Nintendo Switch 2 Lite Could Get Better Battery Life With Samsung 8LPU+ Chip, Rumor Claims

Nintendo could use Samsung’s upcoming 8nm manufacturing technology for a cheaper Switch 2 Lite, according to a new rumor.

The speculation comes from Nintendo Patents Watch, which suggests Nvidia could adapt the existing Switch 2 processor to Samsung’s improved 8LPU+ process. The technology promises 15% lower power consumption and better performance.

However, Nintendo has not announced a Switch 2 Lite, and no evidence currently links Samsung’s new process to a future Nintendo console.

Nintendo Switch 2 Lite could use a smaller, more efficient chip

According to Nintendo Patents Watch, Nvidia could develop a modified version of the Switch 2 processor using Samsung’s upcoming 8LPU+ manufacturing process.

The company could also reduce the number of GPU cores to lower production costs and power consumption.

Such changes could help Nintendo develop a smaller, cheaper handheld console while potentially improving battery life.

However, this remains a theoretical possibility rather than evidence of an actual Switch 2 Lite in development.

Samsung’s new 8nm process promises 15% lower power consumption

Samsung plans to present its 8LPU+ manufacturing process on December 14, 2026, at the IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting (IEDM).

Compared with its previous 8LPU process, Samsung claims the new technology delivers 12% higher performance, 15% lower power consumption, and an 8% reduction in logic area.

These improvements could make the process attractive for handheld gaming devices, where battery life, heat output, and manufacturing costs play important roles.

However, the figures represent improvements in Samsung’s manufacturing technology and do not guarantee equivalent gains in a finished console.

Nintendo has not confirmed a Switch 2 Lite

Nintendo has not announced plans for a Switch 2 Lite or confirmed any partnership involving Samsung’s 8LPU+ manufacturing process.

The company has reportedly explored other Switch 2 hardware revisions, including a revised European Switch 2 model that lacks the screen upgrade some fans wanted.

Meanwhile, the console has also attracted attention over security concerns. Reports recently suggested that the Nintendo Switch 2 received its first jailbreak, even on newer firmware versions. Nintendo subsequently removed SmileBASIC 4 following the jailbreak.

For now, the possibility of a cheaper Switch 2 Lite using Samsung’s more efficient chip remains speculation. Neither Nintendo nor Nvidia has confirmed the rumored hardware plans.

Via VideoCardz