Graphics Technology
Ongoing coverage on Graphics Technology.
Latest coverage
Alan Wake 2 Gets FSR 4, FSR Frame Generation Support With Latest Update
Remedy Entertainment has released a new update for Alan Wake 2, primarily for PC players, introducing support for FSR 4 and FSR Frame Generation. Console versions on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S receive bug fixes, including resolving an issue with the Crossbow Cult Stash and potential crashes. The update also leverages the Agility SDK for improved graphics features on PC.
Nvidia says DLSS 5 is a "new level of realism" and not "AI replacing graphics"
Nvidia's SIGGRAPH 2026 keynote detailed DLSS 5, emphasizing its role in enhancing graphics rather than replacing them. Director of Applied Deep Learning Research, Edward Liu, explained that the technology allows developers fine-grained control over AI generation on a per-frame basis, enriching visual appearance without compromising artistic intent or real-time performance. DLSS 5 is slated for release in Fall 2026.
Nvidia tries again to get gamers to accept DLSS 5 — and doesn't entirely succeed
Nvidia presented updates on its DLSS 5 technology at Siggraph 2026, aiming to address gamer concerns about AI-generated artifacts and artistic integrity. The company highlighted increased developer control through three AI models, adjustable intensity sliders, and masking options to prevent interference with specific game assets. Despite these changes, skepticism remains among gamers and developers regarding the level of control and potential performance impact.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced – 5 Big PS5 and PS5 Pro Upgrades Revealed
Assassin's Creed: Resynced, a remake of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, will feature significant graphical upgrades for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro. The game will offer multiple performance modes, including options for 60fps with ray tracing on the base PS5 and enhanced ray tracing and PSSR upscaling on the PS5 Pro. The remake, utilizing the Anvil Engine, promises a more dynamic Caribbean simulation with improved weather and water physics.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag: Resynced PS5 Pro Upscale Details
Ubisoft is detailing the graphical enhancements for Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Resynced on the PlayStation 5 Pro. The remake will feature ray-traced reflections and global illumination, utilizing Sony's PSSR upscaling technology for a cleaner, sharper image. The game's engine has been updated to make the world more dynamic and responsive.
Evening Tech Bits
Apple has released security updates for macOS Tahoe 26.5.2. Additionally, AMD Radeon GPUs can now run NVIDIA PhysX games with a significant performance boost using ZLUDA, eliminating the need for a dedicated PhysX card.
Morning Tech Bits
Intel's chip business is showing signs of recovery after a period of struggle, according to The New York Times. Additionally, AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution 4.1 performance on RDNA 3 graphics cards is being discussed.
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.
