CD Projekt Red has made waves in the gaming world by announcing that Cyberpunk 2077 will be the first confirmed title for Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 console to leverage NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology. The news arrives alongside a flurry of leaks and reports detailing the long-rumored console’s hardware capabilities, painting a clearer picture of Nintendo’s next-generation ambitions.
A New Era for Nintendo Hardware
For years, the original Nintendo Switch’s hardware limitations have sparked debates about its ability to run graphically intensive AAA titles. But the Switch 2, reportedly targeting a late 2024 release, appears poised to bridge that gap. Leaked specifications suggest the console will feature a custom NVIDIA Tegra T239 system-on-a-chip (SoC), an 8-inch LCD screen (with an OLED model rumored for later), 12GB of RAM, and support for NVIDIA’s DLSS 3.5.
DLSS, a proprietary AI-powered upscaling technology, has become a cornerstone of modern PC gaming, enabling higher resolutions and smoother frame rates without taxing hardware. Its inclusion in the Switch 2 marks a significant leap for Nintendo, positioning the hybrid console as a viable platform for cutting-edge titles like Cyberpunk 2077.
Watch the leaked Switch 2 DLSS presentation here, which highlights how the technology could transform portable gaming.
Cyberpunk 2077’s Redemption Arc Continues
Originally plagued by performance issues on last-gen consoles, Cyberpunk 2077 has undergone a remarkable turnaround, bolstered by updates and its Phantom Liberty expansion. The Switch 2 version, confirmed during a recent investor call, will reportedly target 1080p resolution in docked mode and 720p in handheld, with DLSS enabling ray-traced lighting and stable 30-60 FPS performance.
“Bringing Cyberpunk 2077 to the Switch 2 is a thrilling technical challenge,” said CD Projekt Red’s Chief Technology Officer, Michał Nowakowski. “DLSS allows us to maintain the visual fidelity Night City deserves, even on a portable device.”
Industry Implications and Gamer Reactions
The Switch 2’s rumored specs and DLSS integration signal Nintendo’s intent to court third-party developers who previously bypassed the Switch due to hardware constraints. Titles like The Witcher 3 and Doom Eternal proved AAA games could run on the original Switch, but often at steep compromises. DLSS could eliminate many of those trade-offs, opening the door for ports of current-gen games like Elden Ring or Starfield.
Still, skepticism lingers. While DLSS enhances performance, the Switch 2’s mobile-grade hardware will inevitably lag behind the PS5 and Xbox Series X. However, as showcased in the leaked presentation, DLSS 3.5’s frame-generation capabilities could help the console punch above its weight, particularly in handheld mode.
The Road Ahead
With Cyberpunk 2077 leading the charge, the Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be a hybrid console that prioritizes modern gaming trends without sacrificing portability. While pricing and battery life remain unanswered questions, the combination of DLSS and improved specs suggests Nintendo is ready to compete in the 4K era—on its own terms.
As the gaming community dissects every leak, one thing is clear: the Switch 2’s success may hinge on its ability to balance innovation with the pick-up-and-play magic that made its predecessor a global phenomenon. For now, Night City’s neon-lit streets have given us a tantalizing glimpse of that future.