Which processor family powers the original Nintendo Switch?

The original Nintendo Switch is powered by an Nvidia Tegra processor from the Tegra family.

Nintendo and Nvidia announced a technology partnership for the console in 2016. The Switch uses a customized Tegra-based system-on-chip that combines processing components and graphics hardware in one mobile-oriented package.

This design suited Nintendo’s hybrid concept because the console had to operate as both a portable device and a docked system. The hardware could run from a battery in handheld mode while also producing higher-output gameplay when connected to a television.

The processor is often referred to as Tegra X1 in technical discussions, but “Nvidia Tegra” is the broad processor-family answer. It should not be confused with the AMD chips used in several competing home consoles or with Nvidia’s separate Shield hardware line.