It seems like Nintendo’s latest console, the Switch 2, has once again harnessed the power of NVIDIA’s technology, just like the model before it. Recently, we got a first glimpse at the chip that makes this happen as it was spotted online.
Following the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, we discovered a few of its impressive features, such as its ability to deliver 4K visuals at 60 frames per second when docked. However, what was less clear until now was what exactly was fueling this performance. Known for its collaboration with NVIDIA, Nintendo has been using custom Tegra SoCs, leading many to predict that the new console would be equipped with NVIDIA’s next-gen Tegra239 chip. Just recently, this speculation was put to rest when an image of the Tegra239 chip, labeled as “T239,” was shared by the user @Kurnalsalts.
The tweet itself didn’t divulge much else, leaving us to draw upon previously available information to piece together details about the System on Chip (SoC). From what we have gathered, the Tegra239 chip houses eight Arm Cortex-A78C cores, and its GPU uniquely blends elements from both the Ada Lovelace and Ampere architectures. It packs 1536 CUDA cores, suggesting a decent leap in graphics capabilities. While its CPU speed hovers between 1.1 GHz to 1.5 GHz, performance may vary, especially in docked mode. Additionally, it supports a 128-bit memory interface with the cutting-edge LPDDR5 technology.
Despite this chip being an exciting addition, information is somewhat scarce, particularly concerning its inner workings. However, we know it incorporates DLSS upscaling technology, enhancing the console’s overall performance significantly. For a more comprehensive analysis of these specs, feel free to check out our full breakdown elsewhere on the site. NVIDIA, through this Tegra239 project, continues to show its ambition in developing custom ASICs, maintaining its exclusive partnership with Nintendo by teaming up with ARM once again.
Looking ahead, a big question remains unanswered: When will NVIDIA announce its eagerly awaited chip designed for the AI PC sector? Last year, rumors suggested that NVIDIA might collaborate with MediaTek to launch an ARM-based SoC under the N1X and N1 series banners. Yet, as of now, there hasn’t been any official word on this front.
