Nintendo Switch 2 reportedly showcases Matrix Awakens UE5 demo with NVIDIA DLSS at exclusive Gamescom event.

Gamescom Cologne

Nintendo may have secretly showcased a successor to the Switch, unofficially referred to as “Switch 2,” at the recent Gamescom event. EuroGamer first reported on this rumor, stating that Nintendo presented technical demonstrations for their next-generation console, expected to be released next year. VideoGameChronicles then reached out to their own sources who confirmed the news, adding that Nintendo is also working on an enhanced version of “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” for the speculated Switch 2.

According to reports, the Switch 2 is expected to offer higher resolution compared to the current model, which has a resolution of 1200×720 pixels. Nintendo also showcased an Unreal Engine 5 tech demonstration called “Matrix Awakens,” which reportedly incorporated nVidia’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology. This demo showcased advanced Ray Tracing and visuals comparable to the current-gen consoles from Sony and Microsoft.

It’s important to note that while the Switch 2 may not have the same raw power as the PS5 or XBOX Series X, it is still expected to provide impressive visuals. The existing Switch relies on an NVIDIA System on a Chip (SoC) powered by the aging Maxwell architecture, but the new console is anticipated to support upscaling and potentially even 4K resolution when docked.

Nintendo has reportedly already distributed development kits for the Switch 2 to select studios, indicating that the console is on track for a 2024 launch. It’s also worth mentioning that the initial release may opt for LCD technology instead of OLED to keep costs down.

While specific details about the NVIDIA SoC are not disclosed, potential support for DLSS Frame Generation could be a significant enhancement for this low-power console. This development could position the Switch 2 in direct competition with upcoming systems based on AMD Zen4/RDNA3 architecture.

Background Information

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About AMD: AMD, a large player in the semiconductor industry is known for its powerful processors and graphic solutions, AMD has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance, efficiency, and user experience. With a customer-centric approach, the company has cultivated a reputation for delivering high-performance solutions that cater to the needs of gamers, professionals, and general users. AMD's Ryzen series of processors have redefined the landscape of desktop and laptop computing, offering impressive multi-core performance and competitive pricing that has challenged the dominance of its competitors. Complementing its processor expertise, AMD's Radeon graphics cards have also earned accolades for their efficiency and exceptional graphical capabilities, making them a favored choice among gamers and content creators. The company's commitment to innovation and technology continues to shape the client computing landscape, providing users with powerful tools to fuel their digital endeavors.

  

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About Microsoft: Microsoft, founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975 in Redmond, Washington, USA, is a technology giant known for its wide range of software products, including the Windows operating system, Office productivity suite, and cloud services like Azure. Microsoft also manufactures hardware, such as the Surface line of laptops and tablets, Xbox gaming consoles, and accessories.

  

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About Nintendo: Nintendo, a important Japanese multinational consumer electronics and video game company, has left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape. Established in 1889, Nintendo has evolved from producing playing cards to becoming a gaming giant that has introduced some of the most beloved and enduring franchises in the industry, including Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon. With a rich history of innovation, Nintendo has consistently pushed boundaries, leading to the creation of iconic gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch, which offers a unique hybrid gaming experience.

  

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About nVidia: NVIDIA has firmly established itself as a leader in the realm of client computing, continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation in graphics and AI technologies. With a deep commitment to enhancing user experiences, NVIDIA's client computing business focuses on delivering solutions that power everything from gaming and creative workloads to enterprise applications. for its GeForce graphics cards, the company has redefined high-performance gaming, setting industry standards for realistic visuals, fluid frame rates, and immersive experiences. Complementing its gaming expertise, NVIDIA's Quadro and NVIDIA RTX graphics cards cater to professionals in design, content creation, and scientific fields, enabling real-time ray tracing and AI-driven workflows that elevate productivity and creativity to unprecedented heights. By seamlessly integrating graphics, AI, and software, NVIDIA continues to shape the landscape of client computing, fostering innovation and immersive interactions in a rapidly evolving digital world.

  

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About Sony: Sony Corporation, a global conglomerate for its diverse range of innovative consumer electronics and entertainment products, has also made significant strides in the realm of computer products. Leveraging its expertise in engineering and technology, Sony has introduced laptops, tablets, and accessories that blend sleek design with robust performance. These computer products bear the hallmark of Sony's commitment to quality and innovation, catering to both casual users and professionals seeking powerful computing solutions. With a history of pushing technological boundaries, Sony's computer products showcase its dedication to creating devices that seamlessly integrate into modern lifestyle

  

Event Info

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About Gamescom: Gamescom is an annual trade fair for video games and interactive entertainment. It is one of the largest and most significant events in the gaming industry, attracting gamers, developers, publishers, and other stakeholders from around the world. Gamescom serves as a platform for showcasing upcoming video games, hardware, software, and innovations in the gaming industry. The event features exhibitions, presentations, panels, workshops, and networking opportunities. It provides a space for game developers to unveil new titles, present gameplay demos, and interact with their audience. Gamers have the chance to experience hands-on gameplay, test new technology, and engage with the gaming community. Gamescom also hosts esports tournaments, cosplay competitions, and various entertainment activities related to gaming and pop culture. It takes place annually in Cologne, Germany, and typically draws a large international crowd, including industry professionals, enthusiasts, and media.

  

Technology Explained

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DLSS: DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is an advanced AI-powered technology developed by NVIDIA that enhances real-time graphics rendering in video games and applications. DLSS utilizes deep learning algorithms to upscale lower-resolution images in real-time, resulting in higher-quality visuals while maintaining optimal performance. By harnessing the power of AI and deep neural networks, DLSS effectively boosts frame rates and image quality, enabling gamers to experience smoother gameplay and more immersive graphics without sacrificing computational efficiency. This technology has gained widespread recognition for its ability to deliver impressive visual fidelity and improved performance simultaneously, revolutionizing the way modern computer graphics are processed and displayed.

DLSS Website: https://www.nvidia.com/en-gb/geforce/technologies/dlss

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OLED: Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology is a cutting-edge display technology that has revolutionized the computer industry by producing superior image quality and superior energy efficiency. OLED technology works by using organic compounds to create an efficient and flexible light source. This type of technology has enabled thinner and lighter designs as well as improved color range and resolution. OLED technology is currently used in laptop displays and is increasingly used in televisions and mobile devices. Its benefits, such as relatively low power consumption and extraordinary brightness, give a more vivid and more powerful image even in dim areas. OLED technology has also improved computer performance, as its power efficiency passes on to other computer components and leads to extended battery life. OLED technology also features shorter response time and full color reproducibility, making it ideal for fast-paced action games.

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Ray Tracing: Ray tracing is an advanced rendering technique used in computer graphics to simulate the way light interacts with objects in a virtual environment. It traces the path of light rays as they travel through a scene, calculating how they interact with surfaces, materials, and lighting sources. By simulating the complex behaviors of light, ray tracing produces highly realistic and accurate visual effects, including lifelike reflections, shadows, and refractions. This technology enhances the overall visual quality of images and animations by accurately replicating how light behaves in the real world, resulting in a more immersive and visually stunning digital experience.

Ray Tracing Website: https://www.nvidia.com/en-gb/geforce/technologies/ray-tracing/

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SoC: A System-on-Chip (SoC) is a highly integrated semiconductor device that encapsulates various electronic components, including processors, memory, input/output interfaces, and often specialized hardware components, all on a single chip. SoCs are designed to provide a complete computing system or subsystem within a single chip package, offering enhanced performance, power efficiency, and compactness. They are commonly used in a wide range of devices, from smartphones and tablets to embedded systems and IoT devices, streamlining hardware complexity and facilitating efficient integration of multiple functions onto a single chip.