We’re treading close to official Nintendo Switch time.
Nintendo is set to lift the lid on its highly anticipated console this Friday at 3pm AEDT with a live stream.
Then, throughout the weekend, press and select Nintendo fans will get a chance to go hands-on with the fascinating new device at invitation-only events around the globe.
Safe to say that by the end of the weekend, we’ll know a lot more about Switch.
One thing we already know about the console is that it’s powered by Nvidia.
Ahead of the console’s reveal came rumours that it would be powered by the company’s graphics tech, and those rumours were confirmed shortly after the reveal trailer came online.
The Tegra is a system-on-a-chip that includes an Nvidia processing unit. It features multiple processors, and can be found in a number of smartphones and, of course, Nvidia’s Shield set-top-box.
Nvidia says that the groundbreaking console took “500 man-years” of effort to create: all of the complex algorithms, computer architecture, system designs, system software, APIs, game engines and peripherals dictated countless hours of experimentation and innovation.
In order to get its processor working within the confines of Nintendo’s vision, Nvidia build a custom API called the “NVN”. This was created in order for Nvidia to craft an experience that could bring lightweight, fast gaming to the masses.
Nvidia’s work with Nintendo has the CEO singing the gaming giant’s praises.
“Nintendo Switch is a game console. It’s very Nintendo,” Nvidia CEO, Jen-Hsun Huang, told Venture Beat. “That entire experience is going to be very Nintendo. The beauty of that company, the craft of that company, the philosophy of that company — they’re myopically, singularly focused on making sure that the gaming experience is amazing, surprising, and safe for young people, for children.”
Those are exciting words, coming only days ahead of what many a Nintendo fan has been counting down towards for months.
Huang continued by saying that Nintendo dedication to their gaming craft — “that singular dedication”, as he puts it — is quite admirable.
“When you guys all see Switch,” he continued, “I believe people are going to be blown away, quite frankly. It’s really delightful. But it has nothing to do with AI.”
Stay tuned for more Nintendo Switch details this Friday!
