Nintendo will unveil detailed features of the Nintendo Switch 2 during an upcoming Direct on April 2. Recent developments include updates to patents indicating enhanced capabilities, particularly AI resolution upscaling for games.
Nintendo Switch 2 patent update on AI upscaling
On March 13, Nintendo filed an updated patent with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) that outlines an AI-based upscaling technology for the Switch 2. This technology will reportedly allow the console to render images at higher resolutions while in handheld mode. Specifically, it can upscale a 540p image to 1080p with increased frame rates.
The AI upscaling technology is designed to enhance the appearance of games that are not natively supported at higher resolutions. While this could potentially apply to new Switch 2 titles, it is likely that it will predominantly assist in improving the graphical fidelity of original Switch games played on the new console.
According to the patent documentation, similar to Nvidia’s DLSS and AMD’s FSR, the Switch 2’s upscaler will process rendered images through a neural network to reorganize image data, resulting in output that is visually improved. However, the patent does not clarify how this upscaling feature will impact battery life or if it will be available in Docked Mode, where the console connects directly to a television.
Additional details, including pricing and the release date for the Switch 2, are expected to be unveiled during the Nintendo Direct on April 2. The Switch 2 is positioned as the successor to the original Nintendo Switch and is rumored to feature a larger screen and new Joy-Con controllers. It will maintain backward compatibility with most physical and digital titles from the original Switch.
Following the January announcement, the discussion around the Nintendo Switch 2’s capabilities has gained momentum, particularly with indications of AI upscaling and improved wireless capabilities, as confirmed by recent FCC filings. However, questions regarding specific game support for the upscaling feature remain unanswered.
In addition to the upscaling technology, Nintendo has filed other patents, including one related to proximity-based voice chat functionality in compatible games, reflecting the company’s ongoing innovation efforts.
As the release date approaches, anticipation builds over how the Nintendo Switch 2 will perform compared to other gaming systems and how it will address the evolving demands of its user base.
Featured image credit: Nintendo
