According to reports, the Nintendo Switch 2 allegedly boasts graphics quality comparable to that of the PS5 and Xbox Series

The Nintendo Switch 2 was allegedly presented behind closed doors at Gamescom, but it has now come to light that this new console may potentially offer graphics quality on par with the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, and it could even boast DLSS and ray tracing features.

VGC reports that Nintendo utilized the Unreal Engine 5 tech demo "The Matrix Awakens" to showcase the capabilities of the upcoming Nintendo Switch console. Until now, this demo had been exclusive to the Xbox Series X and PS5, as it incorporates advanced techniques such as the aforementioned DLSS and ray tracing, which are not available on the PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. If it runs on the Switch 2, this signifies that the console not only represents a significant leap from its predecessor but can even compete with the newer platforms from Microsoft and Sony.

DLSS, for clarification, is a real-time scaling technique used on current consoles and RTX graphics cards for PCs. It allows games to be rendered at higher resolutions without compromising performance. This implies that the docked Nintendo Switch 2 may be capable of handling resolutions higher than 1080p. On the other hand, ray tracing is a realistic rendering technique that generates light, reflections, and shadows in real time.

Eurogamer also reported that the new Nintendo console was shown behind closed doors at Gamescom and was referred to as the "Switch 2." In addition to showcasing the Unreal Engine 5 Matrix demo, Nintendo allegedly presented an enhanced version of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. However, it was emphasized that this was a technical demo and does not imply the existence of a remastered version specifically for the Switch 2.

According to reports, these presentations were given to key partners, and it remains unclear when Nintendo will publicly announce and unveil the console. VGC claims that it will be released in the second half of the following year to build up an ample supply and avoid similar shortages experienced with the Xbox Series X/S and PS5.

Similarly, VGC describes this new console as a successor to the Switch rather than a completely new platform. It is reported that it can be played both in docked mode and handheld mode, but allegedly, it will utilize an LCD screen instead of an OLED screen like the latest Switch model. This is done to reduce costs, as higher-quality games require more storage capacity to run.

Reports also claim that the new Switch will not be exclusively digital and will continue to feature a cartridge slot. Whether this implies backward compatibility remains unclear. Until Nintendo officially announces the console, we can only speculate. However, if the Switch 2 is indeed slated for release next year, we may not have to wait long to receive details directly from Nintendo.