New Nintendo Patent Suggests Enhanced Graphics for Switch 2

A recent patent filed by Nintendo may provide insights into the graphical performance of the anticipated Switch 2, suggesting the potential for high-resolution gaming without requiring excessively large file sizes.

One significant drawback of playing AAA titles is the considerable download size, often accompanied by mandatory updates that can consume substantial portions of storage. However, Nintendo consistently manages to keep its first-party releases, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, compact enough to fit neatly on cartridges.

With ongoing speculation surrounding the upcoming Nintendo Switch successor, fans are left wondering about its visual capabilities. Newly discovered documentation on the United States Patent and Trademark Office (as reported by Eurogamer) indicates that Nintendo may leverage AI upscaling technology for its next iteration of the console.

Upscaling Technology for 4K Graphics on the Switch 2?

The patent outlines a machine learning-based technology designed to enhance image quality, pushing beyond current hardware limitations without compromising performance.

The key advantage of this innovation is its capacity to maintain reduced file sizes, allowing Nintendo to continue delivering games on compact cartridges, thereby sidestepping the necessity for expansive downloads.

This method resembles Nvidia’s DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), which may be Nintendo’s solution for achieving impressive graphical fidelity despite the Switch 2 potentially being less powerful than competing consoles, especially considering its handheld nature.

If this patent applies to the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2, as many speculate, it could enable new first-party titles to achieve 4K resolutions without significant lag. The implications for older games remain unclear, though it’s known that the Switch 2 will be backward compatible with its predecessor.

Nintendo has announced plans to disclose more information about the next-generation console before the conclusion of the current financial year, which concludes on March 31. Enthusiasts are eager for updates, hoping for clarity before leaks and patent announcements overshadow the official launch.

Of course, it’s prudent to take any speculation or leaks with caution until Nintendo makes an official announcement regarding its new console.

Source & Images