If you believe the rumors, at some point this year Nintendo is set to release a new Switch console with a 7-inch 720p OLED display and the ability to output 4K through a TV. But how will Nintendo achieve 4K visuals? Deep Learning Super Sampling.
As Bloomberg reports, Nintendo has apparently selected a new Nvidia chip to power the upgraded Switch which includes Nvidia’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology. DLSS works by upscaling lower-resolution images in real-time using deep learning.
Here's Nvidia explaining how the latest version of DLSS works:
By relying on DLSS for 4K output, Nintendo can enjoy a number of benefits to keep costs and resources under control. Upscaling means no 4K assets will be required for games, so Switch carts won't need to get any bigger. It also means existing games can receive the same 4K visual upgrade as new titles because no new assets are required. However, some new code is required per game, meaning existing games will need patching to unlock 4K.
This new Switch is expected to launch at a higher price point, which Nintendo can easily justify if we really are getting a larger OLED display and 4K output (and hopefully significantly longer battery life). According to Bloomberg, analysts are predicting either a $349.99, or more realistically, a $399.99 price point, making it $100 more expensive than the existing Switch model.