The newly unveiled Nintendo Switch 2 appears to be missing a key feature from its predecessor: the infrared (IR) camera in the right Joy-Con. This omission could potentially restrict gameplay in certain titles that rely on the IR camera's motion and gesture detection capabilities.
The Omission of the IR Camera
The Nintendo Switch 2, unveiled on January 16, boasts improvements such as a larger display, an enhanced kickstand, and better performance. However, the absence of the IR camera, which was a unique feature of the original Switch, is noticeable in the released video footage of the new console. This camera allowed for versatile gameplay through the detection of movements and gestures.
Impact on Games
The IR camera in the original Nintendo Switch enabled unique gameplay experiences in various titles, including:
- 1-2-Switch: Used for simulating gestures like rock-paper-scissors.
- Dr. Kawashima's Brain Training: Allows players to use hand gestures to answer tasks.
- Resident Evil Revelations: Players can mimic reloading weapons by covering the camera.
While the Switch 2 is said to be backwards compatible, games utilizing the IR camera may have limitations. However, it's possible that original Switch Joy-Cons could be paired to the new console via Bluetooth, allowing for uninterrupted play.
Nintendo Switch 2 Clock Speed Leaks and DLSS
Leaked clock speeds for the Nintendo Switch 2 suggest that the system is powered by an 8nm chip. Analysis suggests that the leaked clock speeds are reasonable for the type of system that the Nintendo Switch 2 is set to be. However, some aspects, such as the handheld GPU clock speed, seem a bit low for the cooling solutions rumored to be used in the console.
Furthermore, the reveal trailer did not showcase the Switch 2 taking advantage of its T239's Ampere architecture, such as DLSS. While the new Transformer model of DLSS could potentially be used, it is computationally heavier, making its viability for a mobile system uncertain. A lightweight DLSS solution for the Nintendo Switch 2 is more likely.
Availability
The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch globally later this year, with more details expected to be released in a Nintendo Direct scheduled for early April.
