Nintendo Switch 2: 1280 CUDA Cores, Ampere Architecture, and 8 Cortex A78 Cores

Written by Boldson on 17 September 2023. Posted in Hardware

After Nintendo Switch 2's closed-door presentation at Gamescom 2023, rumors about the console's capabilities have swarmed the internet. Sources claim the Switch 2 showcased games at 4K 60 FPS and supported Ray Tracing and NVIDIA's DLSS technologies. A demonstration of the Unreal Engine 5 Matrix Awakens demo using NVIDIA DLSS 3.1 particularly drew attention.

In terms of technical specifications, the Nintendo Switch 2 is based on the T239 SOC (System-on-Chip) developed by NVIDIA. This chip encompasses 1280 Ampere CUDA cores and eight Cortex A78 Arm cores. What makes this chip unique is its foundation on the enhanced Samsung 8nm manufacturing process.

Thanks to insiders Kopite7kimi and Tech_Reve, we've learned of two chip manufacturing process versions: one based on Samsung 8nm and another on an enhanced version known as Samsung 7LPH.

Additionally, it's worth noting that the T239 may have locked or disabled SMs that could be activated in future iterations.

All in all, the new Nintendo Switch 2 console represents a significant upgrade from its predecessor, especially in the graphics department. The rumors confirm Nintendo's ambition to elevate the mobile gaming device experience, and we eagerly await the official announcement.