The buzz surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 has hit an all-time high. With leaks and rumors surfacing left and right, fans are more eager than ever to get an official announcement from Nintendo. From whispers about hardware upgrades to design tweaks, the excitement around this next-gen console is electrifying. And now, the latest leak has given us what could be the most detailed look yet at the Switch 2’s full specifications. Let’s break it all down.

What’s Behind the Hype?

It’s no secret that the original Nintendo Switch revolutionized gaming by seamlessly combining handheld and docked gameplay. But it’s been several years since its release, and gamers have been clamoring for an upgrade. The Switch 2’s rumored specs suggest Nintendo might be delivering on those demands, with performance improvements that could rival even some dedicated gaming PCs. While Nintendo has remained tight-lipped, recent leaks have provided a glimpse into what we might expect from this highly anticipated console.

The Source of the Leak

The latest information comes courtesy of ZachyCatGames, a well-known dataminer active on Famiboards. According to their findings, the Switch 2’s hardware could feature some serious upgrades. ZachyCatGames’ data aligns with earlier leaks, adding credibility to the claims that the next-gen console will be a true powerhouse in the gaming world.

Here are the headline details that have everyone talking:

Nintendo Switch 2 Full Specs Breakdown

CPU

• Arm Cortex-A78C
• 8 cores
• Cache sizes (L1/L2/L3): Unknown

GPU

• Nvidia T239 Ampere architecture
  • 1 Graphics Processing Cluster (GPC)
  • 12 Streaming Multiprocessors (SM)
  • 1534 CUDA cores
  • 6 Texture Processing Clusters (TPC)
  • 48 Gen 3 Tensor cores
  • 2 RTX ray-tracing cores

RAM

• 12 GB LPDDR5

Performance: Handheld vs. Docked Mode

The Switch 2 appears to deliver different levels of performance depending on whether it’s being used as a handheld or docked. Let’s look at the numbers:

Handheld Mode

• CPU: 998.4 MHz
• GPU: 561 MHz (~1.72 TFLOPS)
• Memory Frequency: 4266 MHz
• Memory Bandwidth: 68.256 GB/s

Docked Mode

• CPU: 1100.8 MHz
• GPU: 1007.25 MHz (~3.09 TFLOPS)
• Memory Frequency: 6400 MHz
• Memory Bandwidth: 102.4 GB/s

What These Numbers Mean

If these specs are accurate, the Nintendo Switch 2 represents a massive leap forward compared to its predecessor. Let’s break it down:

• GPU Power: In docked mode, the GPU clocks at 1007.25 MHz, which translates to approximately 3.09 TFLOPS. This puts the Switch 2’s graphical performance in the same ballpark as the Steam Deck OLED—a handheld device known for its impressive capabilities. This means smoother gameplay and better graphics, whether you’re battling it out in an open-world RPG or running an intense multiplayer session.
• Memory Bandwidth: With a jump to 102.4 GB/s in docked mode, the memory bandwidth is almost double that of the original Switch. This upgrade is crucial for handling high-resolution textures and more complex game environments without sacrificing performance.
• Ray Tracing and Tensor Cores: The inclusion of RTX ray-tracing cores hints at the possibility of advanced lighting and shadow effects, bringing more realism to games. Meanwhile, the 48 Tensor cores could enhance machine learning applications, such as AI-driven upscaling via Nvidia’s DLSS technology.
• Flexibility in Modes: The two performance tiers—handheld and docked—mean you’ll get optimized performance no matter how you prefer to play. Handheld gamers will enjoy improved visuals and faster load times, while docked users can expect near-console-level performance on their TVs.

How Does It Compare to the Original Switch?

To put these upgrades into perspective, here’s how the Switch 2 stacks up against the original Switch:

• CPU: The jump from an older Arm architecture to the Cortex-A78C brings modern performance improvements, making the system faster and more responsive.
• GPU: The original Switch’s GPU was based on Nvidia’s Maxwell architecture, which is now several generations behind. With the T239 Ampere GPU, the Switch 2 leaps forward, offering significantly higher performance.
• RAM: Doubling the RAM from 4 GB (in the base model) to 12 GB LPDDR5 is a game-changer, especially for modern titles requiring more memory to run smoothly.

What About the Release Date and Price?

While the specs are exciting, fans are just as curious about when they can actually get their hands on the Switch 2. Rumors suggest a potential reveal today, January 16, 2025. Pricing speculation puts the console at around $400, which would make it competitive with other mid-tier gaming hardware. There’s even chatter about a limited-edition bundle, although details remain scarce.

Related

Nintendo Unveils the Switch 2: Here’s What You Need to Know

Final Thoughts

If these leaks hold up, the Nintendo Switch 2 could be a game-changer, offering a next-gen gaming experience in both handheld and docked modes. With a stronger CPU, a more powerful GPU, and a significant RAM upgrade, this console has the potential to redefine what we expect from hybrid gaming systems.

That said, remember to take all of this with a grain of salt. Until Nintendo makes an official announcement, these specs remain speculative. Still, it’s hard not to get excited about what’s shaping up to be one of the most significant gaming hardware releases in years.

What are your thoughts on the leaked specs? Are you hyped for the Switch 2? Share your opinions in the comments below!