Nvidia's Controversial DLSS 5 Launches This Week in NBA 2K27
Nvidia's controversial DLSS 5 technology officially launches on September 3, according to reports from IGN and VGC. The AI-driven neural rendering tech will debut exclusively in the upcoming NBA 2K27, per the outlets.
IGN reports DLSS 5 is a "3D-bound neural rendering technique" that draws an AI-generated image over a rendered frame to maximize photorealism. Nvidia insists the model is constrained by scene geometry and color data, preventing it from adding or misplacing objects.
The performance cost is steep. IGN states that enabling DLSS 5 in NBA 2K27 will cause a 50 to 60 percent performance hit. Nvidia recommends pairing it with other DLSS features like super resolution to offset the frame rate drop. At launch, the tech will only work on RTX 5000-series graphics cards.
VGC notes DLSS 5 aims to bring graphics "closer than ever to Hollywood-grade photorealism." The tech leaked last week via files in an NBA 2K27 beta, leading to unofficial implementations in games like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3.
Nvidia is emphasizing developer control to counter criticism that DLSS 5 alters artistic intent. A blog post cited by VGC says developers can choose from different AI models and apply them to specific scenes or objects. They can also adjust parameters using sliders for "structure intensity" and "tone intensity."
PC Gamer's hands-on impressions, from a private demo at Gamescom, described the effect as a mixed bag. At moderate settings, the tech added photorealistic lighting and finer details. However, pushing certain presets to maximum created an "unwanted, gut-level reaction," with characters appearing overly shiny or altered in a way reminiscent of AI beauty filters.
The launch marks the first official, developer-supported implementation of the divisive technology.
