A new patent suggests that the Nintendo Switch 2 could enhance game resolution to 4K.
A Nintendo patent indicates that the Switch 2 will have the ability to upscale games from 1080p to 4K, which could result in smaller game sizes.
Despite the undeniable success of the Nintendo Switch, the console has faced criticism regarding its graphical performance, which cannot compete with that of Xbox or PlayStation platforms. However, a new patent suggests that the upcoming version, known as the Nintendo Switch 2, may address this disadvantage. This patent reveals a system capable of improving resolution up to 4K, without the need for native textures in that quality. The technology is comparable to existing tools, such as Nvidia's Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) or AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR).
Theoretically, this patent would allow games to maintain smaller sizes while providing visually appealing scenes and gameplay. One example given is that a game in 1080p might require 25GB of storage, compared to the 75GB needed for a 4K game. Considering that a Nintendo Switch cartridge has a limit of 32GB, 4K is unfeasible unless artificially upscaled, according to analyst Laura Kate Dale.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to be compatible with existing games, which would logically allow it to use current cartridges. As next-generation games become larger and more complex, the development of technology to eliminate the storage limit of cartridges seems inevitable. Nintendo documents indicate that the patent was filed in 2023, but has only now become public. With the company's self-imposed deadline of March 31, 2025, they are running out of time to make an official announcement about the Switch 2. However, the increasing number of leaks and rumors in recent weeks suggests that a reveal may be closer than anticipated.
Nintendo is known for being very stringent in protecting its properties and seeks to maintain control over the narrative. This situation could lead to an early presentation of the Switch 2, which would be positive for fans but problematic for the company. There is still no official information about the console, and it is unlikely that Nintendo will reveal it before making their own announcement. Therefore, it is advisable to take these rumors with caution and not consider them as facts.
In the realm of speculation, it has been reported that an early glimpse of the Switch 2 may have come through a video quickly removed by the peripheral manufacturer Satisfye. This video showcased a trailer for a new peripheral known as the Zengrip 2, although it has since been deleted. The remaining screenshots provide an idea of what the upcoming console might look like, surprisingly resembling a standard model of the Nintendo Switch.
