that our partner Nvidia will be sharing some information."

In January, the internet spotted a patent, filed July 2023 but published for the first time earlier this year, that describes AI image upscaling technology that would help keep video game download sizes small enough to fit on a physical game cartridge while offering up to 4K textures. The patent describes technology similar to Nvidia's DLSS, or PlayStation 5 Pro's PSSR, to upscale images using AI.

Source: IGN

Nintendo Switch 2 Leveled Up With NVIDIA AI-Powered DLSS and 4K Gaming

The Nintendo Switch 2, unveiled April 2, takes performance to the next level, powered by a custom NVIDIA processor featuring an NVIDIA GPU with dedicated RT Cores and Tensor Cores for stunning visuals and AI-driven enhancements.

With 1,000 engineer-years of effort across every element — from system and chip design to a custom GPU, APIs and world-class development tools — the Nintendo Switch 2 brings major upgrades.

The new console enables up to 4K gaming in TV mode and up to 120 FPS at 1080p in handheld mode. Nintendo Switch 2 also supports HDR, and AI upscaling to sharpen visuals and smooth gameplay.

AI and Ray Tracing for Next-Level Visuals

The new RT Cores bring real-time ray tracing, delivering lifelike lighting, reflections and shadows for more immersive worlds.

Tensor Cores power AI-driven features like Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), boosting resolution for sharper details without sacrificing image quality.

Tensor Cores also enable AI-powered face tracking and background removal in video chat use cases, enhancing social gaming and streaming.

With millions of players worldwide, the Nintendo Switch has become a gaming powerhouse and home to Nintendo's storied franchises. Its hybrid design redefined console gaming, bridging TV and handheld play.

More Power, Smoother Gameplay

With 10x the graphics performance of the Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch 2 delivers smoother gameplay and sharper visuals.

• Tensor Cores boost AI-powered graphics while keeping power consumption efficient.
• RT Cores enhance in-game realism with dynamic lighting and natural reflections.
• Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) via NVIDIA G-SYNC in handheld mode ensures ultra-smooth, tear-free gameplay.

Tools for Developers, Upgrades for Players

Developers get improved game engines, better physics and optimized APIs for faster, more efficient game creation.

Powered by NVIDIA, Nintendo Switch 2 delivers for both players and developers.

Source: Nvidia Blog

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https://x.com/PhillipWitz/status/1907489983629504657

I can appreciate some aspects of Nintendo :olol:

[Hawq]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwhK3sHY3Ug

[pixel]

There's too much chaos around pricing right now, the whole thing is a PR mess on Nintendo's part. There's a $500 USD Switch 2+Mario Kart World bundle floating around, which makes the price a little more palatable. Those upgraded games are either free through NSO or cheaper if you own the original (Kirby upgrade pack is $20). I keep seeing that original Switch joycons and pro controllers are compatible with the new system.

So realistically someone in the U.S. is on the hook for $520 if you're already paying for NSO, own the Zelda and Kirby games, and own a pro controller.

Still too expensive for me but I think it's justifiable if you really want to play Mario Kart World. I sunk a lot of time into MK8 on the Wii U, or at least enough time to justify preordering.

https://x.com/pierre485_/status/1907568374441206058

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https://x.com/GenePark/status/1907525955117060299

[Skynet]

The more I see about the Switch 2 the less I want it

[Dr. Zoidberg]

I like the look of it but probably won't get one at launch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BC8XX9pwP40

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3CR6RiWS2U

[ian]

I like a lot about it, and indeed I can see more reasons I'd eventually like one than not, but the biggest negative is the price, unfortunately I don't think it will drop for a while (2-3 years) because kids will love it, and so called 'adult' Nintendo fans are are almost as batshit as Disney adults, and will buy it anyway regardless of price or if there's even any games they'll actually want to play on it.

I only know one Nintendo adult, and they'd have a meltdown if they got a single Amiibo 1 day after release. I'd hate to imagine what would happen if they couldn't get their switch 2 day one... Actually I know what would happen if they can't get it day one: they'll pay a scalper $3000 for it.

In my life the only person I've met crazier than a Nintendo adult was a Disney adult, and fortunately, I don't have to see her anymore.

[pixel]

I like a lot about it, and indeed I can see more reasons I'd eventually like one than not, but the biggest negative is the price, unfortunately I don't think it will drop for a while (2-3 years) because kids will love it, and so called 'adult' Nintendo fans are are almost as batshit as Disney adults, and will buy it anyway regardless of price or if there's even any games they'll actually want to play on it.

I only know one Nintendo adult, and they'd have a meltdown if they got a single Amiibo 1 day after release. I'd hate to imagine what would happen if they couldn't get their switch 2 day one... Actually I know what would happen if they can't get it day one: they'll pay a scalper $3000 for it.

In my life the only person I've met crazier than a Nintendo adult was a Disney adult, and fortunately, I don't have to see her anymore.

The Nintendo Adults and Portable PC Bros seem to be quite upset by the Switch 2. The latter out here are saying that owning a Steam Deck is the same thing. I love my Deck but it's pretty disingenuous to compare a Nintendo console to a portable PC with its own bespoke OS. There's a Switch 2 audience that will and should pay $500 to stay in their comfort zone.

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https://x.com/gamestop/status/1908178571224387975/

https://x.com/danyomolloy/status/1908189358311591989

[Dr. Zoidberg]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVgUe3qSU9k

[Hawq]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B31mqx0B5-M