Cypress 802.11ac wireless connectivity solutions enable the Nintendo Switch to deliver exceptional multiplayer gaming experiences

     Cypress Semiconductor Corporation announced that its leading dual-band 802.11ac combination solution is now in production, enabling high-speed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity using advanced algorithms for coexistence of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The solution has been adopted in the new Nintendo Switch to support online gaming and communication with the innovative Joy-Con controller.

     The Nintendo Switch product system supports multiple configurations and multiple portable controllers, so a clever and innovative design is needed to provide the smooth user experience gamers have come to expect. Cypress's 802.11ac solution delivers the robust speed and multi-band co-existence algorithms needed for the design.

     With the IEEE 802.11ac WLAN standard, Cypress's CY4356EC Wi-Fi and Bluetooth combination solution offers data rates up to 837 Mbps and 2x2 multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) support. This high-speed solution enables fast downloads and low latency multiplayer online interactive gaming experiences, and enhances support for co-existence of multiple systems and control units. The CY4356EC is a low-power system-on-chip that extends the battery life of portable systems.

     Michael Hogan, vice president of the IoT Business Unit at Cypress, said: "The high performance and advanced coexistence algorithms enabled by Cypress's dual-band 802.11ac solutions are enabling a growing number of emerging applications, and the Nintendo Switch is a great example. High-speed Wi-Fi helps achieve low latency for online gaming, while enhanced Bluetooth co-existence connectivity allows players to use the system's four pairs of independent Joy-Con controllers without signal interference; At the same time, low power consumption can also add to the portability of the system. Bringing all of these features together is no small accomplishment, so we are pleased that our 802.11ac solution has helped the Nintendo Switch successfully meet this challenge."