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NVN

Nintendo Switch low-level graphics API backend.

NVN is Nintendo's low-level graphics API for the Switch family of consoles, distributed as part of the Nintendo SDK. Like GNM on PlayStation 4 and Direct3D 12 on desktop, it favors explicit command buffer and resource management over driver-managed state.

NDA-protected platform

The Nintendo SDK, including the NVN headers, samples, and reference documentation, is covered by Nintendo's non-disclosure agreement with licensed developers. Nothing from that material can be reproduced, described, or linked to on this page, and the same restriction applies to every page under this section of the documentation.

Current status​

The nvn backend in gp-engine is internal work in progress. The module currently holds build scaffolding and an empty CMake target; no Nintendo NDA material has been added, because the team does not yet have Nintendo NDA clearance.

Once that clearance is in place, this page will be filled in for the contributors on the project who are also licensed Nintendo developers. It will not be published outside that group, and public builds of gp-engine will not ship with this backend enabled.

Requesting access​

Access to the Nintendo SDK, dev kits, and NVN documentation is managed entirely by Nintendo. If you need to review or contribute to this backend, you or your studio have to register directly through Nintendo's own program.

We have no ability to grant, share, or forward Nintendo NDA material on request. Approval is at Nintendo's sole discretion.

Curriculum​

Graphical Playground plans to cover console-specific rendering paths, NVN included, as part of its learning material. That curriculum sits behind the same NDA and will only be released to contributors and learners who hold active Nintendo developer clearance, once it exists.