Nintendo patent reveals upscaling research.. 4K Switch incoming?

[subcon959]

It was just revealed yesterday that Nintendo filed a patent in March 2020 titled 'systems and methods for machine learned image conversion'. Basically, an internal technology similar to Nvidia's DLSS used to upscale to higher resolutions using machine learning. That could be 4K if it's tied in with a new model to be released in the future. That would also explain why they directly addressed rumours of a Switch Pro amidst the launch of the OLED model. Wouldn't want to hurt sales of your new model if you have a better one around the corner..

Nintendo Life

 

[DKB]

4k shovelware on a tablet. android experience glorified by nintendo brand name cool

 

[WiiMiiSwitch]

Here we go again

 

[Zajumino]

What's the point of 4K anyways? When it comes to games, higher resolution would probably make most of them look worse.

 

[Bladexdsl]

the switch can barely run 1080p at stable fps so imagine how much worse 4k will be

 

[KingVamp]

Well, if it is like or is DLSS then it will actually Improve performance. Also, I really hope this is for next system and not another model.

 

[ChibiMofo]

the switch can barely run 1080p at stable fps so imagine how much worse 4k will be

I suggest you read about what DLSS does before making another unfortunate comment like that.

 

[LinkmstrYT]

It's more safe to say that it may be more likely for a new console/handheld after the Switch. It is almost 5 years old after all (March 2017 release), so it's not surprising that they would have already started on developing a new console.

 

[MikaDubbz]

It was just revealed yesterday that Nintendo filed a patent in March 2020 titled 'systems and methods for machine learned image conversion'. Basically, an internal technology similar to Nvidia's DLSS used to upscale to higher resolutions using machine learning. That could be 4K if it's tied in with a new model to be released in the future. That would also explain why they directly addressed rumours of a Switch Pro amidst the launch of the OLED model. Wouldn't want to hurt sales of your new model if you have a better one around the corner..

Nah, I'm pretty sure Nintendo's wording was specific the way that it was, because it's true that an upgraded 4K 'Pro' Switch model isn't in the works. I believe that probably is the case. They may have looked into it, but I think their plans probably changed into a full-on successor device, this rumored 4K model has probably turned into more of a Switch 2, the 3DS to the DS or Wii U to the Wii, completely capable of playing all Switch games, but also a full on successor system with a library of games that will be released exclusively to it.

 

[Pleng]

I imagine this technology would be able to sit between the USB c port and the HDMI port, thus existing users would possibly be able to simply purchase a new dock to enable the functionality?