Digital Foundry confirms Nintendo Switch 2 specs with CPU, GPU, and surprising memory allocation details

Nintendo has posted official Switch 2 specs on its website, but some details remain vague. Digital Foundry has now revealed more precise information about the console's CPU, GPU, and memory. Much of the hardware matches previous Switch 2 leaks. However, gamers will also encounter surprises, like with the allocation of the handheld's memory.

To no one's surprise, Digital Foundry confirmed that the Switch 2 runs on a custom Nvidia T239 processor. The CPU in play has eight cores and uses the ARM Cortex-A78C architecture. Six cores are open to developers, while the remaining two are dedicated to the system's OS. Strangely, the CPU clock in docked mode is 998MHz, while it's a higher 1101MHz in handheld mode. The T239 processor also boasts a maximum clock speed of 1.7GHz, which Nintendo could take advantage of in the future.

Nvidia's Ampere architecture is responsible for enhanced visuals on the Switch 2. When docked, GPU clocks are 1007MHz, dropping to 561MHz in handheld mode. Developers can tweak clock settings and potentially access speeds up to 1.4GHz. The Switch 2 GPU has 1536 CUDA cores, a major boost over the original Switch's mark of 256. Digital Foundry also clarified that upscaling settings, including DLSS 1x, 2x, and 3x modes, and DLAA, are options. The choices are similar to DLSS performance, balanced, and quality modes in many PC games.

The most controversial Switch 2 specs may be memory-related. The console relies on 12GB of LPDDR5X DRAM, divided between a pair of 6GB modules. Memory bandwidth is 102GB/s in docked mode and 68GB/s when the handheld is mobile. Surprisingly, only 9GB is accessible to game developers. Critics are already blaming features like GameChat for hogging the remaining 3GB.

Digital Foundry also verified that VRR is unavailable when the console connects to TVs or monitors. The limitation most likely results from the dock's DisplayPort to HDMI converter.