Nintendo Switch 2 specs make a GTA 6 release doubtful, according to tech analysis

Recently, Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick revealed that not all new releases may appear on the Switch 2. That has added to speculation that the system isn't powerful enough for GTA 6. The open-world title may demand better performance than the Switch 2 specs allow. When asked if the console could handle GTA 6, Digital Foundry explained why a port is unrealistic.

Digital Foundry provides analysis of game performance, PC hardware, and consoles. After it shared the final Switch 2 specs, gamers better understand the handheld's capabilities. One immediate roadblock to a Switch 2 version is the game's reliance on ray-traced global illumination. The GTA 6 trailer 2 featured the ultra-realistic lighting effects on most surfaces. While Nintendo's console has some ray-tracing support, the effects will likely limit the PS5 and Xbox Series X to 30 fps. The Switch 2 would have to make even more compromises for acceptable performance.

The Switch 2 relies on a custom Nvidia T239 chip with 2021 origins. Even with the processor's age, it supports DLSS. The upscaling benefits demanding third-party Switch 2 games like Cyberpunk 2077. Regardless, the tech analysis points out that it's underpowered compared to the PS5 CPU.

Other details, like individually rendered hair strands, pose problems for less than top-end systems. As the tech breakdown highlights, how the game renders hair won't change at lower resolutions and detail settings. A Switch 2 GTA 6 version would need dramatic modifications, including using different textures. At the very least, the added work will cause delays well past the May 2026 GTA 6 release date.

Digital Foundry sees a GTA 5 port as far more realistic for this Switch generation. According to new leaks, Nintendo fans may also finally have access to Red Dead Redemption 2.