Switch 2 is ‘significantly more powerful’ claims dev in Mario Kart breakdown

Mario Kart 9 on Nintendo Switch 2 console — Mario Kart 9 looks more impressive than you might think (YouTube)

A developer has explained how powerful the Nintendo Switch 2 is based on the new Mario Kart, describing one improvement as a ‘massive deal’.

The reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 may have confirmed some details about the console, but we’re still having to rely on leaks when it comes to the system’s technical capabilities.

Prior to the reveal, the console was rumoured to be as powerful as a PlayStation 4, albeit with the ability to run compromised versions of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X games. Others, however, have claimed it will be more comparable to an Xbox Series S.

While we still don’t have any official details from Nintendo, a developer who worked on games for the original Switch has shared his insight based on the new Mario Kart footage, where he describes the console as being ‘significantly more powerful’.

This comes from a video by Sungrand Studios director Jerrel Dulay, who worked on the Silver Falls game series. In the clip, he highlights various aspects of the Mario Kart footage which demonstrate the console’s capabilities.

Along with more detailed textures around the track, Dulay focuses on the volumetric lighting, an advanced graphical technique to ‘create a sense of density’, such as fog or dustiness.

The original Switch would struggle to run these features at a high frame rate, so their inclusion in Mario Kart 9 suggests, according to Dulay, that the Switch 2 is ‘significantly more powerful’ than its predecessor.

How powerful could the Nintendo Switch 2 be?

‘It’s very expensive,’ Dulay remarks about the lighting. ‘That tells me that the Switch 2 is significantly more powerful because they would want these games running at 60 frames per second if you’re running at 1080p.

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‘To have volumetric lighting at this resolution, at this frame rate, is insane. I hope my explanation helps you understand, this is a massive deal. The most important part of this reveal trailer to me is showing this volumetric lighting because it is a massive deal. It’s what contributes to a huge amount of slowdown on games on the original Switch.’

The developer also highlights other features such as the improved shadow draw distance, ‘cloth simulation’ on the flags around the track, and higher polygon counts on the character models, which would also be an issue on the Switch at 60 frames per second.

Mario Kart 9 from Nintendo Switch 2 reveal trailer — Now with more players too YouTube)

He estimates the Switch 2’s RAM will be between 12-16GB, with leaks indicating it would be 12GB. Overall, Dulay is ‘extremely excited’ for the system, as he believes games he previously set aside due to the Switch’s limitations can now be fully realised on this new hardware.

While there are some caveats around whether this footage will be reflective of the final product, it’s a promising indication that the Switch 2 will be a bigger technical improvement than the first impressions suggest.

We’ll find out more about Nintendo’s next console at the planned Direct presentation on April 2, 2025. A release date for the Switch 2 has yet to be announced, but you can register for a chance to play the console early at various events around the world.