Digital Foundry has released a rather fascinating look at Nvidia’s X1 GPU, the supposed Tegra chip that powers current Nintendo NX software development kits (SDKs). The X1 is the most powerful mobile chip currently available, and can be found in Nvidia’s “Shield” console. Digital Foundry had only positive things to say about the chip, saying that the NX would prove to be a significant leap forward from the Wii U – something I was concerned about after hearing that the NX would be using a Tegra GPU. According to the analysis, an X1-powered NX would basically be a “turbo-powered last-gen console.” Think two PS3s duct-taped together.
What’s even more interesting, however, is Digital Foundry’s suspicion that the X1 currently being used in the NX SKDs could be a placeholder for something else. The Tegra X1 has been around since the middle of last year, so why would Nintendo need to hold off until next March to release the NX? It could be that it wants to ensure that a solid library of software is ready for launch, but Digital Foundry suspects that Nintendo might be using Nvidia’s yet-to-be-released Tegra X2 GPU, which would mean a significant leap in power and efficiency.
It’s speculated that Nintendo hasn’t officially revealed the NX yet because Nvidia has yet to reveal the Tegra X2. The X2 is scheduled to be unveiled late August, which lines up perfectly with a September reveal for the NX. The Tegra X2 would being the NX closer to PS4 and Xbox One levels of performance while still fitting within a mobile unit, but would that drive up the cost of the NX too high? We’ll have to wait and see. Watch the analysis for yourself below: