Why Nintendo Switch 2 First-Party Games Omit NVIDIA DLSS: Exploring Engine Limitations

Nintendo Switch 2: First-Party Launch Titles and NVIDIA DLSS

The latest Nintendo Switch 2 launch lineup notably excludes the use of NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology in its first-party titles. This decision, likely driven by underlying engine constraints, prevents developers from effortlessly integrating this advanced upscaling method into their games.

Insights from Digital Foundry

During a recent episode of their podcast, technology experts at Digital Foundry shared their thoughts on why major titles, such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, have resorted to using AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR 1), despite NVIDIA DLSS being a prominent feature of the new console. Digital Foundry highlighted that these games may be built on engines that do not support essential features like motion vectors, which are crucial for the functioning of DLSS. Without the requisite support from game engines, integrating an upscaling technology could demand substantial modifications that Nintendo may prefer to avoid at launch.

Artistic Considerations in Game Design

In addition to technical constraints, artistic vision might influence the absence of DLSS in these first-party titles. Nintendo’s signature style often embraces vibrant, cartoon-like visuals that do not involve intricate shapes or complex patterns. As a result, even in the absence of sophisticated antialiasing or upscaling technology, games like Mario Kart World still deliver impressive graphics, minimizing the perceived necessity for these enhancements.

The Future of NVIDIA DLSS in Nintendo Titles

There is optimism that first-party titles may eventually adopt NVIDIA DLSS. Notably, the upscaling technology was mentioned in the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, and the company has collaborated with NVIDIA to ensure that the necessary hardware is present within the system. This indicates that Nintendo acknowledges the benefits of such technology. As the development landscape evolves, players are hopeful that improvements could soon be implemented, particularly for games like Donkey Kong Bananza, which could significantly benefit from enhanced image quality over the current FSR 1 output.

Conclusion

NVIDIA DLSS represents just one of the many advancements that distinguish the Nintendo Switch 2 from its predecessor. As technical capabilities expand and design philosophies evolve, it will be fascinating to observe how Nintendo integrates cutting-edge technologies into its future game offerings.