Rumors about the long-rumored Nintendo Switch 2 have reached a fever pitch this week, with new leaks suggesting the console could deliver a buttery-smooth 120 frames-per-second (fps) mode for upcoming titles like Mario Kart World. A recent performance analysis, combined with hardware speculation, has ignited excitement among fans eager to see Nintendo’s next-gen hybrid device push the boundaries of portable gaming.
According to a detailed report from GSMGoTech, the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to feature a significant hardware overhaul, including a custom Nvidia Tegra processor with ray-tracing capabilities and support for NVIDIA DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling). This leap in power could enable developers to optimize games for higher frame rates, with Mario Kart World reportedly targeting a "Performance Mode" at 120 fps for docked play. While Nintendo has yet to confirm these specs, industry analysts argue that such upgrades would align with the company’s history of refining its hardware to support flagship franchises.
The 120 FPS Promise: Smoother Roads Ahead?
The potential for 120 fps gameplay marks a dramatic shift from the original Switch’s 60 fps cap for most titles. Digital Foundry, a trusted name in technical game analysis, recently dissected the implications of these leaks in a YouTube video, highlighting how DLSS could allow the Switch 2 to upscale resolutions dynamically while maintaining high frame rates. For a fast-paced game like Mario Kart, doubling the frame rate could translate to sharper visuals and near-instantaneous input response—critical for competitive play.
However, achieving 120 fps on a hybrid device poses challenges. The original Switch struggled with battery life during demanding games, and analysts speculate Nintendo may prioritize performance profiles that balance fidelity and portability. A “docked-only” 120 fps mode seems plausible, leveraging the console’s rumored 4K output when connected to a TV, while handheld mode might scale back to 60 fps or 900p resolution to preserve battery life.
What’s Under the Hood?
The GSMGoTech report suggests the Switch 2 will include 8GB of RAM (a modest bump from its predecessor) and a faster NVMe storage solution to reduce load times. Pairing these upgrades with DLSS could explain how Nintendo plans to bridge the gap between portability and next-gen performance. Meanwhile, the Tegra chip’s ray-tracing capabilities—though likely limited compared to PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X—could enhance lighting and reflections in games like Mario Kart World, adding visual polish without sacrificing speed.
Skepticism and Optimism
While the leaks have sparked excitement, some fans remain cautious. Nintendo is notorious for prioritizing innovative gameplay over raw power, and the company has yet to confirm even the existence of a Switch successor. Past rumors, like the infamous “4K Switch” reports, failed to materialize. Still, the involvement of NVIDIA’s cutting-edge upscaling technology lends credibility to these claims, as DLSS has proven transformative for PC and console gaming alike.
The Road to Release
If the rumors hold, the Nintendo Switch 2 could launch as early as Q1 2025, according to GSMGoTech’s sources. A Mario Kart World debut title would make strategic sense, leveraging the franchise’s mass appeal to showcase the hardware’s capabilities. For now, though, fans are advised to treat these details as speculative—albeit thrilling—glimpses into what could be Nintendo’s next big leap.
As always, we’ll keep our Joy-Cons crossed for official news. Stay tuned!
Disclaimer: Nintendo has not publicly commented on Switch 2 specifications or release timelines. Details above are based on third-party analysis and leaks.