- Nvidia announced DLSS 5, shifting the technology from a simple resolution upscaler to an AI-driven rendering system.
- Early feedback is largely negative, with critics labeling the feature an “AI overlay” that prioritizes artificial realism over the developer’s intended look.
- While the tech improves lighting and detail in flatly lit titles, it often results in a washed-out appearance.
Nvidia’s DLSS has become a far cry from what it used to be, with the original technology intending to upscale image quality without a performance hit, but it’s now more of an AI-based rendering pipeline.
Now, the latest version, DLSS 5, announced today, is said to bring the biggest change to the upscaler so far. However, DLSS 5 doesn’t look all that appealing to the community, which isn’t holding back from expressing its disinterest in the technology, calling it an “AI overlay.”
Why it matters: With upscaling technologies like DLSS, FSR, and XeSS becoming a necessity for video games, it’s unfortunate to see Nvidia go with this approach and ruin the technology.
As showcased in this hands-on video by Digital Foundry, DLSS 5 appears to completely alter visuals by using the in-game image as a reference and generating photorealistic elements with AI.
Doing so ruins the game’s original art direction entirely. Take Grace Ashcroft from Resident Evil Requiem as an example; her facial model is entirely changed by DLSS 5.
On the brighter side, DLSS 5 makes a massive difference in lighting and even in games without Ray Trace implementation. Take Starfield, for example, the base lighting is very flat and tends to hide details, whereas DLSS 5 really brings them out.
Still, most of the time, the ‘improved’ lighting feels soft and doesn’t fit the environment. In fact, it looks monotonous and like a sort of soft-color preset.
Hands-On With DLSS 5: Our First Look At Nvidia's Next-Gen Photo-Realistic Lighting
byu/ZamnBoii inGames
However, that’s the only good thing about the technology. In fact, DLSS 5 sometimes eliminates shadows, ruining the entire presentation. Improved lightning comes at a cost for reduced shadows, and it could make visuals worse in darker games like Resident Evil Requiem.
Anyhow, the trade-off for this lighting that Nvidia claims looks better, at the cost of altering the intended art style, is too much and ruins the original aim of what developers put their passion into the game for.
DLSS launches in Fall 2026, and Nvidia has yet to reveal which GPUs will support this latest iteration.
What are your thoughts on DLSS 5? Let us know your thoughts 5 in the comments or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.
Thank you! Please share your positive feedback. 🔋
How could we improve this post? Please Help us. 😔
[Staff Writer]
Shaheer is currently pursuing a Business degree while also working as a part-time Content Writer. With his deep passion for both writing and video games, he has seamlessly transitioned into a role as a Journalist. Over the past two years, Shaheer has contributed as a freelancer to various websites and landed positions on acclaimed platforms like Gamerant. Currently, his role at Tech4gamers is as a Features Writer, but he also covers News occasionally. Shaheer’s favorite gaming franchises are Assassin’s Creed and the God of War series.
Get In Touch: shaheerzahid03@gmail.com
Join Our Community
