Digital Foundry's tech experts have unveiled the final specifications for the Nintendo Switch 2, highlighting that the GameChat feature significantly strains system resources, sparking concerns among developers.
At last month’s Nintendo Direct, Nintendo showcased the Switch 2’s GameChat feature, activated by pressing the C button on the updated Joy-Con.
Players can observe others playing the same or different games and, with a camera, even see one another. A built-in microphone ensures reliable audio across various gaming setups. The C button’s chat menu serves as a comprehensive multiplayer hub, potentially marking Nintendo’s most ambitious online endeavor in years.
Digital Foundry noted that Nintendo supplies developers with a GameChat testing tool to simulate API latency and L3 cache misses caused by the system. This allows testing without active GameChat sessions.
DF questions whether enabling GameChat affects end-user game performance. If GameChat operates within the system’s resource allocation, it should have no impact. However, the provision of emulation tools suggests developers must account for some performance hit.
As Digital Foundry stated: "We’re eager to see how GameChat affects game performance, as it appears to be a notable concern for developers." The full impact will only be clear when the Switch 2 launches on June 5.
Digital Foundry also detailed the Switch 2’s final specs. The system reserves 3GB of memory, leaving 9GB for games. In comparison, the original Switch reserved 0.8GB, with 3.2GB for games. This significant reservation limits resources available to Switch 2 games. Like other consoles, the Switch 2’s GPU is partially reserved for system functions.
Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery
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The Switch 2 boasts a 7.9-inch wide color gamut LCD screen, supporting 1080p (1920x1080) output, a major leap from the original Switch’s 6.2-inch screen, the Switch OLED’s 7-inch screen, and the Switch Lite’s 5.5-inch screen.
It also supports HDR10 and VRR up to 120 Hz, enabling games to reach 120fps with compatible setups.
Docking the Switch 2 unlocks 4K (3840x2160) gameplay at 60fps or 1080p/1440p (1920x1080/2560x1440) at 120fps, powered by a "custom NVIDIA processor."
Digital Foundry’s detailed specs breakdown offers further insights and is highly recommended.
