Nintendo Switch 2 Teardown Unveils Impressive NVIDIA Tegra SoC

The Anticipated Arrival of the Switch 2 Handheld

The gaming community is buzzing with excitement for the long-awaited Switch 2 handheld, especially since it has been several years since the last iteration was unveiled. NVIDIA President Jensen Huang recently acknowledged the fruitful partnership with Nintendo in developing this innovative device. Much anticipation surrounded the hardware’s details, especially the onboard chip, until a recent teardown provided a closer look.

Insights from the Teardown

A detailed teardown conducted by @Handanxie unveiled critical components of the Switch 2, including the printed circuit board (PCB) that accommodates NVIDIA’s advanced chip, along with the internal solid-state drive (SSD) and memory modules. Although the video is not in English, the visuals offered significant insight into the device’s design.

Device Shielding: A Double-Edged Sword

The breakdown revealed multiple layers of metal shielding that protect the main PCB. While this protective measure benefits consumers by reducing risks of damage, it poses challenges for technicians and repair professionals attempting to access components. This added complexity is likely to affect the repairability score from iFixit, and expectations are not set high in that regard.

Switch 2 teardown showcasing NVIDIA Tegra chip

Disassembly Challenges and Warnings

The motherboard is located beneath both the cooler and battery components and is further shielded. Once exposed, the sophisticated NVIDIA Tegra chip comes into view, identified as the “GMLX30-A1, ”aligning with previous reports about the console’s SoC, confirming suspicions surrounding the Tegra 239.

Consumer Advisory: Risks of Tampering

Consumers are strongly advised against attempting to disassemble the Switch 2, not only due to potential damage but also because such actions would likely void the warranty. Given the robust metal shielding, the device seems well-equipped to handle minor impacts, but definitive results from upcoming drop tests will provide further clarity on its durability.

Final Thoughts

As excitement builds for the Switch 2, prospective owners can look forward to an enhanced gaming experience. The innovative features suggest it will be a worthy successor, encouraging users to immerse themselves in the world of gaming without the worry of tackling difficult repairs.