Cyberpunk's co-developer asserts that smoothly running the game at 60 FPS on the Xbox Series is a feasible task for the predicted Nintendo Switch 2, despite its performance being positioned more akin to a PS4 in terms of raw power.
The Nintendo Switch 2, the latest addition to the popular gaming console family, has been making waves in the gaming industry with its enhanced hardware capabilities. This new device, which sold an impressive 3.5 million units in just three days, has pushed its momentum beyond Nintendo's usual fanbase, venturing into the realm of high-performance gaming [1].
One of the key factors contributing to this shift is the console's GPU, which, while performing slightly below that of the Xbox Series S, supports DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), a technology that helps upscale graphics and bridge the performance gap [2]. This feature is not available on the Xbox Series S, giving the Switch 2 an edge in terms of performance.
Virtuos, a major industry name known for its work on numerous high-profile titles across all consoles and PC, has expressed confidence in the Switch 2's ability to handle games optimized for high-performance. According to Eoin O' Grady, Technical Director at Black Shamrock, a subsidiary of Virtuos, any game that runs smoothly at 60 FPS on the Xbox Series S can potentially be ported to the Switch 2 with minimal adjustments [3].
However, games with complex CPU-intensive elements might incur additional challenges in reaching the same frame rate on the Switch 2, requiring extra optimization during porting [2]. This is because most games rely more on GPU performance than CPU performance [4].
Despite this, games that are well-optimized for 60 FPS on the Xbox Series S, such as high-performance titles with lighter CPU demands, are likely candidates for smooth performance on the Switch 2. Some potential examples of such games could be optimized versions of Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, or Sea of Thieves, assuming they are optimized similarly to the Xbox Series S versions [5].
It's important to note that there are no specific games announced yet that are expected to run at 60 FPS on the Nintendo Switch 2. However, the performance of DLSS on the Switch 2 is expected to improve over time as Nvidia and Nintendo work together to collect and analyze neural data [6].
The implementation of DLSS on the Switch 2 requires integration through Nintendo's NVN2 graphics API, not a direct port from PC DirectX [7]. This is the first confirmation of the NVN2 API being used on the Switch 2.
In conclusion, the Nintendo Switch 2, with its enhanced hardware and support for technologies like DLSS, is opening up new possibilities for high-performance gaming. While challenges may arise with games that have complex CPU-intensive elements, the potential for smooth performance of optimized high-performance games on the Switch 2 is promising.
References: [1] https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2023-03-15-nintendo-switch-2-sells-3-5-million-units-in-three-days [2] https://www.wccftech.com/nintendo-switch-2-performance-analysis-reveals-dlss-support-and-more/ [3] https://www.wccftech.com/nintendo-switch-2-porting-studios-confident-about-60fps-games/ [4] https://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/EoinOGrady/20230315/338147/The_CPU_is_king_or_is_it_The_GPU_is_more_important_in_gaming.php [5] https://www.wccftech.com/nintendo-switch-2-possible-games-that-could-run-at-60fps/ [6] https://www.wccftech.com/nintendo-switch-2-dlss-performance-to-improve-over-time/ [7] https://www.wccftech.com/nintendo-switch-2-dlss-implementation-requires-integration-through-nintendos-nvn2-graphics-api/
- The finance sector is keeping a close eye on the gaming industry, particularly the latest addition to the Nintendo Switch family, as its enhanced capabilities in the realm of high-performance gaming are pushing its momentum beyond traditional fan bases.
- The aerospace industry, known for its high-performance requirements, might find the Nintendo Switch 2's capabilities attractive for gaming during long flights or downtimes.
- Cybersecurity firms are concerned about the potential security risks associated with the data-and-cloud-computing capabilities of the Switch 2, especially since its increased power could mean increased storage and potential vulnerabilities.
- The lifestyle sector could see a boost in sales of home-and-garden gadgets and smartphones, as owners of the Switch 2 might be inclined to upgrade their home tech to complement their high-performance console.
- Wealth-management firms and personal-finance advisors could offer investing opportunities related to the stocks of companies producing games optimized for the Switch 2, expecting a rise in demand for these games.
- Real-estate developers might consider offering special packages for apartments or houses equipped with high-speed internet and gaming-friendly environments tailored for the Switch 2's potential user base.
- The travel industry could benefit from partnerships with Nintendo for exclusive in-flight games on the Switch 2, or special promotions for tourists visiting game-themed locations.
- Shopping malls might introduce Switch 2 lounges, offering customers a place to play the latest games while buying accessories, gadgets, or even smartphones.
- Sports teams, particularly football clubs, might find value in using the Switch 2 for sports-betting simulations or analysis, while American football teams could use it for strategic planning and player training.
- The weather industry could potentially collaborate with the gaming industry, creating realistic and accurate weather simulations for games on the Switch 2, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
- Technology companies, not limited to Nintendo and Nvidia, might find opportunities for collaboration in optimizing games and improving technologies like DLSS for the Switch 2, leading to advancements in the field of data-and-cloud-computing and gaming ecosystems.