It seems like Nintendo has once again partnered with NVIDIA to infuse its magic into the new Switch 2, following in the footsteps of its predecessor. We’ve finally caught a glimpse of the chip online, causing quite a stir.
Unveiling NVIDIA’s Tegra239 Chip in the Nintendo Switch 2
With the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, we were treated to impressive features like 4K resolution at 60 FPS when docked. However, the details about its internal chip were initially kept under wraps. We were aware of Nintendo’s collaboration with NVIDIA for custom Tegra SoCs, which led many to anticipate the inclusion of the next-gen Tegra239 chip. This assumption turned into reality when a snapshot of NVIDIA’s Tegra239, clearly marked "T239," was shared by @Kurnalsalts on Twitter.
Unfortunately, the shared post doesn’t delve into the SoC’s specifications. So, we’re left piecing together information from previous leaks. The Tegra239 is thought to boast eight powerful Arm Cortex-A78C cores, coupled with a hybrid GPU architecture that blends Ada Lovelace and Ampere components, and features 1536 CUDA cores. Its CPU clocks in between 1.1 GHz and 1.5 GHz, adjusting in docked scenarios. Also noteworthy is its 128-bit memory interface, adopting the speedy LPDDR5 technology.
Details about the Tegra239 remain somewhat scarce. However, one standout feature is its support for DLSS upscaling technology, enhancing the console’s performance significantly. For those eager for a deeper dive, be sure to check out our comprehensive discussion on the device’s specs. NVIDIA’s endeavor with the Tegra239 indicates its ongoing aspirations in custom ASIC development, reaffirming its exclusive alliance with Nintendo, thanks to ARM’s contributions.
There’s another burning question on enthusiasts’ minds: when will NVIDIA finally debut its chip for the AI-driven PC market? Rumors have been circulating since last year about Team Green’s potential partnership with MediaTek, focusing on an ARM-centric SoC series, potentially named N1X and N1. However, we await any official developments in that department.
