Nintendo Switch 2: Digital Foundry Breaks Down Nvidia T239 Processor and Next-Gen Performance

As anticipation for the Nintendo Switch 2 intensifies, technical experts are diving deep into the custom Nvidia T239 processor that will power Nintendo’s next-generation console.

Among the leading voices in the analysis of upcoming gaming hardware, Digital Foundry has provided a nuanced, evidence-based examination of the Switch 2’s architecture and how it stacks up against its contemporaries, particularly the PlayStation 4 and Valve's Steam Deck. The Nintendo Switch 2, following the legacy of its revolutionary predecessor, is set to launch with significant architectural upgrades.

Digital Foundry, known for its technical acumen, has meticulously traced the T239 processor’s development, referencing information as far back as initial leaks in 2021.

This thorough approach allows for a clear understanding of what gamers and developers can expect at launch. In a recent feature published by Eurogamer, Digital Foundry’s Richard Leadbetter summarizes the hardware’s major shifts.

According to Leadbetter, the Switch 2’s T239 processor uses a variant of Nvidia’s Ampere GPU—the same architecture as the highly regarded RTX 30-series graphics cards.

However, in contrast to previous iterations, the Switch 2 hardware streamlines several features, removing the deep learning accelerator and the ARM Cortex A78AE found in the T234.

The GPU itself sees a reduction from 2048 CUDA cores to 1536, and the memory interface narrows from 256-bit to 128-bit.

Despite these changes, the processor remains considerably larger than the Steam Deck’s, though it is built on a less advanced process. Discussing the gameplay demos featured in the latest Nintendo Direct and hands-on previews in Paris and New York, Leadbetter commented through Eurogamer that, based on the confirmed Switch 2 specs, nothing from these showings was unexpected.

The system’s performance aligns with industry expectations, delivering PlayStation 4-class power—an assessment echoed by Activision’s Bobby Kotick. Yet, the Switch 2’s modern architecture offers tangible improvements over last-generation consoles.

With 256GB of universal flash storage (UFS) and advanced file decompression hardware, developers are able to achieve faster data access than ever before on a Nintendo system.

Leadbetter points to this as a crucial advantage, suggesting that demanding games such as Cyberpunk 2077 and upcoming titles like Star Wars Outlaws could showcase the Switch 2’s potential when optimized to leverage this new architecture. Digital Foundry also addresses frequent comparisons between the Switch 2 and the Valve Steam Deck.

Leadbetter observes that while the Switch 2 delivers stronger docked performance, the mobile experience remains to be fully assessed.

He notes that third-party games like Elden Ring and Final Fantasy 7 exhibit native 1080p output and features that the Steam Deck struggles to match at the same graphical fidelity. However, energy efficiency is another area where the Switch 2 differentiates itself.

The Steam Deck’s fully unlocked GPU operates up to 1.6GHz with a CPU that can reach 3.5GHz, consuming as much as 28W.

In contrast, the Switch 2’s GPU runs at 561MHz with a 1.1GHz CPU, drawing a maximum 10W of power from a 20Wh battery—substantially lower than the Steam Deck and a testament to Nintendo's commitment to portability and battery life. While questions remain regarding the Switch 2’s power draw and exact implementation of Nvidia’s DLSS technology, all verified signs indicate a platform poised to compete with the PlayStation 4 and contemporary handhelds.

As the launch approaches, both fans and analysts await hands-on reviews to see how these technical advancements translate into real-world gaming experiences. For more in-depth technical coverage, Digital Foundry’s original analysis on Eurogamer is recommended reading for those wanting the complete breakdown on the Nintendo Switch 2 processor and its place in the modern hardware landscape.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Nvidia Digital Foundry Steam Deck PlayStation 4 PlayStation Steam Switch 2 Switch Valve T239 processor Nintendo Switch