The next-generation Nintendo console, tentatively referred to as the Nintendo Switch 2, is rumored to address a major shortcoming of its predecessor: limited RAM. While Nintendo has officially confirmed the console’s existence, details remain scarce. Leaks suggest the design will be similar to the current Switch, but internal hardware will see significant improvements, particularly in RAM capacity.
The hybrid nature of the Switch, functioning as both a handheld and home console, presents inherent limitations. Balancing power, portability, and cost is a challenging equation. However, recent shipment leaks indicate the Nintendo Switch 2 could boast 12GB of RAM, a substantial leap from the current Switch’s meager 4GB.
RAM, or Random Access Memory, plays a crucial role in gaming performance. It temporarily stores game data, enabling the CPU to access information quickly. More RAM translates to smoother gameplay, enhanced graphics, richer environments, and more complex game design. The current Switch’s 4GB RAM has noticeably hampered its performance, particularly with more demanding titles.
While 12GB still falls short of the 16GB found in the PS5 and Xbox Series X, it surpasses the 8GB offered by the PS4 and Xbox One. This aligns with expectations that the Nintendo Switch 2 will approach the performance of current-gen consoles while remaining slightly less powerful overall. The RAM upgrade alone should be immediately apparent to long-time Switch users.
One of the most persistent issues plaguing the Switch, especially as its library matured, has been inconsistent frame rates. The jump to 12GB of RAM in the Switch 2 could significantly improve performance, potentially enabling a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS) or, at the very least, a smoother 30 FPS experience with fewer drops.
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