New Nintendo Patent Promises Enhanced Upscaling for Switch 2

Nintendo has officially filed a patent that suggests the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will enhance its performance using AI-based upscaling while in handheld mode. The idea is that this technology will take a 540p image and upscale it to 1080p, offering not just a crisper image but also higher frame rates. We can expect more information regarding the features, pricing, and release date of the Switch 2 during the Nintendo Direct event scheduled for April 2.

Earlier this month, on March 13, Nintendo took steps to secure a patent for this upscaling technology, which aims to boost performance on the Nintendo Switch 2 when in handheld mode. The submission featured examples demonstrating how it would work, showcasing differences between the original resolutions and the enhanced ones.

The Switch 2, poised as the successor to the original Nintendo Switch, has stirred up considerable buzz even before its official reveal in January. It promises a larger screen, innovative Joy-Con controllers, and backwards compatibility with most existing Switch games, save for a few exceptions. While Nintendo will continue to support the original console with new titles like “Metroid Prime 4: Beyond” and “Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition,” it’s yet to be seen how these games will perform on the new platform.

Delving deeper, filings from the FCC have confirmed some wireless features of the Switch 2. But what’s capturing attention now is the new patent that highlights AI upscaling capabilities. Discovered by Mike Odyssey on Twitter, the details reveal how this AI-driven technology can upscale lower resolution games to HD quality in handheld mode.

Interestingly, Nintendo laid out in the patent how a typical 540p image could be transformed. Drawing parallels with technologies like Nvidia’s DLSS and AMD’s FSR, the patent explains that the Switch 2 will utilize a neural network to reorganize image data for a clearer, crisp output at 1080p, all while improving frame rates. However, specifics about battery consumption or if these high-res capabilities extend to Docked Mode were not disclosed. Moreover, which titles will harness this upscaling power remains a mystery.

The April 2 Nintendo Direct is expected to shed light on the pricing, release date, and additional features of the Switch 2. While there are still unanswered questions, especially regarding availability, anticipation is building around how Nintendo’s next-gen console will measure up against competitors in the market.