The official specifications for the Switch 2 have been released, and it's a significant enhancement.

      After much anticipation, the precise hardware specifications for the Nintendo Switch 2 have been revealed, showcasing a considerable upgrade from its predecessor. Eurogamer disclosed the details, thanks to insights from Digital Foundry’s Richard Leadbetter, and the figures indicate that this new system is significantly more powerful than the original Nintendo Switch, although it still has certain limitations that developers will need to address.

      To start with, the Nintendo Switch 2 features double the cores of the original model, incorporating a total of eight cores: two designated for system tasks and six available for developers. It also boasts six times the number of CUDA cores, totaling 1536 compared to the original's 256.

      While the CPU clock speed of the Switch 2 is slightly lower than that of the original Switch, the other enhancements ensure that users won’t notice a drop in performance. The variations are minor, with a docked speed of 998MHz compared to the Switch's 1020MHz. The maximum clock speed for the Switch 2 is 1.7GHz, whereas the original reached a maximum of 1.785GHz.

      The GPU clock speed is impressive as well, reaching 1.4GHz, compared to the original's limit of 921MHz. Although the system will operate at lower speeds in handheld mode (as anticipated), it will still surpass the original Switch in all measurable aspects.

      Additionally, the memory in the Switch 2 has seen a significant upgrade to 128-bit DDR5, featuring four times the bandwidth while docked. This means it can handle 102GB per second compared to the original Switch’s 25.6GB per second, a difference that will certainly be felt in gameplay. Without this kind of upgrade, the Switch would struggle to support games at 4K resolution.

      In terms of memory allocation, the system will reserve 3GB for its own use, leaving 9GB for games.

      While these specifications are numerous (with further technical details available in Digital Foundry’s video), the essence is this: the Nintendo Switch 2 marks a substantial leap in power. Its ultimate performance will depend on individual titles and how developers optimize games for this new platform. While it may not reach the level of the Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5, it is certainly much closer than before.

      The enhanced capabilities are crucial, especially with the introduction of Game Chat. Nintendo anticipates that this service will affect performance, a concern already noticeable in teaser videos (where lag was evident). Nevertheless, Nintendo has achieved a feat of engineering with the Switch 2, equipping the console with high-end specifications that position it as a strong competitor against other handhelds like the Steam Deck.

      Examining the specifications highlights how Nintendo managed to run demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 not only successfully on the console, but also with impressive visuals, sidestepping the problems faced by ports like The Witcher 3 on the original Switch.