Nvidia DLSS 5 is officially launching this week, following a divisive announcement in March where the AI upscaling technology was likened to a 'real-time generative AI filter for video games' and 'motion smoothing for video games, but worse.' The new DLSS 5 will be available on RTX 50-series desktop and laptop GPUs as well as through GeForce Now cloud gaming services. However, the only game currently confirmed to support the technology is NBA 2K27, which launches on September 3rd at 9 PM PT on PC.
During its announcement, Nvidia hailed DLSS 5 as 'the company's most significant breakthrough in computer graphics since the debut of real-time ray tracing in 2018.' The tech uses AI to enhance visuals based on source content, giving developers controls to manage how changes appear. Nvidia emphasized that developers can adjust specific elements like shadows, textures, or character faces independently.
Despite the praise, the initial reveal was heavily criticized and meme'd, particularly for the 'yassification' of Resident Evil Requiem protagonist Grace Ashcroft. While Nvidia showcased NBA 2K27 in a briefing, the final version of DLSS 5 has not yet appeared in previously mentioned titles like EA Sports FC, Starfield, or Hogwarts Legacy, nor has Nvidia confirmed their status.
In the official NBA 2K27 demos, the changes were less drastic than the initial reveal, focusing more on realistic shadows and textures rather than altering character characterizations. Nvidia demonstrated that developers have granular control, allowing them to enhance scenery without changing character designs.
Performance remains a concern, with Nvidia estimating a 50 to 60 percent hit. While the initial tech demos required a pair of RTX 5090 cards, Nvidia claims a single mid-range RTX 5060 can handle NBA 2K27 at 1080p with ray tracing enabled, provided the user has a fast CPU and enables 6x frame generation.
As of now, Nvidia has not announced support for other games, and the official DLSS 5 build has not been tested by the publication. However, unofficial mods for older games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Control, and Skyrim have shown that the technology can significantly alter visuals, though performance drops were observed during unofficial testing.
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