Graphics Technology
Ongoing coverage on Graphics Technology.
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Morning Tech Bits
AMD has not yet decided on bringing FSR 4.1 to RDNA 3.5 GPUs, a statement that appears to contradict previous information. Additionally, the article notes a problem with DisplayPort 2.1 cables.
Push Your PS5 Pro to the Limit with PSSR2 Update for F1 25's Season DLC
Codemasters is releasing a 2026 Season Update for F1 25 on June 3rd, which will include PSSR2 support to improve image quality and performance on the PlayStation 5. Technical Producer Si Lumb stated that players will notice a sharper image across all graphics modes, including Quality, Performance, and Resolution. This update aims to enhance the visual experience for the racing simulator, which already utilizes the PS5 Pro effectively.
Nvidia announces that a DLSS 4.5 update for Ray Reconstruction is finally on its way, promising better ray-traced and path-traced graphics for 'similar performance' as the old model
Nvidia announced an upcoming update for DLSS 4.5 Ray Reconstruction, which will integrate its AI-powered ray tracing denoiser with the newer transformer-based upscaling algorithm. This update, expected in August, will be available in at least 27 games, including Cyberpunk 2077 and Alan Wake 2, promising improved lighting accuracy and temporal stability without sacrificing performance.
DLSS 4.5 Ray Reconstruction Improvements Detailed, Out in August
Nvidia has detailed its upcoming DLSS 4.5 Ray Reconstruction technology, set to launch in August for all Nvidia GeForce RTX GPUs. This new iteration utilizes a second-generation transformer model to enhance image quality in games employing ray tracing and path tracing. The technology unifies denoising with DLSS Super Resolution, offering improved performance and visual fidelity by generating higher-quality pixels in noisy ray-traced frames.
Intel Arc G-Series processors announced for next-gen handheld gaming PCs
Intel has officially announced its new Intel Arc G-Series processors, designed for next-generation handheld gaming PCs. These processors, including the G3 and G3 Extreme, build upon the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 and feature Intel Arc B390 graphics. Hardware launches featuring these chips are expected in the coming months from manufacturers like Acer, MSI, and OneXPlayer.
Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition Switch 2 Update Adds "TressFX"
Aspyr has released a new update for Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition on Nintendo Switch, adding the TressFX technology for more realistic hair and fur rendering. This update aims to improve the visual experience of the game, which was previously released on the Nintendo eShop. The port received a positive review, scoring 8 out of 10.
Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition gets TressFX update on Nintendo Switch 2
Aspyr has released a patch for the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, adding the TressFX hair rendering technology. This update addresses a major player request, simulating Lara Croft's hair more realistically. The TressFX functionality is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game.
Steam Machine and Switch 2 aren't "massive technological upgrades," says BioShock creator – but they prove we've hit "diminishing returns" with cutting-edge graphics tech
BioShock creator Ken Levine believes that focusing on cutting-edge graphics technology leads to diminishing returns and doesn't age as well as stylistic choices. He argues that platforms like the Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Machine are not massive technological upgrades, and that strong art direction is more important than being on the technological cutting edge. Levine also stated that his upcoming game, Judas, will prioritize narrative design over CPU intensity.
Ken Levine says Steam Machine shows we're hitting 'diminishing returns' with bleeding-edge graphics tech—just look at BioShock to see why art is more important
Ken Levine believes the industry is hitting diminishing returns with cutting-edge graphics technology, citing BioShock's enduring art style as more important than hyper-realism. He argues that strong art direction, rather than the latest tech, is key to creating visually striking games. Levine also mentioned that his current project, Judas, focuses on intensive narrative work rather than demanding CPU resources.
It’s Gonna Be May: 16 Games Hit the Cloud This Month, With More NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Power
NVIDIA's GeForce NOW cloud gaming service is adding 16 games in May, including Forza Horizon 6 and 007 First Light, available on launch day. The Ultimate membership now offers expanded RTX 5080-class performance, enhancing frame rates and visuals across the library. The service also celebrates 30 years of Firaxis Games with classic titles becoming available as Install-to-Play.
Morning Mobilization
This article discusses advancements in handheld gaming technology, specifically focusing on FSR 4 INT8, XeFG, and XeLL. These technologies are presented as key components for achieving the 'holy grail' of handheld gaming performance and visual fidelity.
Morning Tech Bits
Intel's upcoming Z970 chipset will reportedly support both high-end Z890 and mainstream B860 tiers for their Nova Lake processors. Separately, a former lead for AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) technology has departed.
Digital Foundry Delivers Its Tech Review Of Pragmata On Switch 2
Digital Foundry's technical review of Pragmata on the Nintendo Switch 2 reveals mixed results, with the console utilizing DLSS to upscale internal resolutions to 1080p in docked mode and 720p in handheld. While the Switch 2 version offers a competitive picture against the Xbox Series S and boasts impressive visuals in some aspects, it exhibits noticeable cutbacks in lighting, shadows, and textures compared to the PlayStation 5 version. Performance is inconsistent, with an unlocked framerate fluctuating between 30-50fps.
With DLSS 5, Nvidia look to rewrite the truth before our eyes
Nvidia's DLSS 5 technology, which generates 100% of the on-screen image using AI, is analyzed for its potential impact on video games. While presented as a performance enhancer, concerns are raised about its aesthetic control, hardware demands, and Nvidia's increasing influence over game rendering, potentially shifting it from an optional feature to a default standard.
Every PS5 Pro Enhanced Game (So Far)
Sony's PlayStation 5 Pro, launched in November 2024, offers enhanced graphics and frame rates for compatible games, identified by a 'PS5 Pro Enhanced' label. The console features an upgraded GPU and AI-driven upscaling through PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) to achieve higher fidelity visuals and smoother performance, often doubling the power of the base PS5.
AC Shadows Update Brings Mouse Support to Nintendo Switch 2
Ubisoft is releasing Title Update 1.1.10 for Assassin's Creed Shadows, which will introduce full mouse and keyboard support to the Nintendo Switch 2. This update also includes PSSR 2 support, aiming to enhance visual fidelity on the platform. The patch is scheduled to go live tomorrow at 2pm UTC.
Crimson Desert has received FSR SDK 2.2 support, offering better upscaling and frame generation for AMD cards
Crimson Desert has received an update implementing FSR SDK 2.2, enhancing upscaling and frame generation performance, particularly for AMD graphics cards. The patch also addresses graphical issues with ray-traced reflections and character rendering, alongside general stability and performance optimizations for PC and consoles.
Minecraft creator Notch says 'DLSS fundamentally makes no sense', but the X comments say 'um,…
Minecraft creator Markus Persson, also known as Notch, expressed skepticism about Nvidia's DLSS and Frame Generation technologies, stating they 'fundamentally make no sense.' He argued that using the same hardware to run a neural network for frame generation is illogical when the graphics card is already struggling. The article also touches on the evolution of graphics technology, including AI's role in rendering.
OptiScaler tool gets a huge new release with more upscaling and frame generation goodies
The open-source tool OptiScaler has received a major update, version 0.9, introducing significant improvements to upscaling and frame generation technologies. This release enhances compatibility with AMD FSR 4.1 and XeSS 3.0, adds Vulkan and DirectX 11 support for various upscaling methods, and includes new features like a process filter and DLL blacklisting for broader game compatibility, including on Linux and Steam Deck.
Now that you can try out Nvidia's new Dynamic Multi Frame Generation for yourself, you might want to know that there's a bit of an issue when it comes to frame rate limiters
Nvidia's new Dynamic Multi Frame Generation technology for RTX 50-series GPUs exhibits an issue when frame rate limiters are applied. When a frame rate cap is set, Dynamic MFG locks to a fixed mode, leading to increased latency (PCL) compared to when no limiter is used. This behavior has been observed in games like Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and it is unclear if it is a bug or a system limitation.
