Switch 2 Lite rumored with cheaper Samsung chip process benefiting Nintendo console

While the console isn't as expensive as its Xbox and PS5 rivals, the recent Switch 2 price increase has stretched budgets. A Switch 2 Lite with reduced capabilities would be more accessible. Samsung may also have a solution to counter rising component costs. A report claims it’s revising the chip process used for the Nvidia SoC to optimize performance.

8LPU+ advantages

Samsung is believed to produce the custom Nvidia T239 found in Switch 2 consoles. The South Korean Electronic Times reports it will likely introduce a new 8LPU+ process in December. As a result, the chip may deliver a 12% performance gain. It’s expected to consume 15% less power and have an 8% smaller logic area, lowering manufacturing expenses.

Although the change targets the automotive and robotics industries, it could benefit Nintendo’s handheld. The Electronic Times quotes a source saying it will affect all “Existing 8nm customers in Samsung Foundry's ecosystem…”.

The news interested Nintendo Patents Watch, which has been tracking Switch 2 Lite rumors. It earlier reported that for the fiscal year ending March 2026, the gaming giant’s R&D expenses jumped significantly. The pattern matches periods before previous console launches.

A predictable design?

Several theories predict how a Switch 2 Lite would differ from the current system. Taking cues from the last-generation budget option, the handheld could feature a smaller LCD screen. Instead of standalone Joy-Con 2, they may come attached to the device's sides. Buyers may have to sacrifice TV dock connectivity.

Even though some fans want a cheaper model or an OLED upgrade, inflated storage and memory prices remain obstacles. However, Samsung’s efficient 8LPU+ process could let Nintendo install a more compact battery without crippling performance. Avoiding a move to an entirely different SoC also ensures compatibility with games.

It’s a perilous time for hardware development, but Nintendo keeps investing. A portion of that spending responded to EU right-to-repair laws. The company recently modified the Switch 2 console to make battery swaps simpler. Starting in February 2027, the existing Switch Lite will also be discontinued in Europe.

Adam Corsetti - Tech Writer - 1684 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2025

I became interested in technology at a young age and enjoyed discovering the latest innovations. While earning college degrees in publishing, I created several PC hardware and gaming websites. My passion has always been to guide readers on what products can truly improve their lives. After many years as a Tech Writer for Game Rant, I'm anxious to share my knowledge with a new audience at Notebookcheck.