The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch console set for a March release might disappoint, sporting lower-end specs than the 3-year-old PlayStation 4.
Nintendo has yet to offer details on the specifications of its new console, but it has scheduled an event for Jan. 12 when it is expected to provide additional information.
In the meantime, VentureBeat learned some details about the Nintendo Switch specs and apparently they won't be all that impressive.
Nvidia Maxwell Graphics
According to VentureBeat, two sources familiar with the matter confirmed for GamesBeat that the Nintendo Switch will not be using Nvidia's latest Pascal architecture, but the last-generation Maxwell graphics architecture.
Although Nvidia launched its new Pascal architecture earlier this year, it's not yet ready to fire up the Nintendo Switch so the 20-nm Maxwell Tegra will fit in. This means that the Nintendo Switch should deliver decent graphics for Nintendo-style games, but won't hold a candle to the graphical fidelity of the more advanced PS4 games.
That's not to say that the Switch will have poor visual capabilities, as it should still be able to meet the needs of most gamers. However, the choice of Maxwell architecture is still surprising, especially considering that the Nintendo Switch aims to serve both as a home console and a portable gaming system.
No Time For Pascal
The unnamed sources further told VentureBeat's GamesBeat that Nintendo is in a rush to get the Switch on the market, so it can't wait for the Tegra version with Pascal architecture. The rush is not only because Nintendo aims to replace the declining Wii U, but also because it wants to release its hybrid console before rivals come up with potentially better products. If it were to wait for the Pascal version of the Nvidia Tegra, Nintendo would be forced to delay the Switch release.
Even without PS4-grade horsepower however, the Nintendo Switch could still have some tricks up its sleeve to keep up with modern games. As the report suggests, Nintendo could customize the Maxwell-based Tegra chip to increase clock speed when running on a constant power source. In portable mode, meanwhile, games will likely run at a lower resolution as the console is rumored to have a 6.2-inch 720p display.
Nintendo Games
Without top-notch graphics, the Nintendo Switch could set itself apart from the crowd through content. The console is expected to have a slew of popular Nintendo games, including the much-touted Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Unprecedented portability and popular Nintendo games may significantly boost the appeal of the Switch console despite the disappointing specifications, but it remains to be seen how things will pan out.
