The Switch 2 Might Not Go Full 4K, but AI Upscaling Could Get It Close

Recent patents suggest the Nintendo Switch 2 will feature AI upscaling, a major upgrade for their hardware.

The patent filed on March 13 shows how Nintendo plans to use this technology to improve visual quality in handheld mode without affecting performance. The details are still being speculated, but the information points toward a system that applies machine learning to upscale lower resolutions.

According to the patent (first spotted by Mike Odyssey), the Switch 2 will upscale images from 540p to 1080p. The system uses AI-driven upscaling, similar to how Nvidia’s DLSS or AMD’s FSR works. Instead of using all that raw power to generate high-res graphics, the system will use AI to fill in the missing details to make the image look better without slowing things down.

Given that upscaling is already used in games like Tears of the Kingdom and Splatoon 3, it makes sense for the Switch 2 to build on this with more advanced AI.

On top of that, this tech might change how backward compatibility works. If done right, the new system could give older Switch games a fresh look, with no re-release or patch needed.

The patent points out that games could get automatic resolution improvements without needing dev updates. However, it’s still up in the air whether all Switch games will get this upscaling automatically, or if devs will need to tweak their games to make the most of it.

The big question here is whether Nintendo will use Nvidia’s DLSS technology or develop a proprietary upscaling solution. The company has a history of collaborating with Nvidia, and rumors indicate that the Switch 2 will feature Nvidia hardware.

This makes it highly likely that DLSS, in some form, will be a part of the console’s capabilities. However, Nintendo might roll out its own version of AI upscaling, just like Sony did with PlayStation Super Sampling (PSSR) for the PS5 Pro.

The patent doesn’t directly reference DLSS, but the matrix-based upscaling method closely resembles Nvidia’s AI-driven techniques. Some analysts think the Switch 2 won’t run the latest DLSS or FSR due to hardware limits, but it might have a version made for handheld gaming.

Anticipating fans are excited to discover how AI upscaling will be integrated into the features of the Switch 2 when Nintendo shares additional details during their April 2nd Direct broadcast.

There are still some questions about how it’ll work and what it can do, but the potential benefits make it one of the most exciting things for Nintendo’s next console.

Read More

2025-03-17 03:43