Nintendo Switch 2 Supports Two DLSS Modes: 1080p and Higher Resolutions
On October 4th, it was reported that the Nintendo Switch 2 will support two distinct DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) modes, marking a significant leap in its gaming performance. This revelation came after an in-depth analysis by Alex Battaglia, an analyst at Digital Foundry, who tested several Switch 2 games utilizing DLSS, including Cyberpunk 2077, Street Fighter 6, Hogwarts Legacy, Star Wars: Outlaw, The Touryst, and Fast Fusion.
Two DLSS Modes for Different Resolutions
The first DLSS mode on the Nintendo Switch 2 is based on a convolutional neural network (CNN) model, similar to those found on PCs. This mode enhances image quality by upscaling games to 1080p, providing anti-aliasing for motion, camera transitions, and stylized occlusion removal, delivering a smoother and more visually appealing experience for players.
The second DLSS mode is a "lightweight" version designed for games that upscale to higher-than-1080p resolutions. This mode provides sharp visuals in static scenes but disables its effects during motion or camera transitions, which can result in unprocessed occluded pixels on the screen. The reason for this is simple: the full DLSS CNN model consumes too much processing power, making it difficult for the Switch 2 to maintain smooth performance at higher resolutions.
Developer Confirmation and Performance Details
A developer confirmed Battaglia's findings, noting that these two DLSS modes are indeed present in the Switch 2 and come with multiple presets. The lightweight version is particularly efficient, offering half the frame time consumption of the CNN model, which makes it ideal for upscaling to higher resolutions while maintaining performance. However, it does struggle with handling dynamic performance in fast-paced or changing scenes.
Nintendo Switch 2: The First Handheld Console to Support DLSS
As the first handheld console to support DLSS, the Nintendo Switch 2 showcases Nvidia's ability to adapt its advanced graphics technology to smaller, portable devices. At the moment, third-party games are the primary users of this feature, likely due to limitations in Nintendo's in-house engine, which may not yet be optimized for DLSS.
