Nintendo is gearing up for the highly anticipated release of its next-gen console, currently dubbed ‘Nintendo Switch 2’ by the internet. If rumours are to be believed we could be seeing the Switch 2 hit markets in 2024. However, while the official name remains shrouded in secrecy, details about its power and performance have begun to surface, thanks to insider information from Activision.
But before we get into those details, it looks like the upcoming console made its debut behind closed doors at the recent Gamescom. In this sneak peek, Nintendo discreetly unveiled tech demos to specially invited developers, offering a tantalizing glimpse of what the future might hold for the gaming giant. During this closed-door showcase, it’s been reported that Nintendo showcased several games including an enhanced version of “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild”; all of which were running with high frame rates. However, what’s more interesting is that the console also ran the “Matrix Awakens” tech demo powered by Unreal Engine 5 which was used to demonstrate the capabilities of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X in 2021. It was able to deliver graphics on par with current-gen consoles complete with DLSS and ray tracing.
Keep in mind that Nintendo had filed patents back in March 2020 that hinted at potential AI upscaling technology, similar to the Switch’s core functionality. These patents, made public in 2021, describe a process where a game can run at one resolution while the device operates on battery power but can upscale to 1080p when plugged into a power source or connected to a TV. The patent even suggests that other upscaling processes, including upscaling to 4K, could be possible.
Recent developments, including Activision’s potential acquisition by Microsoft, have led to the revelation of confidential Activision emails that shed light on the Switch 2’s capabilities. Chris Schnakenberg, Head of Activision’s Platform Strategy and Partner Relations, delivered a briefing about the “Switch NG” (Switch Next Generation) to top-tier Activision executives, including CEO Bobby Kotick. In this briefing, Schnakenberg compared the Nintendo Switch 2’s performance to that of “Gen8 platforms,” referring to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
The information provided in these documents stems from Schnakenberg’s direct interaction with Nintendo in late 2022, giving weight to its credibility. Furthermore, Bobby Kotick leveraged this information as part of his preparation for a meeting with Nintendo’s CEO and President, Shuntaro Furukawa, on December 15, 2022, further reinforcing the reliability of these insights.
The Nintendo Switch 2’s performance, closely aligned with that of the PS4 and Xbox One, may raise questions about its competitiveness with current-gen consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X. However, this should not be a cause for concern for Nintendo enthusiasts. The unique appeal of the Nintendo Switch lies in its hybrid nature, allowing players to seamlessly transition between handheld and TV modes. Attempting to match the raw power of the PS5 would be an impractical endeavour for a portable device.
Nintendo has a track record of prioritizing gameplay experiences over cutting-edge graphics. The original Switch itself was technically a generation behind when it debuted over six years ago, yet it continues to thrive in the market. For Nintendo, graphical prowess has never been the primary focus.
Nintendo’s success lies squarely in Switch 2’s improved performance and its potential to attract third-party developers. Currently, the Nintendo Switch struggles to handle modern games that are optimized for higher-end hardware, often necessitating significant compromises in graphics and performance. The Switch 2 has the potential to resolve this issue, making it a more attractive platform for developers and offering gamers a broader selection of titles.
Moreover, Nintendo has a rich library of exclusive franchises, including Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, Donkey Kong, and Metroid, which have consistently driven sales regardless of the console’s graphical capabilities. However, without third-party developers working on the new Switch 2, it would be a tough battle ahead for Nintendo. That said, the Nintendo Switch has already proven itself as a capable console even with its limited hardware. More and more developers are adopting the hardware as it gains popularity thanks to its hybrid nature.