Tag: Nvidia Tegra T239

  • Nintendo Switch 2 Repairs: Display, Battery, Motherboard 92% Costlier

    Nintendo Switch 2 Repairs: Display, Battery, Motherboard 92% Costlier

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nintendo Switch 2 has officially launched, with a new price list for repairs released by Nintendo Japan.
    2. Repair costs have significantly increased, with mainboard replacement costing 27,500 yen (around $191), a 92% rise from the original Switch.
    3. The cost for replacing the 8-inch display is 15,400 yen (about $115), which is 27% higher than the Nintendo Switch OLED and 55% more than the original.
    4. Battery replacements are priced at 9,900 yen (about $69), reflecting a 63% increase, despite similar capacity to previous models.
    5. Repairing a Joy-Con costs 3,960 yen (around $28), a 38% increase from the first generation, while dock repairs are priced at 6,930 yen (approximately $48), over double the previous model’s cost.

    The Nintendo Switch 2 is now officially released. As part of the launch, Nintendo Japan has shared a price list detailing the repair costs for the new console. Since repairs at Nintendo are typically pricier in Japan, customers in other countries might face even steeper charges.

    Rising Repair Costs

    The price list reveals a significant increase in repair expenses. For instance, replacing the mainboard with the upgraded Nvidia Tegra T239, which features 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of flash storage, will set you back 27,500 yen (around $191). This is a staggering 92% increase compared to the original Nintendo Switch. Meanwhile, the 8-inch, 120 Hz IPS display with a resolution of 1,080p will cost 15,400 yen (approximately $115), which is 27% higher than the Nintendo Switch OLED and 55% more than the original model.

    Battery and Component Costs

    For a battery replacement, Nintendo is charging 9,900 yen (about $69), which is a 63% increase from previous models, despite the battery maintaining a similar capacity. Some components, like the SD card reader, speakers, and headphone jack, have slightly lower repair costs, priced at 7,150 yen (roughly $50).

    Joy-Con and Dock Repairs

    Repairing a faulty dock is priced at 6,930 yen (approximately $48), which is over double the cost of the earlier model. If you need to fix a Joy-Con 2, Nintendo charges a flat fee of 3,960 yen (around $28) for each Joy-Con sent in, which is 38% more expensive than the first-generation Joy-Con. Despite these increases, Nintendo still provides clear flat-rate prices, allowing customers to estimate the costs before sending in their consoles or parts.

    Nintendo Japan | Nintendo Germany

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    Nintendo Switch 2 Repairs: Display, Battery, Motherboard 92% CostlierNintendo Switch 2 Repairs: Display, Battery, Motherboard 92% CostlierNintendo Switch 2 Repairs: Display, Battery, Motherboard 92% Costlier

     

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Display Faces Criticism in Early Review

    Nintendo Switch 2 Display Faces Criticism in Early Review

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nintendo Switch 2 features a powerful Nvidia Tegra T239 ARM chip and faster flash storage.
    2. It has an 8-inch screen with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 and a frame rate of 120 Hz, supporting HDR content and variable frame rate (VRR).
    3. Critiques highlight a peak brightness of 422 nits and low contrast ratio of 844:1, affecting HDR performance and black level display.
    4. Compared to modern smartphones, the Switch 2’s display struggles with brightness and contrast but offers improved resolution and frame rate.
    5. The display quality is generally acceptable with bright colors and good viewing angles, but reflections and limited brightness may be problematic in bright environments.

    The Nintendo Switch 2 has arrived, boasting major enhancements over the last model. It features a powerful Nvidia Tegra T239 ARM chip, along with much faster flash storage. The screen has expanded to an 8-inch diagonal, providing a frame rate of 120 Hz and a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080. Nintendo claims the new display supports HDR content, while the variable frame rate (VRR) helps to minimize image tearing during gameplay when the frame rate fluctuates.

    Critiques on Display Quality

    The YouTube channel GamingTech has examined the Nintendo Switch 2’s display and has shared some critical feedback. The YouTuber found a peak brightness of 422 nits, with black levels at 0.5 nits, leading to a low contrast ratio of 844:1. This brightness level makes it difficult for the device to display HDR content effectively; blacks appear more as dark gray, particularly in low-light environments, which is a step back compared to the Nintendo Switch OLED.

    Comparison to Smartphones

    With these brightness and contrast metrics, the Nintendo Switch 2 struggles to rival the displays of modern smartphones. Our team also got our hands on a Nintendo Switch 2 here at the office, and while the display quality is generally okay, the LCD produces bright colors and offers good viewing angles. The improved resolution and frame rate deliver a sharper and smoother experience than the earlier model. However, the limited brightness, coupled with the highly reflective screen, could pose challenges in bright or sunny settings during the day.

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  • Nintendo Details Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s Switch 2 Benefits

    Nintendo Details Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s Switch 2 Benefits

    Key Takeaways

    1. Pokémon Legends: Z is launching on October 16th, generating excitement for upcoming Switch 2 games.
    2. The original Switch games will receive performance enhancements through backward compatibility.
    3. A free update for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will be released on June 5th, improving visuals and frame rates.
    4. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet faced significant technical issues at launch, including low frame rates and visual problems.
    5. Nintendo has not confirmed if the new specifications will achieve desired frame rates, raising concerns among players.

    Much of the focus is currently on the upcoming Switch 2 games, particularly with the Pokémon Legends: Z-A set to launch on October 16th. However, the original Switch games will also benefit from performance enhancements due to backward compatibility. Critics had a lot of negative feedback regarding Pokémon Scarlet and Violet because of its technical problems when it was released in 2022. Nintendo has shared on its Japanese site how the Switch 2 specifications will enhance the open-world RPG experience. Sadly, some important questions about frame rate options are still without answers.

    Free Updates Coming Soon

    On the release date of June 5th for the Switch 2, Nintendo plans to roll out a free update for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. As per the company, players “will be able to see Pokémon from a greater distance, making them appear even more vibrant. With better frame rates and other enhancements, movement becomes smoother, allowing for a more enjoyable adventure.” There are two screenshots available for fans to look at, but it’s still unclear what the resolution and frame rate options will be.

    Performance Issues Persist

    When Pokémon Scarlet and Violet was launched in 2022, many players quickly observed visual problems. Frame rates frequently dropped below 30 fps, and issues like pop-in and clipping were widespread. Nintendo has made slight performance improvements through patches. Nevertheless, the console still has trouble displaying environments filled with activity. Some gamers point fingers at the developer, Game Freak, for the poorly optimized code in its Pokémon titles. Additionally, limitations in the Switch’s CPU and memory likely worsened these problems.

    While Nintendo assures better frame rates, it hasn’t confirmed whether the desired 60 fps will be achieved. If 1080p is an option, it remains to be seen how smooth the gameplay will actually be. The Switch 2 specifications, which include an Nvidia Tegra T239 processor and upgraded memory capacity, might help eliminate the choppiness. However, unlike other Switch 2 games that come with paid upgrades, expectations are lower for the free Pokémon Scarlet and Violet update.

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    Nintendo Details Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's Switch 2 BenefitsNintendo Details Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's Switch 2 Benefits

     

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 May Feature 5nm Chip for Enhanced Performance

    Nintendo Switch 2 May Feature 5nm Chip for Enhanced Performance

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nvidia Tegra T239 chip for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 uses standard Arm CPU cores and an Ampere-based GPU, manufactured on Samsung’s older 8 nm process.
    2. Nintendo opted for the more affordable 8 nm manufacturing process instead of the advanced 5 nm, which may lead to long-term performance drawbacks.
    3. The pricing strategy for the Switch 2 could hinge on its cost-saving chip decision, with a potential price point of $349 instead of $449.
    4. Future collaborations between Nintendo and Samsung could involve a performance-enhanced version of the Switch 2, possibly an OLED model.
    5. Nintendo’s choice of chip manufacturing may influence other companies like AMD to consider Samsung nodes, though AMD currently has a strong partnership with TSMC.

    An earlier leak provided a detailed view of the Nvidia Tegra T239 chip that powers the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. This chip incorporates standard Arm CPU cores and features a GPU based on Nvidia’s Ampere architecture. Additionally, it has been confirmed that the chip will be produced using Samsung Foundry’s older 8 nm (8N) process. A recent article from South Korean news source Chosun offers more insights into Nintendo’s future.

    Nintendo’s Chip Decisions

    According to prior leaks, the Tegra T239 for the Nintendo Switch 2 was originally intended to be manufactured on Samsung’s more advanced 5 nm process. However, Nintendo chose to go with the DUV-based 8 nm node since it was more affordable. Utilizing the established technology for Nvidia Ampere (RTX 30 series) also made GPU design easier. Nevertheless, if the recent performance simulations for the Switch 2 hold true, the cost-saving decision may have some long-term drawbacks for Nintendo. This choice could be justified if the Switch 2 were priced at $349 instead of $449.

    Future Collaborations

    The report mentions that Nintendo might work with Samsung again down the line. The previously discussed 5 nm node could potentially be utilized for a “performance-enhanced version of the Switch 2.” This upgraded model might be an OLED edition that brings much-needed additional power. By current gaming console standards, the Tegra T239 is already lagging behind, and this gap is likely to widen as future games will require more robust hardware.

    Industry Impact

    It appears that Nintendo’s collaboration could prompt other handheld chip manufacturers, like AMD, to consider Samsung nodes for their future products. However, this is not expected to happen anytime soon, as AMD maintains a strong partnership with TSMC and has managed to secure valuable fabrication space on the highly sought-after N2X node for its Zen 6 architecture.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Motherboard Teardown Reveals Key Specifications

    Nintendo Switch 2 Motherboard Teardown Reveals Key Specifications

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nintendo Switch 2 features Nvidia’s Tegra T239 SoC with a mix of Arm Cortex cores and a custom Ampere-based GPU.
    2. The device includes 256 GB UFS 3.1 storage from SK Hynix and a Wi-Fi chip from MediaTek.
    3. The motherboard design resembles one seen in previous leaks.
    4. A detailed analysis of the Nintendo Switch 2’s SoC’s process node will be released soon.
    5. There is speculation about whether the GPU is built on Samsung’s 8 nm node or a more advanced 5 nm node.

    Even with the Nintendo Switch 2 still weeks from release, some internet investigators have already got a hold of one and started to disassemble it. The user @KrunalSalts, known for their precise chip tear-downs, has confirmed several important details about the Nintendo Switch 2.

    Key Specifications

    The Nintendo Switch is equipped with Nvidia’s Tegra T239 SoC. This chip includes an Arm Cortex X1 core, three Cortex A78 cores, and four Cortex A55 cores, along with a custom Ampere-based GPU. Additionally, two LPDDR modules can be observed alongside it. The motherboard resembles one revealed in a previous leak. It also features a 256 GB UFS 3.1 module from SK Hynix, along with what appears to be a Wi-Fi chip from MediaTek.

    What’s Next?

    Krunal has mentioned that a more in-depth analysis will be available soon. This will address one of the main questions regarding the Nintendo Switch 2’s SoC: which process node it utilizes. Given that its GPU is Ampere-based, many assume it is fabricated on Samsung’s 8 nm node. However, there are some suggesting that it employs a more advanced 5 nm variant.

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  • Nvidia Reveals Nintendo Switch 2 TFLOPs and Tech Specs

    Nvidia Reveals Nintendo Switch 2 TFLOPs and Tech Specs

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nintendo Switch 2 supports 4K at 60 fps when docked and 1080p at 120 fps in handheld mode.
    2. Speculations suggest it uses the Nvidia Tegra T239 chipset with 12GB of RAM and an Ampere GPU.
    3. The console’s performance is comparable to the Xbox Series S, with around 3.9 TFLOPs in docked mode.
    4. The Switch 2 features hardware-accelerated ray tracing and AI-driven upscaling through dedicated RT and Tensor processing units.
    5. It supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) in handheld mode to reduce screen tearing during gameplay.

    The Nintendo Switch 2 was revealed on Wednesday, and many hands-on videos have already appeared online. While it’s known that games can operate at 4K with 60 frames per second when docked or 1080p at 120 fps in handheld mode, Nintendo hasn’t shared any specifics about the built-in processor or how the console performs overall.

    Potential Specifications Leaked

    There are speculations that the Switch 2 utilizes the Nvidia Tegra T239, which boasts eight ARM Cortex-A78E performance cores, 12GB of RAM, and an Ampere GPU with 1,536 CUDA cores. Just for context, this GPU architecture was rolled out with the GeForce RTX 3000 series. Nvidia has released some technical information about the Nintendo Switch 2 on their blog. Although Nvidia doesn’t specifically name the Tegra T239 chipset, they assert that the chip delivers ten times the GPU performance of the original Nintendo Switch.

    Performance Insights

    In docked mode, this equates to around 3.9 TFLOPs, meaning that the hybrid console will be as fast as the Xbox Series S. Nvidia points out that the chip has dedicated RT and Tensor processing units for hardware-accelerated ray tracing and DLSS, which provides AI-driven upscaling to higher resolutions. Additionally, the Tensor cores enable the Nintendo Switch 2’s camera to follow the user’s face and isolate it via AI technology. Another noteworthy detail is that the Switch 2 supports VRR in handheld mode, allowing the display’s refresh rate to adjust according to the games’ frame rates, thus minimizing screen tearing.

    Nvidia’s recent insights have sparked excitement in the gaming community, with many eager to see how these advancements will influence gameplay.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Price Could Be 33% Higher Than Original

    Nintendo Switch 2 Price Could Be 33% Higher Than Original

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nintendo is set to launch the Switch 2, replacing the original Switch from 2017, with a trailer already released.
    2. More details about the Switch 2 will be revealed during the Nintendo Direct event on April 2nd.
    3. Analyst predictions suggest the Switch 2 will be priced around $399, a $100 increase from the original Switch.
    4. The new console is rumored to have significant hardware upgrades, including an Nvidia Tegra T239 processor and 12GB of RAM.
    5. The Switch 2 may feature Nvidia’s DLSS upscaling technology for enhanced performance, though no official specifications have been confirmed yet.

    Nintendo is gearing up to launch its next handheld gaming device, the Switch 2, which will take the place of the original Switch that debuted in 2017. Currently, the company has only shared a trailer showcasing the new design of the Switch 2. More details about the device are expected to be unveiled during the Nintendo Direct event set for April 2nd.

    Leaks and Speculations

    In the meantime, various leaks and rumors are popping up online, hinting at possible features of the upcoming handheld console. A recent report from Wccftech mentions the expected pricing of the Switch 2.

    Analyst Joost van Dreunen predicts that the price for the Nintendo Switch 2 will be around $399. This indicates a potential increase of $100 compared to the original Switch, which was launched at $299. However, another leak has suggested that the price might be approximately 499 CAD, which roughly translates to about 350 USD.

    Hardware Enhancements

    The Nintendo Switch 2 is rumored to come with significant hardware upgrades compared to its 8-year-old predecessor. It’s believed that it will feature the Nvidia Tegra T239 processor with 8 cores, built on an 8nm architecture. The new console may also include 12GB of RAM, a notable increase from the 4GB found in the original Switch. Additionally, the Switch 2 is likely to incorporate Nvidia’s DLSS upscaling technology, which should provide further improvements in performance.

    While Nintendo has yet to confirm any specifications or pricing for the Switch 2, it’s best to take this information with a grain of salt.

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    Nintendo Switch 2 Price Could Be 33% Higher Than Original

     

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  • Nintendo Avoids AMD APU for Switch 2 Over Battery Life Issues

    Nintendo Avoids AMD APU for Switch 2 Over Battery Life Issues

    The Nintendo Switch 2 is anticipated to debut before April 2025, and recent leaks have provided insights into its features. It was previously known that the device could be powered by the Nvidia Tegra T239, and the latest spec leak reaffirms this information.

    AMD’s Bid and Battery Life

    According to Moore’s Law is Dead, AMD had a chance to supply the processor for the new handheld, but their proposal was rejected due to concerns about battery life. AMD aimed for a 15W power usage in handheld mode to create a true next-gen gaming experience, but Nintendo chose to focus on longer battery life instead.

    Nintendo also wanted to avoid a heavy battery. Consequently, they opted for the Nvidia chip over an AMD APU, which is reported to deliver similar performance but with better energy efficiency.

    Cost-Effectiveness and Battery Specifications

    The Nvidia SoC in the Nintendo Switch 2 is also important for keeping production costs down as it is less expensive to manufacture. A recent leak has revealed potential details about the console’s battery life.

    The Switch 2 may come equipped with a 20-Wh battery, which is 4-Wh larger than the OLED model (available on Amazon). If the Nvidia SoC proves to be energy-efficient, we could expect a noticeable improvement in battery runtime while in handheld mode. For context, the Switch OLED can last between 4.5 hours and 9 hours depending on the game played.

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