Nintendo may have a potential route to a more affordable Switch 2 model as rising hardware costs put pressure on console prices. A report from Nintendo Patents Watch suggests Samsung’s upcoming 8LPU+ manufacturing process could be a candidate for a future Switch 2 Lite, thanks to its improved power efficiency and smaller chip design. However, there is no confirmation that Nintendo or NVIDIA intends to use the technology in a new console.
Samsung is scheduled to present its second-generation 8nm process at the International Electron Devices Meeting (IEDM) on December 14, 2026. According to Nintendo Patents Watch on Bsky, the technology is designed to improve performance while reducing power consumption and chip area compared with the previous 8LPU generation.
Samsung’s 8LPU+ Could Improve Efficiency and Reduce Chip Costs
Samsung’s new 8LPU+ process reportedly offers a 12% performance improvement, 15% lower power consumption, and an 8% reduction in logic area compared with 8LPU. It also introduces changes that can reduce input/output circuitry area by approximately 10% and lower standby power leakage.
These improvements could be useful for a handheld console, where battery life, heat management, and manufacturing costs are important considerations. A smaller chip could also help reduce production expenses, potentially giving Nintendo more flexibility when designing a lower-priced model. However, these figures describe Samsung’s manufacturing technology, not confirmed performance improvements for a Nintendo console.
The current Switch 2 uses NVIDIA’s T239 processor, manufactured using Samsung’s existing 8nm technology. This connection has fuelled speculation that a future handheld model could use an improved version of the manufacturing process.
However, Samsung has not identified Nintendo or NVIDIA as confirmed customers for 8LPU+ in this context, and Nintendo has not announced a Switch 2 Lite. The process is primarily aimed at cost-conscious applications such as automotive electronics, robotics, and edge AI. Its potential use in Nintendo hardware remains speculation.
A cheaper, handheld-only Switch 2 could appeal to players who do not need detachable controllers or television output. For now, though, the possible console’s specifications, price, and release date remain unknown.
