Nintendo Switch 2: Will the Operating System Put Less Strain on the Hardware? [VIDEO]

General news News Nintendo Nintendo News 05/29/2025

0 327 Views

We’ve heard that the Switch 2 OS, in development since early on, needs less processor and memory than the original Switch.

On the Famiboards forum, MattAgain, a well-known developer with experience in the gaming industry who has offered valuable insights in the past, revealed that developers now have access to more console resources (CPU cores and RAM) compared to the previous development environment. He said the aim is to reduce the system resources dedicated to the operating system to one CPU core and two GB of RAM. This would allow developers to maximize the potential of the hardware in the future.

Although Nintendo has not provided any details, as usual, we learned more about the Switch 2 specifications earlier this month thanks to the system’s software development kit (SDK). Digital Foundry confirmed that the system currently “sets aside” 3 GB of RAM and two CPU cores for the operating system. This will likely help GameChat run smoothly, though it’s clear that the new feature could be demanding. The system’s SDK allows developers to test their games as if the feature were running without an active session.

Even without all the system resources available for games, some Switch 2 games (or ports) have shown that the system can run demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077. CDPR’s open-world RPG, which will be released as a launch title, has demonstrated through pre-release footage that Nintendo’s next-generation console can provide a superior gaming experience compared to previous-generation systems and popular handheld PCs, such as the Steam Deck.

Another person shared with me that they have a Nintendo Switch 2 as well. I have no permission to post pics but can share that when they try to boot a Switch 1 game, a message prompts “Please connect to the internet and update your system.”

Needs update to boot a game pic.twitter.com/18TU7Skk1D

— Wario64 (@Wario64) May 27, 2025

A few people have already gotten their hands on the Nintendo Switch 2, but it turns out they can’t play it yet because Nintendo is planning an update for the console’s launch day. This could mean that users will need an internet connection to download the update and use the console. Hopefully, the cartridges will have this update. Otherwise, it won’t be user-friendly.

Source: WCCFTech, Famiboards, VGC

A Switch 2 unit is already out in the wild.

It’s apparently locked behind a Day 1 patch and can’t be used. https://t.co/IYxxHL8sq0 pic.twitter.com/fZLOy43Jw9

— Stealth (@Stealth40k) May 27, 2025

Angyal Anikó

Anikó, our news editor and communication manager, is more interested in the business side of the gaming industry. She worked at banks, and she has a vast knowledge of business life. Still, she likes puzzle and story-oriented games, like Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments, which is her favourite title. She also played The Sims 3, but after accidentally killing a whole sim family, swore not to play it again. (For our office address, email and phone number check out our IMPRESSUM)