Specs and form factor come into focus, but system capabilities remain a mystery.
So, what have we got?
Essentially, there are a number of factors to consider.
Here’s what else we can confirm at this point, based on the prototype leak, at least.
Otherwise you’re reliant on the 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage contained therein.
Cartridges are supported too, with strong hints that original Switch media is also supported.
The fact that we’re getting an internal view of the Switch 2 is also highly revealing.
The mainboard - shown without any of the chips mounted - gives us some idea of the architecture within.
The existence of Nintendo’s T239 processor was first revealed by renowned leakerkopite7kimi, way back in 2021.
However, the links between T234 and T239 need to be brought into question.
The CPU is entirely different and it has a custom file decompression block for super-fast loading and data processing.
Despite the disclaimers I added, this image ended up on Reddit and from there, further theory-crafting emerged.
And that could be somewhat crucial, as the leaked prototype image shows a relatively small battery bay.
The automotive T234 is actually 455mm2(!)
Does the Jetson power estimator completely rule out an 8nm handheld?
If 8nm was the target, the designers would have to work with that.
This is actually a 5nm process, renamed by Nvidia and TSMC, presumably for marketing reasons.
This would deliver incredible efficiency, fast clocks and tiny die area.
But the more you think about 4nm in the here and now, the more questions arise.
So what are the alternatives?
Heat dissipation still seems like the more plausible explanation then, suggesting a more realistic choice of process node.
Beyond that, historically, for Nintendo, price is everything.
Ultimately, we need to accept that Nintendo and Nvidia know what they are doing.
And now Nintendo faces the biggest challenge of all - somehow following that up.
