A new Nintendo Switch 2 rumor has surfaced claiming that the next-generation hybrid console could actually arrive with more memory than a powerful rival like the Microsoft Xbox Series S. The same source has also offered an update in regard to the Switch 2’s potential DLSS support and ray-tracing capabilities.
Here we go again with the rumors 🙃 the worst part of the Nintendo console lifecycle
That being said, DLSS would be awesome on something like the switch
I heard it will have a flux capacitor. I can’t wait to get it on the freeway!
I don’t remember how the rumours of the Switch OLED were… but I guess some were funny.
Why is it the worst part? If you hate rumors, just scroll past.
Low bar. :) The Xbox One X has more RAM than the Xbox Series S.
So does the Steam Deck and some phones.
More shocking is the speed of the RAM involved.
Xbox Series S
8 GB running at 224 GB/s
2 GB at 56 GB/sBy comparison:
Xbox Series X
16 GB @ 560 GB/sPS5
16 GB @ 448 GB/sXbox One X
12 GB @ 326.4 GB/sSteam Deck
16 GB @ 88 GB/sSwitch
4 GB @ 25.6 GB/sThe Series X also has two speed tiers. 10 GB @ 560 GB/s, and 6 GB at 336 GB/s.
That 25.6 GB/s memory bandwidth is apparently the Switch’s bottleneck.
More shocking is the speed of the RAM involved.
Xbox Series S
8 GB running at 224 GB/s
2 GB at 56 GB/sBy comparison:
Xbox Series X
16 GB @ 560 GB/sPS5
16 GB @ 448 GB/sXbox One X
12 GB @ 326.4 GB/sSteam Deck
16 GB @ 88 GB/sSwitch
4 GB @ 25.6 GB/sYou’re highlighting the slower 2GB but in reality that’s not used by games in the first place. They’re relegated to the 8GB which is significantly faster.
The Steam Deck has essentially 2x the available memory but it’s much slower. The point being “having more RAM” isn’t some amazing feat. It really depends on all the involved specs. Even amount/bandwidth isn’t enough. GDDR has much higher bandwidth than DDR or LPDDR but it’s also higher latency. It’s tuned for graphics, not system RAM depending on the work load one can be faster than the other.
If it had 10 GB at the higher speed it would still be hamstrung, but not as badly as it is with 8 GB and 2 GB that’s essentially unusable except for maybe UI overlays.
The 2 is mostly used by the OS. Yes, it would be better if it was all faster but it still wouldn’t be used by the GPU as it’s segmented.
It’s all moot to my original point though. Having more RAM isn’t some miracle or a sign it will be faster.
in typical nintendo fashion the bar for hardware is on the floor
It really should, the Series S is already looking dead and we are only at the beginning of the console lifecycle.
More RAM doesn’t really mean anything in gaming performance. It helps, but a faster CPU and GPU with a good whack of VRAM is gonna help more.
arguably RAM matters the most
gpu and cpu you can just downgrade the quality, but at a certain point everything has to fit into memory
e.g., baldur’s gate 3 literally couldn’t be properly ported to the S because of a RAM limitation
Also, textures, usually they don’t really cost performance and absolutely change the visuals of a game, but can be massively limited by a lack of ram
Oh shit, really? Wasn’t even aware of that lol, I always had the generally recommended amount of RAM in my gaming rig so I never thought that would be a thing.
There is a point where more ram doesnt help and maybe that’s what you are thinking of. It’s more “must be this tall to ride” from my understanding
Consoles have shared RAM between CPU and GPU, more RAM is more VRAM
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You are thinking from pc pov. PS3 is perhaps the last major home console that have dedicated ram and vram, maybe 3ds had it on the handheld front
Not sure about 3DS, but the PlayStation Vita had 128 MB of VRAM in addition to the 512 MB of system RAM.
“8gb of DDR3!”
DDR3 rams are more expensive than other options at this point
don’t know where you got that idea, but 16gb of ddr3 can be gotten easily for $30, as where 16gb of ddr5 is going to run you $100 minimum (talking retail prices, obv)
Just looked up the cheapest new 16G options in Turkey
- Ddr3: 1195₺ ~ $44
- Ddr4: 837₺ ~ $31
- Ddr5: 1179₺ ~ $44
Ddr5 is cheaper than you think
Really? Where I live I can’t really get DDR3 rams anymore
I think there is a difference (like you said) between you picking up 2 sticks of remaining DDR3 stock and a console manufacturer sourcing it for their new console.
One thing about the 12GB of RAM: it may be costly now, but it will become cheaper after three, four years into the cycle.
Second, there is also the bandwidth. The Steam Deck has 32x4GB LPDDR5. I believe they wanted 8GB but DLSS and ML (if they add them to the next SoC) require at least 4GB plus. Hence, 32x4GB (96 bits). If the Steam Deck can get away with slightly more, then why not slightly less.
So yes, I can see this device with 12GB of RAM to ensure DLSS and ML work without hitches.
