There has been a ton of rumors regarding the next-generation Nintendo Switch. Recent word on the grapevine suggests that new processor technology will power the Switch 2, implying a hardware upgrade more in line with other console generation leaps - except that even newer rumors seem to contradict this.

Information shared by Korean source OreXda reveals that the Nvidia Tegra processor, which could be used in the next Nintendo Switch, will be made with Samsung’s 5nm process – 5LPP (Lower Power Plus). OreXda has a good track record with its tech leaks.

"Another NVIDIA Tegra for Nintendo Switch will manufactured from 5LPP," OreXda tweeted. "I will keep uploading this info in Twitter as soon as I can." The source also confirmed that the processor will be from Samsung Foundry.

Another NVIDIA Tegra for Nintendo Switch will manufactured from 5LPP.

I will keep uploading this info in Twitter as soon as i can.

— Connor / 코너 / コナー (@OreXda) March 21, 2023

This information runs contrary to previous claims that the Switch 2’s processor would be based on the Nvidia Ampere Architecture. The architecture utilized Samsung 8nm and TSMC 7nm process, and Ampere was used on Nvidia’s second-generation RTX GPUs.

The smaller 5nm process means that the chip will be power efficient whilst delivering much more processing power, translating into better graphics and faster loading times.

All that might be moot, however, as in a follow-up tweet OreXda said that the Nvidia Tegra will not be used on the Switch 2. This new information reveals that the Switch 2 will still use the 5nm process, but on the Nvidia Thor chip. The newer Thor processor sports the Nvidia Ada Lovelace Architecture found on the latest 4000-series GPUs and will also be used in self-driving cars.

[UPDATE]

Sorry. Tegra for Nintendo has been dropped few days(or months) ago.

It was 5LPP, but unfortunately the Nvidia changed Atlan to Thor, they seems canceled the Tegra for Nintendo.

But the news for Nvidia Tegra will be keep updating! Hold your notification

— Connor / 코너 / コナー (@OreXda) March 22, 2023

Previous rumors suggested that the "Switch Pro" will have a custom Nvidia Tegra Orin processor which is significantly faster than the current quad-core ARM Cortex A57 being used in the Nintendo Switch.

However, there are reports that Nintendo canceled the development of the mid-generation Switch Pro.

Nintendo has not publicly confirmed the development of a successor to the Nintendo Switch. Nintendo of America president Doug Dowser recently said that the current generation model still has a few years left in its lifecycle.

"As we enter the seventh year for the Nintendo Switch, sales are still strong," Bowser shared. "I think we still have a very, very strong lineup coming. As Mr. Furukawa said recently, we’re entering uncharted territory with the platform."

He added, "It’s exciting to see that demand is still there. So nothing to announce on any future console or device, but we are still feeling very bullish about Nintendo Switch."

Nintendo recently signed a ten-year deal with Microsoft to bring Call of Duty to the handheld console. Many, including the UK CMA, believe that the current generation Switch will not be able to run a full-fledged and full-featured Call of Duty title that is equal to versions released on other consoles and PC.

It is also worth noting that development for these types of consoles takes a long time, so it does make sense that we are hearing rumors now of the next Switch, which may come out in 2025 or even later. As always though, all rumors should be taken with a pinch of salt.