Recently, Nintendo has set the gaming community abuzz with its latest patent, suggesting an intriguing feature for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Filed on March 13, this patent reveals that the Switch 2 could utilize AI-driven upscaling technology to enhance its performance when used in handheld mode. The aim is to take game visuals from a basic 540p and upscale them to a sharp 1080p, all while maintaining improved frame rates.
Looking back at January, the impending release of the Switch 2 was hardly a secret within the gaming circles. This next-gen console promises a larger screen and updated Joy-Con controllers. Remarkably, it will also support most physical and digital games from the original Switch library, with just a handful of exceptions. Despite ongoing support for the original model through anticipated games like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, it remains uncertain if these titles will see improved performance on the Switch 2.
There’s more to the story! While the FCC filings confirmed the wireless capabilities of Nintendo’s new device, the patent truly adds a layer of excitement by detailing the potential of AI technology to transform the gaming experience in handheld mode. Industry insider Mike Odyssey spotted this revelation on Twitter, indicating Nintendo’s application to the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Breaking it down further, the patent exemplifies how an image originally in 540p could be upscaled to 1080p using a process akin to Nvidia’s DLSS or AMD’s FSR. By feeding the image through a neural network, the output is not just about greater resolution but also about smoother frame rates, delivering a superior visual experience.
Notably, it’s still a mystery how this upscaling might affect the Switch 2’s battery life or if it will also be a feature when the console is docked. The list of games that will support this technology is eagerly awaited. This patent is merely the latest in a series of intriguing developments from Nintendo, which includes features like proximity-based voice chat in compatible games and apps.
All these details and more about the Switch 2, such as its price and release date, are expected to be unveiled during the Nintendo Direct broadcast scheduled for April 2. While there’s still much speculation about the stock and market availability of the new console, the anticipation continues to build as gamers worldwide wait to see how the Switch 2 will stack up against its competitors.
