Nintendo’s Latest Patent Hints at Big Switch 2 Plans

As a lifelong Nintendo fan, I am beyond thrilled about the latest developments in their upcoming console. Growing up with a Game Boy and the original Nintendo Entertainment System, I vividly remember the magical moments of exploring new worlds and overcoming challenges on those iconic devices. The prospect of portable gaming with high-quality graphics is an exciting evolution for this beloved brand.

The patent’s focus on reducing game file sizes has me particularly intrigued. As someone who often struggles to manage storage space on my current console, the ability to store more games on smaller, more affordable physical media would be a godsend. Plus, with Nintendo’s history of creating immersive and engaging games, I can only imagine how incredible their graphics will look when upscaled using AI technology.

The rumors about the new system being powered by Nvidia hardware also add to my anticipation. As someone who has seen firsthand the power of Nvidia’s capabilities in other gaming devices, I am confident that this partnership will result in a console that delivers an exceptional gaming experience.

While we await official details, I find myself eagerly counting down the days until Nintendo’s announcement. In the meantime, I can’t help but chuckle at the thought of how much smaller my game collection could become with these storage-saving innovations – maybe one day, I won’t need a separate room for all my consoles and games!

Nintendo has recently submitted a patent that suggests intriguing advancements for its upcoming gaming console. This patent, filed in July 2023 and published on January 1, 2025, outlines a machine learning system intended to boost image clarity. This technology mirrors DLSS (deep learning super sampling), which employs artificial intelligence to amplify game graphics, allowing for improved visuals without demanding more robust hardware.

In the realm of video gaming, technologies that enhance resolution (upscaling) are increasingly being utilized. For instance, Sony’s PlayStation 5 Pro employs its unique method called PSSR, whereas AMD’s FSR has gained widespread use across multiple platforms, being implemented separately in different games. Interestingly, Nintendo’s patent hints at a possible integration of a similar feature in their upcoming console, which could potentially deliver high-quality graphics on a portable device.

As a gaming enthusiast, I find one captivating feature of this patent lies in its emphasis on minimizing game file sizes. It does so by saving games at lower resolutions and enhancing them dynamically during gameplay, which could lead to a substantial reduction in storage requirements. For example, a game with original 4K textures might demand a 60GB download, whereas a 1080p version would only need 20GB. This compression would enable games to be stored on smaller, more budget-friendly physical media such as the current 32GB Switch cartridges.

It’s worth noting that the standout aspect following a detailed read is the single instance provided, which primarily aims at minimizing total game sizes. This is to accommodate a modern game onto “limited storage physical media” such as Nintendo Switch cartridges. As the capacity of these cartridges increases, so does their cost exponentially.

— Laura Kate Dale – LauraKBuzz (@laurakbuzz.bsky.social) 2025-01-01T13:41:57.130Z

On the same day the patent was released, pictures supposedly depicting the internal workings of Nintendo’s upcoming console surfaced online. These images hint that, similar to the existing Switch, the new system will utilize Nvidia technology for power. However, Nintendo has not officially unveiled their new console, but they have indicated that they aim to do so during their current financial year, which concludes in March 2025.

Filing this patent for Nintendo’s upcoming console heightens the excitement, as the possible integration of AI-based resolution enhancement may lead to superior visuals and streamlined storage management. While official specifics are yet to be revealed, it’s intriguing to speculate on how these advancements could elevate our gaming adventures.

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2025-01-02 04:16