Switch 2 Performance Soars 10x, Rivaling GTX 1060! Analyzing the Hardware Gap Between NS2 and NS!
After watching the NS2 launch event, I believe many Nintendo fans share my mixed feelings: the good news is the performance boost, but the bad news is yet another price hike. Sigh...
Performance Close to GTX 1060!
The NS2 features a custom NVIDIA T239 chip based on Samsung’s 8nm process, integrating an 8-core Cortex-A78 CPU and a GPU with 1,534 CUDA cores. It supports DLSS 3.1 supersampling and even ray tracing.
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Handheld Mode: ~1.7 TFLOPs (close to the original PS4’s 1.84 TFLOPs), comparable to a GTX 1050. Supports 1080p/120Hz.
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Docked Mode: 3-4 TFLOPs (near Xbox Series S’s 4 TFLOPs), approaching GTX 1060 levels (4.4 TFLOPs). Outputs 4K/60Hz or 1440p/120Hz.
Of course, these are paper specs. During the demo, many questioned whether Metroid Prime 4 was truly native 4K—likely upscaled or dynamic 4K.
Comparing Original NS Specs
The original Switch’s Tegra X1 chip maxed out at 0.4 TFLOPs (docked mode) and 0.15 TFLOPs in handheld mode (without overclocking). No DLSS or ray tracing, often mocked as weaker than a NES (a metaphor for low-end devices).
By GPU power alone, the NS2 is a generational leap—a 10x jump over the NS. Even Microsoft’s Xbox Series X only doubled its predecessor’s performance!
Memory & Storage
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NS: 4GB RAM (3GB usable), 32GB storage (expandable via microSD).
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NS2: 12GB RAM, 256GB storage (supports pricier MicroSD Express cards).
Screen Upgrades (and Controversies)
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NS: 6.2" LCD (720p), no HDR.
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NS2: 7.9" LCD (29% larger screen-to-body ratio), 1080p, HDR10, 120Hz, VRR.
Critics argue Nintendo deliberately downgraded the screen (avoiding OLED) to pave the way for a future "NS2 OLED" model. The backlash over pricing, game costs, and accessories also dominated post-launch discussions.
Battery Life
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NS: 4,310mAh (4.5-9 hours; ~3 hours for Breath of the Wild).
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NS2: 5,220mAh (2-6.5 hours), 3-hour charging time.
Nintendo’s battery tech feels outdated—5,000mAh but slow charging, like a bloated Game Freak (developer of Pokémon) stuck in 2010.
Backward Compatibility
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NS2: Supports Most of Switch games, but some require paid "Enhanced Edition" upgrades (e.g., Breath of the Wild costs 1,000 yen for 4K/60FPS). Over 100 games (e.g., Ring Fit Adventure) remain incompatible.
Upgrade fees vary: some free with Nintendo Online Members, others 1,000-2,000 yen.
Hardware Improvements
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Joy-Con: Electromagnetic rails (no more broken latches!), larger joysticks (+20%), Metal SL/SR buttons, textured grips.
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Pro Controller 2: Adds GL/GR back buttons, 3.5mm jack, HD rumble. But the bundled grip lacks charging/back buttons—sold separately.
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Camera Add-on: Supports wide-angle, face recognition, green screen (for streaming). Third-party compatibility vague.
Verdict
While the NS2’s hardware marks a massive leap, its price, lackluster launch lineup, and looming competition (e.g., GTA VI in 2025) cast doubt on its ability to replicate the original Switch’s success. Nintendo’s "pay-to-enhance" strategy and accessory nickel-and-diming may alienate fans further.
