Nintendo Switch 2 isn't the only handheld Nvidia is apparently planning to power
May. 15, 2024Jensen is allegedly “frustrated” with Nintendo
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FreshNvidiahandheld rumors are making the rounds, and this time they tie to a potential partnership with a company that isn’t Nintendo. Both parties are allegedly working on a SoC designed with portable PCs in mind, but there’s a good chance it’ll feel more like a Steam Deck than something like theAsusROG Ally orLenovoLegion GO.
If I were Nvidia right now, I’d be pretty cheesed off aboutAMDdominating thebest gaming handheldscene. Sure, all signs point towards the green team helping make theSwitch 2a reality, but most other new-age portable PCs use some sort of RDNA 2 or 3 chip. So, it’s hardly surprising that we keep hearing rumblings that other devices with Ampere-based chips are coming, with the latest round of whispers adding substantial fuel to the rumor pyre.
The latest round of rumors comes off the back of a leak by analystDan Nysterdtthat covers a joint venture between Nvidia and fellow chip-makers Mediatek. The initial tidbit actually relates to an Arm-based chip for AI purposes that could be revealed during Computex, but leakerXpeaGPUexpands upon the original claim by stating the companies are “also working on a gaming handheld SoC.”
In addition, it sounds like it’s not just Switch fans who are ticked off with Nintendo about the sequel console, as XpeaGPU says Nvidia president Jensen Huang is also frustrated. Again, I imagine it’s irritating watching your biggest rival power a majority of handhelds while you wait on one of the biggest console makers to decide on a release date, especially if the Switch 2 ends up sticking with a less impressive custom Tegra chip.
Should you wait for a Nvidia handheld?
With powerful portables like theSteam Deck OLEDand the mightyAsus ROG Allyalready providing cutting-edge performance, you might be wondering why you’d even want an Nvidia handheld. It admittedly feels like all corners of the market are effectively covered, but there’s one feature that could completely change gaming on the go as we know it.
If you’ve got one of thebest graphics cardsby Nvidia, you’re likely already aware of DLSS. It’s a collection of fps boosting tools that can enhance performance using AI upscaling and Frame Generation tech, which works to fill in frame rate gaps when running demanding games. Simply put, if those superpowers were available to handhelds, we’d be able to potentially hit that 60fps sweet spot at higher resolutions without having to dial back on settings and fidelity.
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Now, before any AMD fans reach for their pitchforks, I’m well aware that FidelityFX Super Resolution, the Radeon equivalent has been present within the Steam Deck from day one. It’s also worth noting that the red team’s solution is pretty effective, but lacks the accuracy of AI provided by DLSS. If Nvidia can bring its frame-gen tech to aValvecompetitor, we’d almost certainly benefit from speedier visuals that feature fewer artifacts and caveats associated with traditional upscaling methods.
Naturally, I’m praying that the above is something that’ll end up included with the Switch 2, and previous rumors point towards the next Nintendo handheld using DLSS. Nevertheless, if we end up with just some elements included with the portable successor, we can perhaps find comfort in the fact that Frame Generation and other powerful features may end up in a true portable powerhouse.
Looking for more Nvidia-powered machines? Swing by thebest gaming PCandgaming laptopfor fully-fledged rigs. Alternatively, check out thebest Steam Deck accessoriesandbest Steam Deck dockif you already own Valve’s portable powerhouse.
I’ve been messing around with PCs, video game consoles, and tech since before I could speak. Don’t get me wrong, I kickstarted my relationship with technology by jamming a Hot Wheels double-decker bus into my parent’s VCR, but we all have to start somewhere. I even somehow managed to become a walking, talking buyer’s guide at my teenage supermarket job, which helped me accept my career fate. So, rather than try to realise my musician dreams, or see out my University degree, I started running my own retro pop culture site and writing about video games and tech for the likes of TechRadar, The Daily Star, and the BBC before eventually ending up with a job covering graphics card shenanigans at PCGamesN. Now, I’m your friendly neighbourhood Hardware Editor at GamesRadar, and it’s my job to make sure you can kick butt in all your favourite games using the best gaming hardware, whether you’re a sucker for handhelds like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch or a hardcore gaming PC enthusiast.
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