Nintendo Switch 2 Utilizes NVIDIA DLSS Technology, Yet Image Quality Differences May Make It Hard to Notice Compared to PC

Nintendo Switch 2 Utilizes NVIDIA DLSS Technology, Yet Image Quality Differences May Make It Hard to Notice Compared to PC

NVIDIA DLSS Implementation in Nintendo Switch 2

Initial previews hinted at various capabilities, but the Nintendo Switch 2 has proven to implement NVIDIA DLSS extensively. However, players may find it challenging to discern its presence due to the distinct image characteristics produced when compared to PC versions of DLSS.

Insights from Digital Foundry

In a recent podcast episode, tech analysts from Digital Foundry discussed NVIDIA’s upscaling technology in the new Nintendo console. They noted that predicting its presence before the launch was difficult, primarily because the performance indicators of Switch 2’s DLSS differ from what is typically seen on PCs. Nevertheless, specific visual cues—such as disocclusion and aliased edges—can now indicate the utilization of DLSS, particularly highlighted in the updates for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

DLSS Variants on the Switch 2

Diving deeper into the technical specifics, Digital Foundry suggests that the Nintendo Switch 2 could feature multiple versions of NVIDIA DLSS, akin to what is offered on personal computers. The primary iteration appears to be a more lightweight variant that efficiently upscales graphics to 1080p in handheld mode and up to 1440p or even 4K while docked. This version, however, struggles with handling images during motion. A prominent example of this is found in Fast Fusion, where the game utilizes DLSS to reach 4K resolution in docked mode. While static images show reasonable quality, the result in motion does not maintain the same clarity.

Interestingly, Hogwarts Legacy adopts a similar lightweight DLSS implementation. The slower pace of this game, combined with its higher base resolution, allows it to yield superior results compared to other titles, despite differences from the PC experience. Furthermore, developers may have access to at least one additional, more advanced version of DLSS, as evidenced by its implementation in Cyberpunk 2077, which closely mirrors the quality expected from PC environments.

Backward Compatibility and Performance Enhancement

In addition to harnessing NVIDIA DLSS for enhanced image quality and performance from lower resolutions, the Nintendo Switch 2 boasts impressive backward compatibility features. While revamped titles benefit significantly from the improved hardware, unpatched games can still achieve enhanced performance across several older titles. This ensures that both new and existing games can leverage the increased system specifications, providing a richer gaming experience for players.

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