An indie developer with extensive experience developing games for the original Nintendo Switch has provided insights into why a brief glimpse at Mario Kart 9 suggests that the Nintendo Switch 2 is "significantly more powerful." The Nintendo Switch 2's recent hardware reveal has generated considerable excitement, showcasing new Joy-Cons, a redesigned kickstand, and a larger form factor. However, details about its technical capabilities remain under wraps.
In a detailed YouTube video (via GamesRadar), Jerrel Dulay from Sungrand Studios, who has worked on titles for the Wii U and 3DS, analyzed the Mario Kart 9 footage from the Switch 2 reveal. Dulay, an expert on Nintendo hardware, highlighted several technical aspects that suggest a substantial upgrade in performance.
Mario Kart 9 - First Look
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Dulay noted the use of "physically-based shaders" on vehicles and other elements, which can be influenced by reflections, lighting, and other effects. This level of detail was challenging for the original Switch due to its hardware limitations. A late 2023 report from Digital Foundry (extensive report) suggests that the Switch 2 is powered by the Nvidia T239 ARM mobile chip, boasting 1536 CUDA Cores, a 500% increase from the original Switch's Tegra X1 chip with just 256 CUDA cores. This was further supported by leaks of the Switch 2’s motherboard, revealing a potential 8nm chip.
Dulay pointed out the advanced material reflections visible in the Mario Kart 9 footage, such as reflections from the ground and other surfaces, which were taxing on the original Switch. He also highlighted the high-resolution ground textures, which require significant RAM. The original Switch had only 4GB of RAM, while the Switch 2 is rumored to come with 12GB, as shown in leaks featuring two SK Hynix LPDDR5 modules, each providing 6GB.
The potential RAM speed increase from the original Switch's 1600MHz to up to 7500MHz could significantly enhance texture loading speeds. This, combined with a higher memory transfer rate and increased RAM storage, could result in visually stunning games on the Switch 2. "It’s not that they’re just high-resolution, but there’s a high number of unique textures being used," Dulay emphasized.
Moreover, Dulay identified the use of "true volumetric lighting" in the Mario Kart teaser, a feature that is computationally intensive. He explained that volumetric lighting considers factors like distance, height, and light density, which is a testament to the Switch 2's enhanced capabilities. "It tells me that the Switch 2 is significantly more powerful, because they want these games running at 60 frames a second," Dulay stated.
He further elaborated on the significance of volumetric lighting, noting that it was a major challenge on the original Switch. The presence of detailed shadows at far distances in the trailer also suggests improved rendering capabilities. "Shadows are quite expensive to calculate and draw," Dulay remarked, pointing out that developers had to limit shadow rendering distances on the original Switch.
Dulay also highlighted the high poly-count characters and real-time cloth physics on flagpoles, demonstrating the substantial leap in graphical power that the Switch 2 offers to developers accustomed to working with the 2017 console's limitations.
As we await further details and footage from the Nintendo Switch 2, Dulay's analysis provides valuable insights into the potential graphical advancements of the new console. Nintendo is set to reveal more in a dedicated Direct in April. Stay tuned for all the latest Switch 2 coverage on IGN.
