In a groundbreaking leak, images and analysis of the Nintendo Switch 2’s motherboard have surfaced online, offering the first concrete look at the highly anticipated console’s hardware. The teardown, conducted by an anonymous tech group, confirms several long-rumored specs, including a custom NVIDIA chip, upgraded RAM, and support for 4K gaming—a major leap over its predecessor.
The Heart of the Console: Inside the Switch 2’s Design
The motherboard reveals a custom NVIDIA T239 processor, a significant upgrade from the original Switch’s Tegra X1. This chip reportedly combines an 8-core ARM Cortex-A78 CPU with a next-gen Ada Lovelace GPU architecture, promising smoother performance and ray tracing capabilities. Paired with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM (up from 4GB on the Switch), the system appears poised to handle modern AAA titles with ease. Storage also sees a boost, with a 256GB UFS 3.1 module replacing the aging eMMC storage, reducing load times significantly.
Notably, the teardown highlights a USB-C 4.0 port for faster docking and data transfer, along with support for DLSS 3.5, which could enable 4K upscaling in docked mode. Analysts suggest these upgrades position the Switch 2 as a hybrid console capable of rivaling the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S in raw power, while retaining Nintendo’s signature portability.
A New Era for Nintendo Games
Industry insiders claim the upgraded hardware will allow Nintendo to bridge the gap between its family-friendly catalog and demanding third-party titles. In a related announcement, CD Projekt Red confirmed Cyberpunk 2077 will launch on the Switch 2, marking the first time the game runs on a Nintendo platform. According to GSMGoTech, the port will leverage DLSS and ray tracing to deliver a “surprisingly crisp” experience, even in handheld mode.
The move signals Nintendo’s ambition to attract Western developers who previously skipped the Switch due to hardware limitations. “This is Nintendo’s answer to ‘Can it run Cyberpunk?’” said gaming analyst Liam Parker. “They’re finally stepping into the modern era.”
Leaks, Backlash, and a Mysterious Source
The teardown’s origins remain murky, but the leaks gained traction after prominent tech sleuth @Kurnalsalts on X shared schematics earlier this week. The account, known for accurate hardware predictions, claims the motherboard is from a “near-final” dev kit. Nintendo has yet to comment, but enthusiasts are already dissecting the details.
Critics warn that the specs could lead to a higher price point—rumors suggest 299 launch price. However, fans argue the upgrades justify the cost, especially with backward compatibility for original Switch games confirmed.
What’s Next for Nintendo?
With a speculated late 2025 release window, the Switch 2 faces stiff competition from Sony and Microsoft’s mid-gen refreshes. Yet, Nintendo’s focus on hybrid gaming and a revamped library—including a Legend of Zelda title built specifically for the new hardware—could help it carve a unique niche.
As the leaks spread, one thing is clear: Nintendo is no longer playing catch-up. The Switch 2 isn’t just an iteration—it’s a statement.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
Analyze Switch 2 Nvidia T239 SOC ing pic.twitter.com/DVOjucCePu
— Kurnal (@Kurnalsalts) April 21, 2025