The next-gen Nintendo Switch 2 handheld was reportedly shown to a number of developers at this year’s GamesCom event. In a behind-closed-doors showcase, a number of trusted developers were shown a demo of what the new console is capable of.
Verified by Eurogamer, the Nintendo Switch 2 tech demo involved an upgraded version of the 2017 Wii U and Nintendo Switch game The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This demo showed a revised version of the critically acclaimed game designed to better suit the upgraded hardware.
No details were revealed on what upgrades the tech demo had over the base game released six years ago. However, considering the game launched with a low 720p resolution and a lack of anti-aliasing, we expect those two aspects were improved alongside framerate and other benefits.
This by no means guarantees that Breath of the Wild will be upgraded for Nintendo Switch 2, although that is a possibility. The next-gen hardware reportedly does have backwards compatibility with original Nintendo Switch titles, meaning free upgrades (or quick re-releases) could be possible.
Other reports claim that Nintendo also showed another tech demo that featured Unreal Engine 5’s Matrix Awakens demo. This demo reportedly confirmed the use of DLSS, hardware raytracing and more high-end features.
It’s well known that some trusted developers already have access to Nintendo Switch 2 dev kits. Earlier reports claim that Square Enix has access to dev kits for a launch release of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on the new handheld.
Considering the original Nintendo Switch targeted Wii U specs with modern rendering features and CPU improvements, the Nintendo Switch 2 should at least match the power of the 2013 Xbox One and PS4 consoles. This means that titles such as Final Fantasy VII Remake should be more than possible on the new handheld.
According to reports from Microsoft during meetings with the CMA, the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to launch in 2024. The new device is expected to have a slightly bigger screen, more internal storage and a return to LCD displays instead of the more popular OLED technology.
Despite the new console, the original Switch hardware still has a stacked lineup of exclusive releases, some of which could potentially gain next-gen upgrades. Super Mario RPG Remake, Super Mario Wonder, Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon and more have already been revealed for the system with more to come.