Slightly bit extra to share: When Nintendo unveiled the Change 2, it was imprecise in regards to the chip powering the machine, solely mentioning that it was a customized design from Nvidia. No technical specs had been offered – simply normal info like help for as much as 120fps on-device, 4K at 60fps, VRR, and related options. Luckily, Nvidia has since shed a bit extra gentle on the topic.

Nvidia just lately posted a weblog highlighting options of the {hardware} powering the Change 2, going past what Nintendo initially shared. Amongst these options is help for ray tracing.

Whereas ray tracing can also be out there on different consoles, it took a while for builders to start out utilizing it. Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Cyberpunk 2077 had been among the many first titles to implement ray tracing on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Collection X. In keeping with The Shortcut, as of January, the variety of PS5 video games with ray tracing help had grown to 58. Nevertheless, a few of these solely provide ray tracing on the PS5 Professional.

Whereas ray tracing can also be out there on different consoles, it took some time for builders to start out really utilizing it. Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Cyberpunk 2077 had been among the many first titles to implement ray tracing on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Collection X. In keeping with The Shortcut, as of January, the variety of PS5 video games with ray tracing help has grown to 58. Nevertheless, a few of these solely provide ray tracing on the PS5 Professional.

One other bragging proper Nintendo can declare is DLSS help, now a mainstay for desktop gaming. AMD’s platform-agnostic various, FidelityFX Tremendous Decision (FSR), has just lately trickled into gaming laptops, consoles, and handheld PCs. Each applied sciences improve picture high quality whereas sustaining efficiency, however the Change 2 is the primary gaming handheld to supply Nvidia’s arguably superior DLSS. Due to its Tensor Cores, Nvidia claims Nintendo’s hybrid console delivers 10 occasions the graphical efficiency of the unique Change.

Elden Ring hits Change 2 later this 12 months, which might be a very good testing floor for its DLSS and RT options.

All of this appears nice on paper, however here is the rub: it is in the end as much as builders to implement these applied sciences. We should not count on widespread adoption instantly. It took time for builders to prioritize ray tracing and DLSS on the PS5 and Xbox Collection X. Rockstar, for instance, did not add ray tracing to GTA V till 2022 – two years after these consoles launched. Given the Change 2’s smaller display and handheld focus, adoption could take even longer right here.

Even with its elevated decision when docked to a TV, the Change 2 continues to be closely marketed as a handheld machine. Its 8-inch, 1080p show working at 120fps is greater than satisfactory for handheld use, so builders could not really feel an pressing must combine DLSS or ray tracing in new releases or patches – no less than not instantly. Nvidia hasn’t talked about any particular video games presently in growth that can showcase both know-how.

The extra urgent considerations across the Change 2 are its value level and the price of its video games.

At $450 for what continues to be sub-console efficiency, many present Change house owners are taking a tough go on the upgraded mannequin. Nintendo’s new $70 to $80 pricing technique for each new and remastered titles has additionally raised eyebrows amongst followers. Whereas the Change 2 is clearly a succesful handheld, it does not fairly measure as much as dwelling consoles – besides on the subject of value.