Nintendo Switch 2 Could Easily Receive Games at 60 FPS from Xbox Series S

Key Takeaways

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The performance of many games on the Nintendo Switch 2 is comparable to that on the Xbox Series S, thanks to DLSS upscaling technology.
Games running at 60 FPS on the Xbox Series S should smoothly port to the Switch 2, while GPU-bound 30 FPS games may also adapt well. However, optimizing complex physics, animations, or CPU-heavy elements for a stable 30 or 60 FPS target might require additional effort and time.
The new graphics API for the Switch 2 is NVN2, and ray tracing is expected to become common in Switch 2 games. This suggests that the console's graphical capabilities are impressive, particularly considering its portable nature.
With development kits now available, several studios have started working on ports and adaptations for the Nintendo Switch 2. This indicates a strong belief in the new console's potential and suggests that AAA games will continue to be popular on portable platforms, potentially prolonging Nintendo's successful cycle following over 130 million sales of the original Switch.

Nintendo Switch 2’s Performance Equal to Xbox Series S for Many Titles with DLSS Upscaling

Eoin O’Grady, Technical Director of Black Shamrock, a subsidiary of Virtuos, recently shared insights on the Nintendo Switch 2’s technical capabilities in an interview with Wccftech. Virtuos, a significant player in game development, frequently works on AAA titles and ports games to new platforms. O’Grady stated that the Nintendo Switch 2 can easily run games targeting 60 frames per second (FPS) on the Xbox Series S. He explained that while the Switch 2’s overall graphics processing unit (GPU) power is slightly less than the Series S, its inclusion of DLSS upscaling technology effectively equalizes their performance for many titles. In terms of processing power, the Switch 2’s central processing unit (CPU) is more akin to a PlayStation 4’s. Games running at a stable 60 FPS on the Xbox Series S, for instance, should port smoothly to the Switch 2. Similarly, a 30 FPS game on the Series S that is primarily GPU-bound should also adapt well. However, games with complex physics, animations, or other CPU-heavy elements may require significant additional optimization during the porting process to achieve 30 or 60 FPS targets. This extra effort, O’Grady noted, could incur additional costs and directly impact production timelines.

Virtuos, known for its porting work on titles such as Horizon Zero Dawn, Cyberpunk 2077, and Hogwarts Legacy, identified the new graphics API for the Switch 2 as NVN2. O’Grady also indicated that ray tracing is expected to become a common feature in Switch 2 games. He added that many modern games are more GPU-dependent than CPU-dependent, a factor that favors the new console when games are well-optimized. The Switch 2’s performance on third-party games appears promising, with the technical gap between it and the Xbox Series S being considerably narrower than that between the original Switch and current-gen consoles. This diminished difference means developers are less concerned about spec disparities. The Nintendo Switch 2’s custom DLSS upscaling, powered by its Tegra T239 chip, enhances image sharpness and performance, making the console’s slightly reduced performance in handheld mode, compared to the Series S, less noticeable. Demonstrating its capabilities, the Nintendo Switch 2’s version of Street Fighter 6 competes with the Xbox Series S in performance while offering higher texture and image quality. Furthermore, CD Projekt RED’s port of Cyberpunk 2077 on the Switch 2 achieves a smooth 30 FPS in Quality mode and 40 FPS in Performance mode.

Despite the optimization challenges for certain titles, Virtuos maintains a high belief in the new console’s potential, particularly given its portable nature and the platform’s enduring popularity. Industry sources indicate that development kits are now available, and several studios have already begun working on ports and adaptations. The Switch 2 is expected to sustain public interest in AAA games on a portable platform, which could help prolong Nintendo’s successful cycle following over 130 million sales of the original Switch.

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