Nintendo Weighs Samsung Process for Switch 2 Lite
Reports suggest Nintendo could leverage Samsung 8LPU+ technology to create a more affordable handheld console variant.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Semiconductors
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Rumors indicate that Nintendo may adopt Samsung's 8LPU+ semiconductor process to manufacture a potential Switch 2 Lite console. This shift aims to optimize the NVIDIA T239 processor for a lower-cost, portable handheld device.
Why it matters
The transition to a more efficient manufacturing process could allow Nintendo to reduce costs, offering a strategic response to recent hardware price increases. By shrinking the chip logic, the company may successfully manage production expenses for a mass-market handheld model.
Samsung reports that the 8LPU+ process delivers 12% higher performance and 15% lower power consumption compared to its existing 8LPU technology. The process also offers an 8% reduction in logic area, which could shrink the current 207 mm² processor die.
The players
Nintendo
A Japanese multinational video game company known for creating iconic gaming franchises and portable hardware systems.
Samsung
A South Korean global technology conglomerate and one of the world's leading semiconductor foundries.
NVIDIA
A multinational technology firm that specializes in the design and manufacturing of graphics processing units and system-on-a-chip solutions.
The details
NVIDIA might adapt its current T239 processor, which features eight Arm Cortex-A78C CPU cores and 1,536 CUDA cores, to the updated Samsung node. Integrating this revised chip could allow for a reduced GPU core count, directly facilitating lower manufacturing costs for a compact console.
Timeline
December 14, 2026: Samsung is scheduled to present the 8LPU+ process details at the IEEE IEDM conference.
The Tech Race
The potential shift to the 8LPU+ node reflects a broader industry trend of refining existing architectures to improve power efficiency and reduce chip footprints. This strategy mirrors efforts by major tech players to optimize legacy systems while controlling rising production costs.
A successful implementation of this manufacturing process could result in a more affordable handheld console for consumers. Users may benefit from improved energy efficiency, potentially leading to longer battery life during portable gameplay sessions.
The takeaway
Optimizing semiconductor processes is a primary lever for hardware manufacturers seeking to balance high performance with entry-level pricing. Consumers should keep an eye on official hardware announcements as companies pivot to these more efficient, smaller chip designs.
Further reading
Explore the latest developments in chip manufacturing within the Semiconductors section.
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