A recent US patent application by Nintendo, filed in July 2023 and disclosed on December 31, 2024, has unveiled an intriguing new feature that could potentially be incorporated into the upcoming Switch 2 console. Despite the console’s official announcement still shrouded in mystery within the gaming industry, this patented technology could potentially enable the Switch 2 to deliver games at a higher visual quality and improved performance.
The patent pertains to “systems and methods for machine learned image conversions,” a concept that bears resemblance to Nvidia’s DLSS technology and PlayStation’s PSSR upscaling technology. This machine learning approach allows hardware to enhance video game graphics by generating higher-resolution visuals without the need for the typically associated hardware requirements.
This enhancement in visual quality does not come at the expense of performance compromises, making it a valuable technological advancement. This feature could be particularly beneficial for the Switch 2, which is speculated to be less powerful than its contemporary competitors, Microsoft and PlayStation, enabling it to maximize its processing capabilities.
Moreover, the patent suggests that this technology could also reduce the size of games to accommodate smaller capacity physical media, such as the Switch cartridges with a maximum capacity of 32GB. This innovation could potentially allow larger games to be accommodated on smaller physical storage mediums through machine learning image conversions.
Nintendo has previously confirmed plans for backward compatibility on the console, aligning with its extensive library of exclusive titles. With anticipation building for the official unveiling of the Switch 2, enthusiasts are eagerly speculating on the additional features it may offer. What are your dream features for the Switch 2? Share your thoughts!
