The Switch 2 with a diagram showing a model for AI upscaling.Jason EvangelhoIts fascinating how much weve learned about the Switch 2 from published patents. From Nintendos plans for dual-screen capabilities, to the mouse functionality of the new Joy-Cons, to the way those Joy-Cons attach to the console magnetically, these public documents have spoiled much of what Nintendo may plan to unveil in its upcoming Switch 2 Direct. Today we have one more detail to add to the pile: a clear outline of how the Switch 2 might use AI to generate higher-resolution gaming images without needing more powerful hardware.We already know the Switch 2 represents a dramatic leap in performance compared to the original Switch. However, the upgraded Nvidia Tegra processor inside might not be powerful enough to consistently deliver 1080p resolution gaming in handheld mode. Thats where the concept of AI Upscaling enters the picture.The updated patent thats the focus of this news is just that: updated. A prior version of the patent used vague language, simply suggesting the Switch 2 would include technology for converting images through use of a trained neural network.The newly published update (first spotted by Mike Odyssey on X) reveals much more detail, including a diagram showing the journey of an image through this neural network, and the input and output resolutions 540p to 1080p.A diagram showing how Switch 2 might use AI to upscale an image from 540p to 1080p. USPTOThis effectively confirms the Switch 2 will use AI technology like Nvidias DLSS, which can take a lower resolution image and transform it to a higher resolution image, making a game look sharper and more detailed. But its worth pointing out that the Switch may not specifically tap Nvidias upscaling tech. Its entirely possible there may be some Nintendo secret sauce in the mix, similar to how Sonys PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) works.And while its only an assumption until Nintendo confirms it, this could also serve as confirmation that the Switch 2s native display will be 1080p.Your Switch Games Look Better On Switch 2These resolution numbers are important, especially where backwards compatibility is concerned. Weve always known the vast majority of our Switch games would work on Switch 2, and we hoped playing them on the new console might bring some visual upgrades to the experience. At this point, that wish looks like it might be granted. Thats terrific news not just for Nintendo fans, but for Nintendo itself.Think about it. Your Switch games look better on Switch 2 is a pretty compelling selling point.AI upscaling like this has benefits beyond the obvious visual upgrades. It could also improve battery life in handheld mode, and its important that battery life doesnt take a hit because of the systems more powerful hardware and higher resolution display.Its probably time to downscale any expectations that the Switch 2 will deliver gaming at 4K when docked, although its feasible that the home screen and menus might output at 4K. I hope Im wrong, but I just think 4K gaming is still way too ambitious a target for a portable console.Hopefully all this speculation will melt away and be confirmed by Nintendo when the Switch 2 Direct happens next month on April 2.