The Dawn of Neural Rendering: Will DLSS 5 Usher in a New Era of PC Graphics?
For years, generational leaps in graphics quality felt like a thing of the past. Moving from one console generation to the next used to deliver huge visual upgrades. Now, Nvidia’s newly announced DLSS 5 may represent the kind of single-generation graphics jump gamers haven’t seen in some time. The technology has already sparked debate, prompting Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang to defend it publicly.
Beyond Upscaling: The Promise of Photorealistic Effects
Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) is well-known for increasing frame rates through upscaling and frame generation. But DLSS 5 introduces a “neural rendering” model, adding photorealistic effects to games. Developed over three years, this technology injects more shadows, textures, and definition into characters and environments, creating a new sense of depth.
Concerns have been raised that DLSS 5 might simply be an “AI slop” generator, applying image filters to characters created by game developers. Still, early impressions suggest it’s more sophisticated than a simple filter.
Hands-On With the Next DLSS
During a demo at Nvidia’s GTC event, the technology wowed observers. Rocks, stones, trees, water, and even everyday objects like espresso machines appeared more photorealistic. In a demo of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, characters modeled two decades ago were transformed, exhibiting fully fleshed-out faces with realistic hair, skin, and eyes. The effect unlocked a new level of immersion.
In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, DLSS 5 enhanced the lush forests, adding variety to the light and texture of foliage, and rocks. The experience didn’t feel artificial, and the technology appeared to preserve the original game models while enhancing them.
The Power Equation: What Will It Take to Run DLSS 5?
Currently, DLSS 5 remains a work-in-progress. Nvidia demoed the technology using two GeForce RTX 5090 graphics cards. The goal is to optimize DLSS 5 for single-GPU operation, but significant tweaks are needed. Nvidia plans to launch the technology this fall, though the initial rollout may be limited.
Another key question is performance impact. Will DLSS 5 boost or hinder frame rates? The extent of the performance hit over an entire game remains unknown, as initial demos focused on limited scenes.
Nvidia has responded to concerns, explaining that game developers will have full artistic control over DLSS 5 and can fine-tune the model. Major developers, including Bethesda, Capcom, and Ubisoft, are already preparing to support the technology.
About Our Expert
Michael Kan
Senior Reporter
Experience
I’ve been a journalist for over 15 years. I got my start as a schools and cities reporter in Kansas City and joined PCMag in 2017, where I cover satellite internet services, cybersecurity, PC hardware, and more. I’m currently based in San Francisco, but previously spent over five years in China, covering the country’s technology sector.
Since 2020, I’ve covered the launch and explosive growth of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service, writing 600+ stories on availability and feature launches, but also the regulatory battles over the expansion of satellite constellations, fights with rival providers like AST SpaceMobile and Amazon, and the effort to expand into satellite-based mobile service. I’ve combed through FCC filings for the latest news and driven to remote corners of California to test Starlink’s cellular service.
I also cover cyber threats, from ransomware gangs to the emergence of AI-based malware. Earlier this year, the FTC forced Avast to pay consumers $16.5 million for secretly harvesting and selling their personal information to third-party clients, as revealed in my joint investigation with Motherboard.
I also cover the PC graphics card market. Pandemic-era shortages led me to camp out in front of a Best Buy to get an RTX 3000. I’m now following how President Trump’s tariffs will affect the industry. I’m always eager to learn more, so please jump in the comments with feedback and send me tips.
