Nintendo Switch 2 Rumored to Feature AI-Powered Upscaling Technology

I'm a Nintendo Switch 2 skeptic but this one rumored feature might change my mind

Nintendo Switch 2 games might actually look and run well on modern TVs The Nintendo Switch 2 and its potentially imminent announcement have dominated gaming discourse for well over a year. While certain folks are naturally excited about Nintendo's next system, I wasn't one of them. Don't get me wrong, the NES and SNES rank among my favorite gaming consoles, and I respect what the company has done for gaming as a whole. However, I'm not the biggest fan of Nintendo's first-party games or the hardware those titles run on. I bought the original Nintendo Switch at launch and barely touched it. I played almost exclusively in docked mode since I found the actual handheld uncomfortable to hold. And while games I loved like Super Mario Odyssey and Metroid Dread looked decent enough on my old 1080p TV, every game looked atrocious when I upgraded to the LG CX OLED 4K. The Marseille MClassic graphics enhancer peripheral helped make the games look better, but the experience wasn't great. Given that, I had no true interest in the Nintendo Switch 2. However, after the console's motherboard allegedly leaked on Reddit, I'm having a change of heart. Though the Switch's reported specs won't allow it to play games with the same graphical fidelity and performance as they would on a PS5, it could have a game-changer feature that might make me consider buying Nintendo's system. Based on images of the alleged Nintendo Switch 2 motherboard, the Switch 2 will utilize an Nvidia SoC (system on a chip). The chip in question is built on Samsung Foundry's 8nm process -- which is the same as Nvidia Ampere. This chip focuses on improved ray tracing cores, faster memory and AI performance. With an Ampere chip and a reported 12GB of RAM, the Switch 2 could employ Nintendo's take on DLSS or Nvidia's upscaling technology. Recently, Nintendo filed a patent detailing a trained neural network that can upscale a 540p image to 1080p or a 720p image to 4K. This would be the equivalent of DLSS 2.0 Performance mode and Ultra Performance mode, respectively. Based on the patent, it appears that upscaling features are off by default when the handheld is running on battery and activated when connected to power. The patent suggests you can enable this tech when the Switch 2 is undocked, though that'll certainly drain battery life. We can't say this will happen right away. After all, companies file patents all the time to make sure competitors don't beat them to the punch. However, putting the pieces together, it's not unreasonable to believe the Switch 2 could feature upscaling tech that would help its games look sharp on 4K TV when the system is docked. This would certainly get skeptical folks like me to at least consider getting the Switch 2. Sure, graphics aren't everything, but they're still important. Nintendo confirmed Switch 2 will be backward compatible. If the system employs some form of AI-powered upscaling and frame-boosting, it makes me wonder if older Switch games will automatically get a graphical boost. Yes, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and its sequel have a unique art style, but it's hard to appreciate that due to the low resolution and spotty performance. If original Switch games get a graphical and performance boost on Switch 2, it'd be hard for me to dismiss the console. The Nintendo Switch 2 hasn't been officially released, so we have to take everything we've heard about it with a healthy dose of skepticism. However, if Nintendo's upcoming system does indeed feature a form of DLSS technology, it should be more appealing to folks who aren't die-hard Nintendo fans. Hopefully, Nintendo can deliver a machine that looks good on modern TVs and monitors. If so, sign me up!

Nintendo Switch 2 key specs possibly leaked as new patent teases upscaling powers

This leak has got me worried, but a new upscaling patent has calmed my nerves. We're getting closer to the Nintendo Switch 2's expected launch, so of course leaks are coming in fast. And most recently, the motherboard has been allegedly leaked on Reddit to show us exactly what we're going to get. My first reaction in one word was "yikes," but I know that chasing peak performance has never been Nintendo's thing. And given the image upscaling patent that just got filed by the company, I'm feeling confident that the Switch 2 looks to be another winning formula. So what does this motherboard leak show us? Well, there are three key things: First, Nvidia is back. The Switch 2 looks set to stick with an Nvidia system on a chip (SoC). While the specifics of what this chip is are a little vague, as the name is seemingly scrubbed out, we can see that it's built on Samsung Foundry's 8nm mode. That's the same as Nvidia Ampere, which focused on improved ray tracing cores, faster memory and AI performance (more on that later). Tying this back to the long-running rumor that the Switch 2 could sport something similar to Nvidia's Tegra T239 chip, speculative analysis points to this being in the PS4/PS4 Pro range in terms of what the Switch 2 can actually pull off graphically. Second, the Switch 2 may get 3x more RAM. One of the biggest restrictors on the Switch towards the end of its cycle has been the fact it's only sporting 4GB of RAM. Don't get me wrong, Nintendo has been able to pull off some true witchcraft in terms of gorgeous games running smoothly on this thing, but that's always been a low ceiling. But looking next to the Nvidia module, we've got two 6GB LPDDR5 modules from SK Hynix soldered onto the board -- giving developers a roomy 12GB of RAM. Pair that with the graphics potential from above, and you should be able to see this potentially achieve 4K gaming with one heavy caveat. Finally, two USB-C ports are coming. At last! You have no idea how frustrating it's been to try and do the whole houdini trick of playing the Switch on a table while plugging the charging cable in the bottom. Now you've got two sockets -- one at the top and one on the bottom. One interesting thing to highlight is there is no microSD card slot here. Either this is just the case of it being an early board without it on there, or Nintendo could be lining up some different kind of storage expansion -- both on board and in the form of something a little more proprietary. At first glance, I was worried. Nintendo has never been the company to chase speeds and feeds like PlayStation and Xbox are, but this would continue to put the company an entire generation behind -- especially given how old that SoC is. However, a new report has allayed a lot of those fears. If the Switch 2 is using an Nvidia Ampere-based chip and 12GB of RAM, what is Nintendo going to do with it? Well, give us a Nintendo-fied version of DLSS of course! The PS5 Pro has seen success in creating its own spin-off off AMD's FSR in the form of PSSR to make games run ultra smooth while drastically improving fidelity, so the Switch 2 looks set to have the same. A full patent was just filed detailing a trained neural network that can upscale a 540p image to 1080p, or a 720p picture to 4K. For those Nvidia nerds out there, these are the equivalent to DLSS 2.0 Performance mode and Ultra Performance mode, respectively. In additional detail, Nintendo states that the upscaling features are off by default when the console is running on the battery, and activated when connected to power. It looks like you will have the option to enable it manually, but given the additional computation needed, just be careful of that battery life hit. Before I get ahead of myself, that's not to say this will come immediately. Patents are regularly filed to call dibs on products that won't launch for years. But I'm quietly confident this is a different story, as given the old SoC in this thing, Nintendo's going to need all the help it can get to squeeze every bit of potential out of that Ampere architecture.

Nintendo Switch 2 LEAKED! Power, Specs, Release Date, and MORE!

Recent leaks have unveiled exciting details about the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, offering a glimpse into its advanced hardware, AI-driven graphics, and potential release schedule. Sourced from manufacturing leaks and patents, these revelations suggest that Nintendo's next-generation console will deliver a significant leap in performance and efficiency. The Switch 2 is poised to redefine your gaming experience with its innovative technology and thoughtful design improvements. Here's what you need to know about the Switch 2: At the heart of the Nintendo Switch 2 lies a Samsung T239 chipset built on an innovative 5nm process. This represents a major upgrade from the original Switch's 8nm technology, promising better power efficiency, reduced heat output, and extended battery life. The smaller manufacturing node allows for higher clock speeds, allowing faster performance and smoother gameplay. For you, this translates to a more reliable and immersive gaming experience, even with demanding titles. The console is also expected to feature 12GB of RAM, a significant improvement over its predecessor. This expanded memory will allow for faster loading times and better multitasking, ensuring games run seamlessly. Additionally, leaked images of the motherboard reveal a redesigned game card reader, hinting at potential changes to game cartridges. This could mean larger storage capacities or improved compatibility with future titles, giving you more flexibility as a gamer. Nintendo appears to be leveraging AI technology to enhance the visual quality of its games. A recently published patent highlights the company's work on AI-based image upscaling, a feature that could rival NVIDIA's DLSS. By using hardware-based AI, the Switch 2 could upscale lower-resolution images to near-4K quality without sacrificing performance. For you, this means sharper visuals and more immersive gameplay, whether you're playing on a TV or the console's built-in display. This technology is particularly important for a hybrid console like the Switch 2, which must balance performance across handheld and docked modes. AI upscaling could ensure that games look stunning in both formats, enhancing your overall gaming experience without compromising portability. The combination of advanced hardware and intelligent software optimizations sets the stage for a new era of Nintendo gaming. The Switch 2 is rumored to include a USB 2.0 hub, which could simplify the development of new accessories. This addition might support a wider range of peripherals, from redesigned Joy-Cons to third-party controllers. Speaking of Joy-Cons, leaks suggest that Nintendo is addressing long-standing issues like drift and ergonomics with a complete redesign. For you, this could mean more comfortable and reliable controllers, improving both casual and competitive gameplay. Furthermore, the inclusion of a USB hub opens up possibilities for expanded connectivity options. This could include support for external storage devices, wired networking, or even VR peripherals. As Nintendo continues to innovate and adapt to changing gaming trends, these connectivity improvements could pave the way for new and exciting gaming experiences. Heat management is a critical factor for any gaming console, and the Switch 2's 5nm chipset is expected to generate less heat than its predecessor. This improvement reduces the need for aggressive cooling solutions, allowing for quieter operation and a more compact design. Combined with enhanced battery efficiency, these upgrades could result in longer gaming sessions without overheating or frequent recharging. For portable gaming enthusiasts like you, this is a significant improvement. The Switch 2's advanced thermal design and power management could also enable more consistent performance across different environments. Whether you're gaming at home or on the go, the console should maintain optimal clock speeds and frame rates without throttling due to heat or battery constraints. This level of reliability is essential for a hybrid console that aims to deliver a seamless gaming experience across multiple use cases. Reports suggest that mass production of the Nintendo Switch 2 began in late 2024, with leaks emerging from factory sources. These leaks indicate that the console's design is finalized, and production is ramping up to meet high demand. Industry insiders speculate that Nintendo will officially announce the Switch 2 in January 2025, with a potential release later that year. If you're considering an upgrade, this timeline provides a clear idea of when to expect the console on store shelves. As the release date approaches, expect Nintendo to gradually reveal more details about the Switch 2's features, games, and pricing. The company is known for its strategic marketing and carefully timed announcements, building anticipation among fans and casual gamers alike. By staying informed and following official channels, you'll be well-positioned to make an informed decision when the Switch 2 finally hits the market. The Nintendo Switch 2 promises to combine innovative technology with thoughtful design improvements. From its advanced 5nm chipset to AI-driven graphics and redesigned accessories, the console is shaping up to be a significant upgrade over its predecessor. As production continues and more leaks emerge, anticipation for the Switch 2 is only expected to grow. Whether you're a casual gamer or a dedicated fan, these advancements are set to elevate your gaming experience to new heights.

Nintendo Patent Suggests Switch 2 Will Get DLSS-Style Upscaling Technology

Nintendo Switch 2 will be backwards compatible with Switch games A patent filed by Nintendo in the United States in July 2023 suggests the company has been working on an image upscaling technology, similar to Nvidia's DLSS. The US patent, published Tuesday, details a computer technology for "converting images through the use of trained neural network," where a source image is enhanced with contextual data. Nintendo's patent suggests the successor to the Nintendo Switch could come with AI upscaling technology, resulting in better image quality in games. The Nintendo Switch 2 has previously been rumoured to support a DLSS-style upscaling feature. The patent, as spotted by VGC, says the technology will utilise machine learning techniques to up-convert images from one resolution to a higher resolution. "A source image is divided into blocks and context data is added to each pixel block. The context blocks are split into channels and each channel from the same context block is added to the same activation matrix. The action matrix is then executed against a trained neural network to produce a changed activation matrix. The changed activation matrix is then used to generate a converted image," the abstract of the patent reads. Nvidia's DLSS (deep learning super sampling) utilises AI upscaling technology to improve image quality in video games, producing better image resolution and higher framerates. Most modern PC games support upscaling techniques like Nvidia's DLSS, AMD's FSR and Intel's XeSS for better performance on older hardware. AI upscaling technology is also making its way to gaming consoles. The recently launched PlayStation 5 Pro comes with PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), Sony's new AI upscaling feature that uses machine learning-based technology to add more detail to the image. The timing of the patent suggests Nintendo could be readying its own AI upscaling feature for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to launch this year. Previous reports, too, have claimed that the Switch 2 will utilise a DLSS-style technology to improve performance. The Nintendo Switch 2 will launch before the end of March, Nintendo has said. The company has also confirmed the hybrid console will be backwards compatible with Switch games. A recent report claimed the Switch 2 would launch on March 28.

This Is How the Nintendo Switch 2 May Achieve 4K

The starting gun for 2025 also marked the footrace toward the Nintendo Switch 2, which has entered its final lap sprint. Leaks of the Switch 2’s motherboard, combined with a recently revealed patent, offer a hint of the handheld’s power and show us how it may finally hit the fabled 4K resolutions without maxing out your hard drive space. The Nintendo Switch 2 has long been earmarked for a new, special Nvidia chip. This was supposedly the T234â€"though modified to fit the smaller Nintendo chassisâ€"and renamed to T239. Based on these rumors, chip aficionados speculated this would be equivalent in power to the PlayStation 4 generation of consoles. Images posted to Reddit Wednesday show what could be the motherboard for Nintendo’s upcoming console, including the CPU socket, maybe. The chip doesn’t mention any naming for the T239, but the SOC could use a different serial number or codename. The original Switch was based on the Nvidia Tegra X1 SOC. Even for its time, back in 2017, the console felt out of date in terms of graphical performance. Thanks to its versatility and portability, it has become one of the most popular gaming devices. Still, when docked and connected to a TV, the console would only output in 720p in handheld mode and a max of 1080p. To achieve 4K, the Switch sequel would need to be able to output a resolution four times that of the original Switch. If you remember your console history, the original PlayStation 4 did not support 4K. It wasn’t until the PS4 Pro arrived in 2016 that we saw support for higher resolutions. We don’t know enough about Switch 2’s chip to know how well it performs at higher resolutions. However, a patent filed by Nintendo last year proposes a solution in the form of AI upscaling. Nintendo filed the patent for “Systems and methods for machine learning image conversion†in July 2023, though the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office published the document on Dec. 31, 2024. The paper describes a system for converting images with AI to upscale them to a higher resolution. Upscaling is now prolific among PC games, with companies such as Nvidia DLSS (the company may reveal DLSS 4 this month), AMD, and Intel offering different varieties of upscaling tech. AI upscaling is making its way to consoles. The PS5 Pro offers its own blend of upscaling, dubbed PlayStation spectral super-resolution, or PSRR. The tech converts every frame played at a lower resolution to a higher resolution, letting you keep the performance of the original image. Game journalist Laura Kate noted this on Bluesky. The patent references allowing them to fit games on “smaller capacity physical media.†If you can get 4K out of your portable console without maxing out limited drive space, Nintendoâ€"and I, for that matterâ€"would call that a win. Kate noted that the patent notes upscaling from 520p to 1080p and 1080p to 4K. Nintendo’s first 8-inch handheld may indeed be more powerful than the 2017 rendition, but Nintendo has confirmed it will also be backward compatible to some extent. That means it will need to work with cartridges. The leaked motherboard for the Switch 2 shows it includes a USB-C port and a slot for Nintendo’s slim physical media. That poses a problem when the data on the cartridge is limited. It’s why even when you buy a disc for a game nowadays, you still need to download tens or hundreds more gigabytes of data not included on the disc. The legacy Japanese console maker previously said it plans to reveal the Switch 2 before the end of its fiscal year, which ends in March. We’re crossing our fingers for a January reveal, but if all these leaks are real, it shows that Nintendo is already well into full-scale production.

Rumour: Nintendo Switch 2 patent confirms DLSS support

Nintendo fans have been eagerly awaiting the next-gen Switch, and it looks like their patience may soon pay off. Leaks and patents have started to surface, providing exciting details about the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. A recently published patent, originally filed in 2023, confirms that the new console will include DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology, which could significantly enhance gaming performance. The patent describes a system that uses AI to upscale image resolution, improving game visuals and performance on lower-end hardware. It also mentions the ability to reduce game file sizes, with a 4K texture game potentially shrinking from 60GB to just 20GB -- making it possible to fit larger titles on smaller Switch cartridges. This could make for a much smoother and faster gaming experience, even with the console's hardware limitations. The latest patent also supports earlier rumors that the Switch 2 will run on Nvidia hardware, based on leaked images of internal components circulating online. With all this buzz, it's clear that Nintendo is preparing something big for fans. As the leaks continue to build, the question on everyone's mind is: What other features are we going to see in the new Nintendo Switch 2?

Nintendo upscaling patent spotted, as more Switch 2 component photos appear to leak

New year, new Switch 2 leaks. While Nintendo's plans for its Switch successor remain officially under wraps, a patent from the company has surfaced detailing plans to use upscaling technology to cram games with up to 4K textures onto physical game cartridges. The patent describes technology similar to Nvidia's DLSS, or PlayStation 5 Pro's baked in PSSR, to upscale images using AI. A key advantage listed here is to decrease the size of games that would otherwise include hefty 4K-native assets. This helps keep download sizes small, and also allow for these games to fit onto moderately-sized physical media. Nintendo's patent dates from July 2023, but was only published publicly this week. As highlighted by industry consultant Laura Kate Dale, the patent suggests "a game with native 4K textures might need a 60GB download, but a 1080-native version might only need 20GB (which would allow it to fit on a 32GB Switch cart, the current max size)". The news comes as a fresh leak shows our best look yet at what appears to be the Switch 2's internal components. The images tally with what we know about the size and internal makeup of the device already from past leaks - including an earlier glimpse at the Switch 2's motherboard, and the suggestion the console will have a second USB port at the top of the device. Switch 2 motherboard byu/MHN1994 inNintendoSwitch2 Nintendo has previously said it will announce Switch 2 before the end of its current financial year, on 31st March. But much of the console's design can now be assumed - all signs point to it being a slightly larger version of the current Switch, with magnetic Joy-Con and a mysterious new "C" button on the right Joy-Con. "Nintendo will not have much time in January, so a potential announcement early in the month could make sense," industry analyst Serkan Toto told Eurogamer last month. "You can bet that Nintendo is aware of all the leaks and not happy about them, even if some of them will turn out to be made up. It is actually getting so bad with those leaks that they might cause Nintendo to release information earlier than planned."

Nintendo Switch 2 Leaks Ramp Up as New Patent Suggests AI Image Upscaling Tech - IGN

2025 has kicked off with even more Nintendo Switch 2 leaks, although this time they're accompanied by a fresh patent that suggests the console includes exciting new tech. Let's start with the patent, filed July 2023 but published for the first time just this week. As noted by Eurogamer, the patent 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. Now for the leak. Again, as noted by Eurogamer, we have a look at what appears to be the Switch 2's internal components. It tallies with information suggested by previous image leaks that have helped give us a decent idea of what to expect from Nintendo's next-gen console. Here's what we know for sure: Nintendo has confirmed that the yet-to-be-announced Switch 2 will be backward-compatible with original Switch games and will feature Nintendo Switch Online. Nintendo has also said it will announce the Switch 2 by the end of March 2025, which means the reveal is fast approaching. As for a release date, the console is not expected to launch during Nintendo's current financial year, so it will arrive April 2025 at the earliest. In September, unverified images -- a mix of Computer-aided design (CAD) images and printed circuit board (PCB) photos -- that were said to have originated from a Chinese website before making their way onto Reddit, depicted a device similar to the existing Switch console, but with a larger screen and magnetic Joy-Cons. There is a USB-C port on the top and bottom of the console, which you can see in the latest leaked images above. Accompanying the images was an alleged specifications list that mentioned 12GB of RAM (the original Switch has 4GB), and 256GB of internal storage (the original Switch has 32GB). There's a new "C" button on the right Joy-Con, too. We even have developers outright saying they plan to release their upcoming games on the console, with others teasing a Switch 2 release for their games. When Switch 2 does eventually come out, Nintendo expects to have plenty of stock available, which in turn will hopefully combat scalping.

Will the Nintendo Switch 2 feature AI upscaling? This patent suggests it's on the cards

The patent suggests this could be used to keep game file sizes low Another day, another huge flurry of potential information about the Nintendo Switch 2. This time we've learned more about the kind of upscaling technology that we might see implemented in the upcoming console. The information comes from a patent filed by Nintendo in July 2023 and recently made public. The patent details a technology that is capable of "converting images of one resolution into another (e.g. higher) resolution and may be used in real-time applications from images generated by, for example, a video game engine". It's powered by machine learning algorithms and, put simply, would allow a video game console like the Nintendo Switch 2 to increase the resolution of its picture output with little additional hardware strain. A few examples of how it could be used are included in the patent, which outlines how a 540p picture could be upscaled to 1080p for "increased graphical fidelity". It might be tempting to assume that this means that the Nintendo Switch 2 will target a 1080p output, but it's important to bear in mind that such examples are included for illustrative purposes only. The patent is also careful to clarify that "whenever 1080p is mentioned in connection with a target image, the techniques [...] may also be applied to 4K images". We also don't know for sure that this technology will even be implemented in the Nintendo Switch 2, though of course it seems highly likely given the given the document's focus on video game applications. Interestingly, the patent suggests that the technology could be used to keep game file sizes low "so as to fit onto relatively smaller sized physical media". This would be achieved by, for example, lowering the resolution of the textures downloaded by the player and then using the AI upscaling technology to increase it to produce a final picture. It's clear that AI upscaling tech is becoming an increasingly important part of the gaming landscape. Solutions such as Nvidia's DLSS and AMD's FSR are popular ways to boost video game performance on PC. The PS5 Pro recently shipped with Sony's PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) upscaling. We'll have to wait for the console's official reveal to see whether Nintendo will opt to follow suit.

Switch 2's AI upscaling tech possibly detailed in new Nintendo patent

TL;DR: The United States Patent and Trademark Office published a Nintendo patent for AI-based image upscaling that uses dedicated hardware registers and cores for machine-learned transformation. The United States Patent and Trademark Office has published a new Nintendo patent for AI-based image upscaling, giving us an idea of the kind of tech being used in the upcoming Switch 2 console. Note: The following patent was published on December 31, 2024 in the United States, but was originally domestically filed on July 13, 2023 and published on November 9, 2023 in Japan. It's 2025, and Nintendo's new Switch 2 console should be revealed soon. While gamers have been waiting, there's been a few Switch 2 leaks--some of which could be pretty huge if they turn out to be true. And just days ago, the USPTO published a very interesting new Nintendo patent that delves into how the company is using AI upscaling technology in the Switch 2 hardware. The Switch 2 is believed to use an 8nm NVIDIA Orin-based SoC that's been customized for handheld gaming. The Orin chips are typically used for smart automobiles, but have unique power-to-performance profiles that can be scaled for on-the-go handheld gaming. NVIDIA's Orin SoCs come with built-in Tensor cores that facilitate DLSS image upscaling; conversely, the current-gen Switch console uses a Tegra X1 SoC that is Tensor-less, and like Orin, the Switch's Tegra X1 chip was also used for NVIDIA's early Drive PX autonomous vehicle platform. The new patent (SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MACHINE LEARNED IMAGE CONVERSION - United States Patent 12182966 - B2) goes into significant amounts of detail on the topics of machine learning and AI upscaling, including all of its forms, the different neural networks (Convolutional Neural Networks, Recurrent Neural Networks, etc. - if you saw the Mark Cerny PS5 Pro tech talk, you'll recognize these), and how the images are transformed via matrices. The patent mentions that the hardware will have a special dedicated hardware register and corresponding processing core that will handle the matrix-based image transformations. One interesting part is how the patent describes using a virtual camera to take a snapshot of any given scene in the game. This snapshot is then sent to and manipulated by the neural network, transforming it through the matrix-based input-output method, and then beaming the image to an output screen. Another noteworthy point: The patent frequently underlines the impact of image upscaling. Throughout the text, the authors make it clear that developers can significantly reduce the hardware demands of their games by shrinking the native image output of their games engines. Instead of a 4K image, devs can use a 1080p image and blow it up using the techniques exhaustively described within the patent. Or, instead of a 1080p image, they can use a 540p image with native low-res textures and transform the image to better fit smaller screens. Another interesting thing to note: Nintendo has been investing in AI and machine learning for a while now. Since 2019, to be exact. Every year, Nintendo spend hundreds of millions of dollars on Research and Development, but this includes the totality of its operations: Hardware, game development/software, services, etc. It's unknown how much Nintendo has spent on investigating AI-based upscaling.

Nintendo fans crash patent page while awaiting Switch 2 news

Nintendo fans have been on edge, eagerly awaiting any news about the next-gen Switch console. After months of rumors and leaks, the focus has now shifted to a new patent filed by the company, involving an AI-based upscaling technology. The patent describes a "machine learned image conversion" method that promises to enhance the visual quality of games by converting low-resolution images into higher-quality ones. Though the filing itself doesn't mention the Switch 2, the excitement has been palpable, with so many fans rushing to view the patent that it reportedly crashed the US Patent and Trademark Office website. The document, filed in July 2023 but published only recently, has been making waves across the internet, especially after gaming consultant Laura Kate Dale highlighted it on Bluesky. The patent outlines how the AI upscaling system could take a 1080p image and enhance it to resemble 4K resolution, much like Nvidia's DLSS technology or Sony's PS5 Pro upscaling. Fans are excited by the possibilities, even though it's unclear how this technology would play out on Nintendo's upcoming console. As much as fans are buzzing, it seems like they might not have to wait much longer for official details. Nintendo has confirmed that the new console will be revealed before the end of the current fiscal year, which ends on March 31, 2025. Could this be a sign that the wait for official Switch 2 news is nearly over? What do you think this AI upscaling could mean for the future of Nintendo's consoles?

Nintendo Switch 2 Leaked Motherboard Analysis Suggests SoC Uses Samsung 5nm Node; NVIDIA DLSS 4K Upscaling Mentioned in New Patent

The Nintendo Switch 2 SoC likely uses Samsung 5nm node instead of the 8nm node, according to a new analysis of the SoC seen on the leaked motherboard. Following the release of the pictures showcasing the next Nintendo system's motherboard yesterday, multiple users have been looking at the components to try and understand more about the console before its official reveal. According to an analysis posted on Famiiboards, as reported on the Gaming Leaks and Rumors subreddit, there is enough evidence to suggest the Switch 2 SoC uses a Samsung 5nm process node and not an 8nm process node. The T239 chip that powers the system is said to feature around 15 billion transistors, which would be 326mm^2 on the 8nm process node, a bigger size than the chip seen on the leaked motherboard. The T239 chip, on the other hand, is around 200mm^2, which lines up not only with the Samsung 5nm node used for the Snapdragon 8 Gen1 chip but with the timeline as well, as the Snapdragon chip was released in late 2021, and the first T239 engineering samples came in April 2022. If this is true, it definitely bodes well for the system's performance level. One more Nintendo Switch 2 feature that has been rumored for a long time but has yet to be officially confirmed is NVIDIA DLSS support. A new patent from Nintendo, spotted by Laura Kate Dale, which was filed in the United States earlier this week, strongly suggests that the console will indeed support NVIDIA's AI-powered upscaler, whose main goal, besides upscaling to 1080p and 4K resolutions from much input lower resolutions, would also be to keep file sizes low, considering one of the examples given in the patent itself which mentions the different file sizes between 4K resolution and 1080p resolution textures. Another new Nintendo patent published yesterday seems to yet again verify claims the Switch 2 will use DLSS style AI upscaling (Nvidia chip) to improve output resolution for games, rather than trying to natively run them at higher internal resolutions. ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-pu... [image or embed] -- Laura Kate Dale - LauraKBuzz (@laurakbuzz.bsky.social) January 1, 2025 at 2:40 PM With leaks becoming more frequent and accurate, the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal is bound to be imminent. Hopefully, the Japanese company will soon finally reveal what has become one of the worst-kept secrets of the past few years.