Nintendo to Use Nvidia Chip with DLSS Support for OLED ‘Switch Pro’

Nintendo is planning to utilize a new Nvidia chip with better graphics and processing power in the Nintendo Switch upgrade coming later this year.

If you believe the rumors, at some point this year Nintendo is set to release a new Switch console with a 7-inch 720p OLED display and the ability to output 4K through a TV. But how will Nintendo achieve 4K visuals? Deep Learning Super Sampling.

According to a new Bloomberg report, Nintendo has apparently selected a new Nvidia chip to power the upgraded Switch, which includes Nvidia’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology. DLSS works by upscaling lower-resolution images in real-time using deep learning:

By relying on DLSS for 4K output, Nintendo can enjoy a number of benefits to keep costs and resources under control. Upscaling means no 4K assets will be required for games, so Switch cartridges won’t need to get any bigger.

It also means existing games can receive the same 4K visual upgrade as new titles because no new assets are required. However, some new code is required per game, meaning existing games will need patching to unlock 4K.

Previous reports have suggested that the new Switch will also feature a bigger 7-inch display, this time with an OLED panel instead of LCD. This should improve image quality while also improving battery life, with the report suggesting that the display will fit within the current design of the Switch.

Nintendo has repeatedly avoided confirming the existence of this new hardware revision, but reports suggest it is being prepared for launch this year, with production starting in June.